Inspiring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators: IEEE Entrepreneurship Partners with Syracuse University’s Invent@SU Program

Empowering Student Innovators Through Hands‑On Discovery

IEEE is deeply committed to inspiring intellectual curiosity, supporting discovery, and cultivating invention among emerging technologists. One of the most powerful ways this mission comes to life is through partnerships that give students real opportunities to design, build, and test solutions that address meaningful societal challenges.

The collaboration between IEEE Entrepreneurship and the Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) on the Invent@SU program is a standout example of this commitment in action.

Inside Invent@SU: A Six‑Week Immersive Innovation Experience

Invent@SU is a six‑week, full‑immersion summer program where undergraduate engineering and computer science students transform raw ideas into functional prototypes. Eight interdisciplinary teams work through the entire innovation lifecycle:

Problem identification grounded in real‑world user needs
Technical design informed by engineering fundamentals
Rapid prototyping using tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and machine shop resources
User testing and iteration
Pitch development supported by faculty and expert mentors

Throughout the program, students receive guidance from engineering faculty, industry professionals, and innovation mentors — all while gaining access to the infrastructure needed to bring their ideas to life.

Demo Day 2026: Showcasing Ingenuity, Technical Rigor, and Entrepreneurial Thinking

On 18 June 2026, the Invent@SU cohort gathered for Demo Day — the culminating event where all eight teams presented their prototypes to a panel of guest evaluators. Students demonstrated not only strong technical execution, but also a clear ability to articulate user needs, assess market potential, and outline pathways to real‑world impact.

IEEE Entrepreneurship proudly sponsored awards recognizing excellence in innovation, engineering rigor, and entrepreneurial promise.

2026 Award Winners

🥉 Third Place — Tagalong

A wearable bracelet system designed to improve student safety during field trips and group activities. Tagalong uses proximity sensing and real‑time alerts to help teachers and chaperones maintain group cohesion.

🥈 Second Place — PawseMat

A smart pet wellness system that reduces separation anxiety by rewarding calm behavior. The team blended behavioral science with embedded systems to create a responsive, pet‑friendly solution.

🥇 First Place — AutoStrada

An autonomous traffic control system for one‑lane construction zones, designed to improve safety and reduce delays. AutoStrada integrates sensing, automation, and communication technologies to streamline traffic flow without requiring human flaggers.

Why Programs Like Invent@SU Matter

These students represent the future of engineering, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Programs like Invent@SU — and partnerships like the one between IEEE Entrepreneurship and Syracuse University — help ensure that the next generation of technologists is equipped not only with technical skills but also with the creativity, curiosity, and ethical grounding needed to build solutions that benefit humanity.

This work directly supports IEEE’s mission and reinforces the organization’s role as a global catalyst for early‑stage innovation.