Upcoming Events

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

Applications for Fall 2026 are now open.

Spring 2027
February 19, 2027 | 2:00–8:00 PM

Applications open during the Spring 2027 semester.

FURMAN’S NEXT BIG IDEA

A One-Day Innovation Challenge

Furman’s Next BIG Idea (FNBI) is a high-energy, six-hour innovation challenge that brings together students from across campus to solve meaningful problems, think creatively, and develop bold solutions. Working in small, cross-disciplinary teams, participants collaborate, prototype ideas, and pitch their solutions at the end of the day.

No startup or business experience is required. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, healthcare, sustainability, education, the arts, or anything in between, FNBI is designed for curious students who enjoy solving problems, collaborating with others, and bringing ideas to life.

Fall Innovation Challenge

Each fall, students from across Furman come together for a fast-paced, team-based innovation experience built around the design thinking process. Teams begin by developing empathy for the people affected by the challenge, then define the core problem using research, observation, and stakeholder insights. From there, they generate a wide range of ideas, select the most promising concept, build an initial prototype, and test their assumptions through feedback. Teams use what they learn to refine their solution into a practical, clearly communicated proposal.

Throughout the process, students receive coaching from The Hill Institute team, faculty, and campus mentors who help them work through roadblocks without doing the work for them. The experience concludes with each team presenting its solution, explaining how it works, why it matters, and how it could be implemented. The challenge gives students hands-on experience in research, collaboration, creative problem-solving, communication, and presenting ideas under time constraints.

Spring Industry Challenge

Each spring, FNBI partners with a leading organization to tackle a real-world innovation challenge. Students collaborate directly with industry professionals, receive mentorship throughout the day, and present their ideas to a panel of judges.

Most recently, students partnered with BMW’s Global Innovation Team to develop solutions to authentic business challenges. Following the competition, three Furman students were selected for paid summer internships with BMW, where they continued developing innovative solutions alongside the company’s teams.

While each year’s industry partner and opportunities may vary, the Spring Industry Challenge gives students a unique opportunity to apply their skills, expand their professional network, and gain real-world experience.

Competition Format

This biannual, six-hour innovation challenge brings together students from every major to collaborate in small teams, explore new ideas, and solve complex problems through creativity, design thinking, and rapid ideation. Throughout the experience, participants receive coaching, refine their concepts, and conclude the day by presenting their solutions in a final team pitch.

Why Participate?

• Gain hands-on experience solving real-world challenges
• Collaborate with students from diverse majors and backgrounds
• Develop skills in creative problem-solving, teamwork, design thinking, and pitching
• Receive coaching from the Hill Institute team, innovation mentors, and industry professionals
• Build your resume with a unique, hands-on innovation experience
• Connect with employers and industry leaders through the Spring Industry Challenge
• Explore internship and experiential learning opportunities with industry partners

Who Can Participate?

FNBI is open to all Furman undergraduate students.

No previous startup, technical, or business experience is required. We’re looking for curious thinkers, creative problem-solvers, effective communicators, and collaborative teammates from every discipline. Whether you’re exploring innovation for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, FNBI is designed to help you grow.

Location:

Furman Innovation Lab
25 Goldsmith Street
Greenville, SC

Located just 10 minutes from Furman’s campus.

Upcoming Events

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

Applications for Fall 2026 are now open.

Spring 2027
February 19, 2027 | 2:00–8:00 PM

Applications open during the Spring 2027 semester.