Explore innovation and meet experts who can help shape your ideas!

The Idea Exchange: Sparking Innovation at Syracuse University

Syracuse University students eager to explore the frontiers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity will have a unique opportunity this spring. The Idea Exchange, a student-designed and student-led event, is set to take place on March 4, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of Bird Library. Sponsored by SU Libraries and the Orange Innovation Team, this event invites students from all majors to engage with experts, resources, and peers in a dynamic and interactive environment.

The Idea Exchange is more than just a networking event—it’s an incubator for ideas, where students can find inspiration, seek guidance, and connect with the right resources to bring their projects to life. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an innovator, or simply curious about the creative and startup ecosystem at Syracuse, this event has something for you.

Designed by Students, for Students

At the heart of The Idea Exchange is the Orange Innovation Team, which includes Orange Innovation Scholars Ava Lubekmann, Jair Espinoza, Aidan Turner, and Thomas O’Brien, alongside Intelligence ++ Scholars Isaac Munce and Trey Augliano. These student leaders have curated an experience that fosters collaboration, encourages curiosity, and provides direct access to some of the most valuable resources available on campus.

What to Expect at The Idea Exchange

The event features two primary components that run simultaneously: The Resource Emporium and Ask the Experts, ensuring attendees can explore both hands-on opportunities and insightful discussions in an engaging format.

The Resource Emporium: Your Gateway to Innovation

Throughout the first floor of Bird Library, a diverse lineup of organizations will set up information tables, providing students with a wealth of resources to help develop their ideas, start businesses, and enhance their creative projects. Currently, the following groups have been invited to participate:

· Invent@SU – Rapid prototyping and invention resources

· Intelligence ++ – Inclusive design and assistive technology

· NEXIS – Emerging technology research

· Couri Hatchery – Student venture incubation

· SOURCE – Undergraduate research support

· Startup Garage – Early-stage startup mentoring

· Blackstone LaunchPad – Campus hub for entrepreneurship

· Innovation Law Center – Legal guidance for startups

· CASE – Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering

· E-Club – Entrepreneurship student organization

· FADS – Fashion and design society

· Maker Space – Hands-on creative workshops and prototyping

· Syracuse CoE – Environmental and energy innovation

· WISE – Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

· TEDx Syracuse University – Platform for innovative ideas and storytelling

Whether students are looking to create a prototype, launch a creative idea, secure funding for an idea, or simply learn more about innovation at SU, The Resource Emporium will offer access to the right tools and people to take their ambitions further.

Ask the Experts: Conversations That Ignite Ideas

In a format inspired by “Human Library” events, Ask the Experts will feature more than 20 confirmed specialists across various fields engaging in small-group conversations. These sessions, held in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, will provide students with the chance to ask questions from student and alumni thought leaders, receive tailored advice, and gain valuable insights into the skills needed to thrive in innovation, creation, and entrepreneurship.

Each discussion will be an opportunity to not only learn from expert peers and experienced professionals but also to spark new ideas through engaging conversations. The curated topics and expert insights are designed to empower students with practical knowledge and the confidence to move forward with their ventures.

Content creation/video/storytelling, Thomas O’Brien

Graphic design, Sean Potter

Company brand development and user generated content, Neil Adams

Personal brand development, Issac Munce

Building a clothing brand, Adian Turner

E-commerce/on-line stores/Shopify, Trey Augliano

Web development and SEO, Shreyas Hosmani

Sustainable business models, Ava Lubkemann

Legal (incorporation/IP protection), Nick Graham, Esq.

Project management, Waqar Hussein

Marketing and sales, Sara Silva

Music industry, Nick Moscatiello

Inclusive Design, Carolyn Fernandes

Building a tech team, Tony Goncalves

How to code without being a coder, Alex Levy

AI – driving change and opportunity, Jair Espinoza

Negotiating deals, Judah Milgrom

Building a digital business and data insights, Henry Beaudoin

Social media, Alana Epstein

Visual storytelling - photography, Lars Jendruschewitz

Funding your idea, Elizabeth Paulin

Pitching, Dylan Bardsley

The IDEA Lounge: Capturing the Convo

Throughout the event, stop by and visit with Celes Buffard and Laurenne Mvete who will be hosting an “innovation conversation station” podcast and video capture space just outside Peter Graham Scholarly Commons. Chat about ideas you are exploring and what sparks you. What were some moments of insight and big ideas you took away from the day? We’re grabbing quick reactions and perspectives in video and podcast format from the student perspective in a lively and engaging format.

Mix It Up: Networking and Refreshments

To wrap up the event, attendees will have the chance to mingle and network post-event from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons. Light refreshments will be provided, creating a casual and welcoming environment for students to connect with peers, experts, and resource representatives.

Why Attend The Idea Exchange?

For students at Syracuse University, The Idea Exchange presents an unparalleled opportunity to tap into the university’s vast network of innovation resources. Whether you have a business idea, a research project, or a creative endeavor, this event will help you take the next step.

Gain Access to Key Innovation Resources – Meet representatives from leading campus programs.

Engage with Experts – Learn from professionals who can provide real-world insights.

Build Your Network – Connect with fellow students who share your passion for innovation.

Find Inspiration – Discover new ideas and opportunities to explore.

Mark your calendar, register here on Eventbrite, and get ready to exchange ideas that could shape the future.

The Idea Exchange is where innovation begins. Will you be part of it?

Host or Publisher SU Libraries - Team Innovate Orange