A new contest announced by Pennsylvania State University is offering a $35,000 prize to any entrepreneur, teacher, student, and area software developer in possession of the most innovative idea for creating a positive learning environment with educational technology, media or teaching theories.

Called the “Big IDEA Contest,” the Penn State EdTech Network is accepting applications until January 9, 2017.

“We are looking for people who are passionate about developing and bringing to market products, services, or solutions that improve learning and drive student success. We believe that there are good ideas right here in our backyard that, with support and assistance, could become the next great edtech innovation,” Daren Coudriet, Penn State EdTech Network Entrepreneur-in-Residence, said in a statement.

Turn-around is quick with finalists being selected on January 26, 2017, and final judging occurring March 1, 2017.

In order to be eligible to apply, applicants must be from Pennsylvania and should:

• Be "planning or developing a new, innovative product or process that targets EdTech”
• Have fewer than 25 employees
• Have annual sales under $500,000

Applicants can begin the process by providing an e-mail address to receive a downloadable entry form.

While the first-prize winner will win $35,000 to make their “big idea” a reality, the second-place winner will receive $7,500 and the third-place winner will receive $2,500.

Read more here.

Nicole Gorman, Senior Education World Contributor

11/16/2016