The College of Engineering and Computer Science has announced the return of the Invention and Creativity Competition, a contest to encourage engineering students to apply their skills to create commercial product ideas.

The goal of the competition is to “encourage the entrepreneurial pursuit of innovative and creative technologies” with “a focus on product development,” according to a College of Engineering and Computer Science press release. The competition occurs simultaneously with the Raymond von Dran IDEA Awards Competition and the Panasci Business Plan Competitions, all of which have final presentations on April 11.

The Invention and Creativity Competition centers on product development as opposed to the two competitions based on Venture Competition and Business Plan. A total funding of $15,000 is available for $1,000–3,000 prizes being given to teams to build a prototype for the upcoming year.

The competition provides an opportunity to both engineering and non-engineering students to interact with the local business community and to create potential business products and ideas as well as further enhance on the expertise individual students have been developing at SU, according to the news release.

Ariel DuChene, assistant dean for external relations in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, could not be reached for comment.

Both individuals and teams of students, including undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral or a combination, are eligible to apply for the competition. Teams must have at least one person who is enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the application deadline is March 6.

The awarded teams must complete a written development plan and schedule before funds are distributed by April 20.