UPCOMING EVENTS

Spring 2026: February 20, 2026 | 2:00 – 8:00 PM (In partnership with BMW)

Fall 2026: October 2, 2026 | 2:00 – 8:00 PM

Applications for Fall 2026 Coming Soon

Ready to put your creativity to the test and work on real-world challenges from a global brand? Furman’s Next BIG Idea is back on Friday, February 20, and this time we’re teaming up with BMW’s Global Innovation Team. You’ll join a team of students from across campus to solve problems that BMW is actively working on, no technical background required, just big ideas and a willingness to collaborate. You’ll have guidance from BMW mentors, campus experts, and innovation coaches as you sprint toward a final pitch in front of a live panel.

This isn’t just a competition, it’s a launchpad. Top-performing students will be selected for a paid 8-week summer internship with BMW, where you’ll continue developing the ideas you started at the event. Whether you’re interested in business, sustainability, technology, health, or social impact, FNBI is your chance to stand out, build skills, and gain experience that matters. Applications are open soon, don’t miss it. Spots are limited to 30 participants.

EVENT DESCRIPTION

A One-Day Innovation Challenge with Real-World Impact

Furman’s Next BIG Idea (FNBI) is an intensive, high-energy innovation challenge where students work in small, cross-disciplinary teams to solve real-world problems alongside major industry partners. No startup experience? No problem. This is about bold thinking, collaboration, and creative solutions, not business plans.

What Makes FNBI Different?

This spring 2026 semester, we’re partnering with BMW’s Global Innovation Team, who will bring authentic challenges they are actively working to solve across multiple departments. Throughout the day, you’ll receive coaching from BMW team members, campus mentors, and innovation experts as your team works to develop a compelling solution.

By the end of the day, you’ll pitch your concept to a panel of judges, and BMW will invite a small number of students to continue their work through a paid, 8-week summer internship focused on go-to-market development.

COMPETITION BREAKDOWN

• This biannual six-hour ideation competition challenges students to collaborate in teams to solve one real-world industry problems presented at the start of the event. Participants will engage in a variety of team-based challenges designed to foster creativity and innovation.

BENEFITS

• Gain hands-on innovation experience
• Collaborate with industry leaders and peers
• Build skills in creative problem-solving, design thinking, and public speaking
• Compete for real internship opportunities with a global brand
• Add meaningful experience to your resume, no matter your major

REQUIREMENTS

• FNBI is open to all Furman undergraduate students.
• No technical experience required. We’re looking for critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, effective communicators, and team players. Whether you’re interested in business, sustainability, technology, public health, or public policy, this is your chance to apply what you’re learning to real-world issues that matter.

LOCATION

• Furman Innovation Lab (25 Goldsmith Street, Greenville, SC); a short 10 minute drive from Furman’s campus.