» Nachman Innovation Challenge Competition 

The Nachman Innovation Challenge awards up to $10,000 to individual MS EECS students to develop research with ideas that advance engineering and computer science fields. The Nachman Innovation Challenge application criteria for MS EECS students aligns with the area of study within the graduate program (computing systems, data intelligent systems, electrical systems) and the potential for innovation in those fields.

The Challenge will be in two phases:    

Phase 1  

  1. Abstract. Submit a one-paragraph abstract of your proposal (no more than 300 words) that provides an overview of the project and its overall impact.  
  2. Proposal (please follow carefully) Project Narrative. The project narrative may be up to three (3) pages long and should be written in accessible language for reviewers who are not specialists in your field. The narrative should contain the following sections:   
    1. Goals and Objectives. This section should (1) describe the project, research questions, problem to be addressed, or objectives; (2) include background information and/or citations related to the research topic (3) provide the background and context of how this research project relates to any larger efforts aligned with the area of study as applicable.   
    2. Scope of Research/Methodologies. This section should include the following, as appropriate: a description of the proposed activities with a timeline, including preliminary work or supporting data where relevant, methods and/or work plan to be used, and the significance or impact of the project. If applicable, describe any proposed outreach activities (e.g., academic programming, publishing, conference presenting) and how they integrate with the proposed research activities—approximate timeline and scheduled deliverables/ milestone meetings with the thesis advisor and or faculty mentor.  
    3. Potential for Innovation. This section should identify how this research project would be innovative in the aligned area of study. This includes how it advances a field of study, advances a technology, has societal relevance, and/or develops a new technology or information.   
    4. References or Bibliography. As needed.   
  3. Personal Statement. This section should include a brief (one–two paragraph) statement on why you are pursuing an MS EECS degree and are interested in conducting research.   
  4. Additional Required Documents. These are not included in the three-page narrative limit.  
    1. Curriculum Vitae (CV). Include up to two (2) pages of experiences relevant to the MS EECS program and other information on your background.   
  5. Budget Template. (estimated costs with proof of estimates). Please use this Budget Template. Allowable and non-allowable expenses are listed.  
  6. Format. Use a font size no smaller than 11 point and one-inch margins. Include items 1 through 5 in a single pdf file using the following naming convention: [Student last name]_[Student first initial]_NFIC23-24.pdf.   
  7. Submission. Submit by February 1, 2024, to the Nachman Innovation Challenge Application online.  

  

Phase 2   

  1. Proposal Pitch. Selected applicants will be asked to provide a short presentation to a review committee. This presentation will include the proposed research and why this research will lead to new innovation. Additional information will be included for applicants. 

Nachman Family Innovation Challenge Application   

MS EECS students will individually devise a research topic/objective, present data, and seek funding through a competitive “Shark Tank” style model. Areas of research emphasis will align with those of the graduate program (computing systems, data intelligent systems, electrical systems) and the potential for innovation in those fields. All participants must submit a brief overview of their research projects through a proposal and identify the appropriate thesis advisor or faculty mentor. Selected projects will be invited to pitch their proposal to the Dean’s selection committee.  

Awards will be available June 1, 2024. Each award will be up to $10,000 per student. (Not a cash award).  

To be considered for this award, students must apply by 5 p.m. on February 1, 2024. Awards will be announced in March 2024. Project completion and funds need to be used by April 30, 2025.   

Award Criteria:

  • Open to students in the MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program.  
  • The applicant must be on the thesis track.  
  • Have earned a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher at the time of application.