Innovation Hub

Social Innovation Challenge

The Community Foundation of West Texas exists to improve the quality of life for all people in West Texas through the development of organized philanthropy.

The mission of Open Door is to cultivate community, opportunity, and restoration with people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

University Outreach and Engagement as established to provide innovative, collaborative, and strategic leadership and support for the university's strategic priority of engagement with communities across the region, state, nation, and the world.

Since 1946, Lubbock Area United Way has worked to address the root issues of the most significant challenges facing our South Plains communities to create lasting, positive change.

Be the change! Win $25k and a spot in the TTU Accelerator Program!

APPLY BEFORE FEBRUARY 21 FOR A CHANCE TO BE A PART OF THE 8TH COHORT!

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." The Social Innovation Challenge supports social innovators wishing to create lasting impact on our community, country, and the world.

In its second inaugural year, the Social Innovation Challenge selects one venture generating social change. The selected venture will be a part of the TTU Accelerator Program and receive $25K, mentorship, and access to co-working space to help them develop into lasting, successful ventures solving today's complex social challenges!

What is a social innovation?

A novel solution to a social problem that is more efficient and sustainable for which the value created supports society as a whole.

Who can apply?

We are looking coachable startup teams who are creating innovative ways to solve a social issue. At least one team member must be 18-years old or older. Not affiliated with Texas Tech University? No worries! Applications are open to the public.

Don't have a formed company? Not a problem! Our program leads you through the process of forming a business entity.

Applying to the competition is a simple, easy three-step process:

Step One

Review the TTU Accelerator Program Guidelines and FAQs that will tell you the rules, eligibility requirements, how the selection process works, and what you need to apply. Required Materials:

Business Plan with Executive Summary
Completed Application Questions in application platform (ReviewR)
Pitch presentation deck
Resume of primary applicant
One letter of recommendation
Demonstration (This can be a video, wireframes, diagram, or storyboard that answers "how will the technology/product/service work?")

Examples of Demos: Devices/Product (physical prototype demonstration), Phone App (wireframe/storyboard), Process/Service (illustration/layout the process)

Step Two

Visit the application portal through the button below. You'll be asked to create a profile, answer application questions, and upload your supporting documents (listed above) to the application. Apply by February 21, 2024 for a chance to win!

Step Three

Mark your calendars for important dates. Dates will be available here soon.The 2024-2025 Accelerator Cohort will be announced during an awards ceremony on April 12th, 2024.

Need help?

APPLY NOW!

Make the most of what the Innovation Hub has to offer! Be a part of Hub Camp, a business plan workshop, and create a competitive business plan! Connect with an iTTU Mentor by scheduling an appointment or contact Ryan Bain to learn more about our resources.

Program Rules & Regs.

Templates

Workshops

Questions? Contact:

Ryan Bain
Ideation Program Manager
ryan.m.bain@ttu.edu

Innovation Hub at Research Park

Address

3911 4th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79415
Phone
806-742-0024
Email
researchpark@ttu.edu