What are entrepreneurial and creative endeavors?

Students learn to set their own course by having experiences in early stage start-ups, advancing ideas to solve real world problems, or create artistic, written or performance-based projects. 

DifferenceMakers By the Numbers

  • $5M
    raised by teams
  • 40
    companies formed by teams
  • 11
    Number of teams patents filed or issued

Meet the DifferenceMakers

One of the members USuccess team holding a microphone and speaking in front of blue UMass Lowell backdrop while two other members watch.
USuccess
DifferenceMakers

Create more financial stability and less frustration about finances by educating people on how to best use their money.

USuccess will help prevent student debt.
Read More About USuccess 
 Pat Cusanelli, Shane Lavoie and Jack Nealon onstage with Steve Tello, Holly Butler and their “Contribution to a Healthier Lifestyle” category award that comes with a $4,500 prize they will use to expand Mass Heartbeat
Mass Heartbeat
DifferenceMakers

Mass Heartbeat is an organization focused on screening children and young adults for heart conditions and anomalies to ensure they seek treatment before any undiscovered issues occur.

We’ve been on an eight-year journey since the three of us lost a dear friend due to sudden cardiac arrest.
Read More About Mass Heartbeat 
UMass Lowell Image
Robotic Feeding Arm '13
DifferenceMakers

After a three minute rocket pitch to a panel of alumni judges Philip Colangelo's Robotic Feeding Arm was awarded first place in the “Innovative Technology” category, $3,500 award.

An assistive technology for patients who cannot feed themselves, the Robotic Feeding Arm makes health care more effective & gives patients independence.
Read More About Robotic Feeding Arm 
UMass Lowell Image
Grab a Bite '13
DifferenceMakers

Grab a Bite received "Fan Favorite" at the Inaugural DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge, pushing them to the final round where they won the title “First to Market” and were awarded $3,500 by the panel of judges.

Grab a Bite provides customers with a free mobile and web platform that allows users to discover and connect with local restaurants.
Read More About Grab a Bite 
DifferenceMaker-SmartEater-Team
SmartEater '16
DifferenceMakers

SmartEater is an Automated Diet Monitoring (ADM) System designed to help people manage their dietary behavior.

SmartEater helps people manage their diet behaviors.
Read More About SmartEater