Innovation Sprints

Spring 2025 Social Impact Innovation Sprint 

Featuring Startups from Blue Ridge Labs

Blackstone LaunchPad and the Zahn Innovation Center invite CCNY students across all majors to join our Spring 2025 Social Impact Innovation Sprint. This dynamic, hands-on experience will challenge students to develop creative solutions for startup companies working to tackle poverty in NYC.

Teams will have one week to research, design, and pitch their solutions for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $5,000. Along the way, participants will receive mentorship from Deloitte experts and the Zahn Center team, gaining valuable skills in problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and social impact innovation.

Why Join?

• Gain hands-on experience in innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Get mentorship from experienced professionals at Deloitte and the Zahn Center.
• Work with early-stage social impact startups in the Blue Ridge Labs Catalyst Accelerator.
• Enhance your resume with a unique, high-impact experience.

How it Works

Friday, 4/4 - Kickoff at CCNY (TBD)

• 12 - 5 pm - Form teams and start customer research and ideation.
• Lunch will be served.

Monday, 4/7 - Mini Session + Co-Working

• 12:30 - 1:45 pm - Mini session and office hours at CCNY
• 2 pm - 6 pm - Work together - develop and test solutions; create a pitch

Wednesday, 4/9 - Mini Session + Co-Working

• 12:30 - 1:45 pm - Mini session and office hours at CCNY
• 2 pm - 6 pm - Work together - develop and test solutions; create a pitch

Friday, 4/11 - Finale at Robin Hood Foundation

• 12:30 - 4:30 pm - Pitch to win prize money
• Lunch will be served.

Prizes

1. $2,500 for First Place
2. $1,500 for Second Place
3. $1,000 for Third Place

This is a free professional development opportunity and is open to every CCNY student. All majors are welcome; no prior experience is needed. Students are required to apply to participate in this event.

Please apply by Sunday, March 16, at 11:59 pm!

Apply Now!

Past Innovation Sprints

Fall 2024 Blackstone LaunchPad Innovation Sprint

In Fall 2024, about 40 CCNY students participated in a week-long sprint working with Deloitte on increasing engagement with GenZ for the LA2028 Olympic Games.

Spring 2024 CUNY-wide Blackstone LaunchPad Innovation Sprint

In Spring 2024, more than 70 CUNY students participated in a 4-day Innovation Sprint solving challenges presented by Deloitte, L'Oreal, and Blackstone's Technology and Innovation Group.