Skip to Main Content

Spring classes begin Jan. 25 as fully remote, 25% transition to in-person Feb. 1. For more information, visit COVID website.

Rist DifferenceMaker Institute

DifferenceMaker® is a campus-wide program that engages UMass Lowell students in creative problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Thank you to Kim and Brian Rist '77, Manning School of Business, for supporting the DifferenceMaker Program with a generous contribution and the establishment of the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute.

Teams by the Numbers

  • Raised By Teams

  • Companies Formed By Teams

  • Teams Patents Filed or Issued
A team demonstrates their entry at the DifferenceMaker 2014 Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition.

DifferenceMaker $50,000 Idea Challenge Application Now OPEN!

Do you want to think creatively? Do you want to make a positive impact? Do you want to work with other students and build new skills? Consider applying to the DifferenceMaker $50,000 Idea Challenge! All UMass Lowell students are encouraged to apply.

Application Closes: February 12, 2021

Apply to the Idea Challenge

Student standing on stage at a DifferenceMaker event

Attend the DifferenceMaker Spring Events, like the Kick-off Event on Feb. 2!

Want to learn more about DifferenceMaker, meet new people, feel connected to campus, and get involved?

Register and attend the DifferenceMaker Spring Events

Are you a DifferenceMaker®?

Do you have an idea?

Do you see a problem you want to solve?

Do you want to make a difference in your community, or in the world?

Do you want to join a team and work with other students?

Sound like you? 

Get involved

Real-Life DifferenceMakers

  • Nonspec
    Nonspec
    DifferenceMakers

    Nonspec participated in the first annual DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge where they received the prestigious title of “The Campus Wide DifferenceMaker” and the top award of $5,000.

  • Cyborg
    Cyborg
    DifferenceMakers

    Cyborg is a hybrid, cost effective, musical instrument, which has the ability to transform any object into a touch sensitive musical instrument.

The Buzz on Social Media

Events
More Events