DifferenceMaker DCU / Manning School of Business Innovation Contest

Logo for Digital Federal Credit Union - letters DCU with Banking - The DCU Way underneath.

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Overview

Have a "BIG" idea that could make a difference? Tell us about it!

  • Top Prize of $500 in cash per team member!
  • Each Finalist - $100 in cash per team member!

We want to hear your cutting-edge banking and financial innovations which could drive our future success in the industry. Possible focus areas include:

  • AI/Machine Learning
  • Blockchain
  • Mobile Technology Solutions
  • Future Payment Solutions
  • Financial Literacy Education
  • Small Business Solutions
  • Payday Lending Alternatives
  • Are you up to the challenge? We think you are!!

Examples of ideas include:

Important Dates

  • Kick-off Event: Sept. 20, 5-6:30 p.m. Register to attend the Kick-off event: Coming Soon.
  • Application Registration Opens: Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.
    • Each team must be officially registered into the contest by sending an email to UMLinnovations@dcu.org on or before the deadline (Oct. 20, 2023). This includes identifying the team name, team members, and a brief summary of the planned entry (maximum of one paragraph). This should provide a very high level description of the area being focused on by your team. It is understood that specifics will not have been worked out at this point.
  • Executive Summary Due: Nov. 9, by 5 p.m.
    • Teams must submit entry by Oct. 20, 2023. Teams can create their entry using any software they have access to, although all entries must be converted to a .PDF file format (under 10 MB) for submission. Please send this via email to: UMLinnovations@dcu.org.
  • Finalist Teams Announced: Nov. 17, by 5 p.m.
  • Finalist Team Meetings with DCU: November
  • Final Competition: Dec. 7, 6-8:30 p.m., Saab Center, Perry Atrium, North Campus

More Information

Please read: More information, rules and guidelines.

Contact Us

Questions? Please email: UMLinnovations@dcu.org.

2022 Winner

  • Project Title: Solar Crowdfund
  • Description: Solar Crowdfund is a crowdfunding platform that allows people to invest money to fund large-scale solar projects used to combat climate change.
  • Team Members: Tolotra Samuel, Muhammad Khalil, and Borna Doroundi
  • Total Funds Awarded: $1,000 in cash!

Thank you to the 2022 judges!

  • Darcie Sunnerberg '87, Vice President/Sovereign Analyst, Loomis Sayles and Company
  • Sandesh Parulekar, Director of Information Systems Development, DCU
  • Hoang Nguyen '07, Director of Finance, DCU
  • Ed Gallagher '84, Senior Vice President (retired), Northeast Division, Comcast Business Services