Center for Business, Ethics, & Society

Innovation Challenge - Open to Campus!

More Event Details
When November 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where Stein 216

Description

Overview

The 2026 Innovation Challenge will be held on Tuesday, November 17 from 6-8pm in Stein 216. Teams of students are tasked with designing a creative proposal to support SLYCE, a vodka soda founded in Rhode Island made from simple ingredients, founded by Andrew Trachimowicz '27.

Competitors select a single prompt and work to present the idea to a panel of judges.

  1. Prompt 1: Winning the First Try

    Most vodka soda drinkers already have a go-to brand. What would get a customer to pick up Slyce instead of their usual High Noon or Surfside for the very first time? Think about price promotions, sampling, packaging that stands out on the shelf, recommendations from bartenders and store staff, or a “Rhode Island local” story that gives people a reason to switch.

  2. Prompt 2: Building a Brand Through Social Media

    How can SLYCE develop a stronger social media identity that differentiates it from competitors and gives consumers a reason to follow and engage with the brand?

    Explore brand-led content strategies, recurring content series, and current marketing trends that resonate with 21–28-year-olds.

  3. Prompt 3: Competitive Brand Positioning

    How can SLYCE leverage its unique flavors and health-conscious positioning to stand out from competing ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage brands? Research competitors and explore ways to turn SLYCE’s existing strengths into a competitive advantage beyond social media.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • Registration: Competing teams must register by 11/10/26.

  • Final Competition: 11/17/26 from 6-8pm in Stein 216.

Prizes and Awards

  • The first place team receives $1,000.

  • The second place team receives $500.

  • The third place team receives $250.

  • The award funds will be split equally between the members of each winning team.

Judging Criteria

A panel of three judges will evaluate the presentations based on the following criteria:

  • Level of Creativity & Innovation: The solution demonstrates out-of-the-box that will propel the business forward in a way that distinguishes them as a leader in their industry.

  • Level of Feasibility: The solution is action-oriented, timely, and can be implemented immediately, delivering measurable results.

  • Quality of Presentation: Slides and pitch are delivered in a way that conveys clarity of ideas, creativity, and generates judge/audience enthusiasm. Slides and timing align with the frameworks provided.

Final Competition Schedule - Tuesday, November 17th.

  • 6 PM: Kick-off/Lunch, Remarks by HC Launch & Ciocca Center Director, Rob Murner

  • 6:10 PM: Presentations begin.

  • 7:30 PM: Presentations conclude.

  • 7:30-7:45 PM: Judges' deliberation.

  • 7:45 PM: Final decisions.

  • 7:50 PM: Final remarks and thanks to judges, competitors, and attendants.

  • 8:00 PM: Conclude and depart.

Rules and Eligibility

  • Students organize themselves into groups (three individuals max) or register as an individual to be placed on a team.

  • Every competitor must be a Holy Cross student.

  • Presentations may not exceed three minutes, and must include a slide deck, with two minutes Q&A.

  • The slide deck must be prepared on Google Slides for technical purposes.

  • After each team has presented, three teams will be selected as first, second, and third place, respectively.

Register by 11/10/26

We look forward to hearing your ideas!

Hosted by HC Launch through the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society.