Huge session this week as we finally had to decide on a list of materials before next weekend’s makeathon. Prototypes are as close as ever, and everything slowly seems to be piecing itself together. Nonetheless, I want to take a more abstract focus in my reflection this week as I have been heavily involved in the COZAD competition outside of the coursework this semester.
It was very interesting to see 2 startups in the venture competition actually solely focusing on the disabilities and / or wheelchair user communities. I think we are slowly moving towards a society where even the average individual is beginning to look into solutions and opportunities within these communities.
One of the projects is a focused job board for those with disabilities. The other is a software project which will help urban planners create accommodating environments for wheelchair users. The latter is being started by a 19-year-old sophomore. Unreal.
The new wave of innovation at Illinois must be capitalized on. We are a campus which has prided ourselves and inclusion and entrepreneurship… and it is so cool to finally see everything coming together.
Hi Michal! I agree that it is super great to see everything coming together. Those two startup ideas sound super cool. What has your involvement in the COZAD competition taught you that you think will be helpful to keep in mind during the makeathon?