On August 10-12, with support from the Maker Hub and StartupHoyas, Georgetown University will be sending a team of four entrepreneurial innovators to the Stanley Black and Decker Innovation Lab to participate in Season 3 of Make48, a nationally aired invention competition series where students from leading universities have 48 hours to create a marketable product. Three winning teams will get the chance to develop and license their product in hopes of getting it to market. The competition will be recorded for season 3 of the Make48 television documentary series supported by innovation industry leaders like Stanley Black and Decker, Ace Hardware and QVC. Viewers can get caught up on Season 1 by going to Make48.com, Amazon Prime Video, PBS.org, and PBS/APT (American Public Television).
Georgetown’s team Saxa Solvers, the only all-women team at the competition, represents a diversity of majors and disciplines:
Dana (C’19) - Pre-Health
Make48 excites me because it is a competition based on generating and marketing an idea within 48 hours. This combines two of my strongest skills, dreaming big and working in a team to get things done. Beginning with the preparation and team building events leading up to Make48, and making it happen within a 48-hour turnaround will be thrilling. I have always relied on mentorship, so I am eager to be part of this process that utilizes it as part of the innovation stream.
Melissa (MSB’20) - Management, Minor in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Studies
Growing up, I always found myself drawn towards making ideas reality. For example, my best friend Gloria and I learned how to crochet in 8th grade and sold over $500 worth of hand-made bracelets to our middle school, ultimately donating all proceeds to a homeless shelter in Philadelphia. Throughout high school, I learned the concept of social entrepreneurship and now have undertaken the Entrepreneurship Minor. While at Make48, I aim to create a sustainable product that can benefit society or the environment. I love working in teams, and I have confidence that our team can create something we can call our own creation for the world.
Sarah (C’20) - Biology, Psychology, and Film
I applied because I believe design is my path to justice. When I think about the most oppressive systems in this country, I visualize design problems. Make48 is a space where I can grow and do what I love. I am so excited to be in the design space again. I love being in spaces where I can broaden my way of thinking while simultaneously creating.
Seyi (C’20) - Interdisciplinary Studies (Mathematics and Art)
I became interested in joining Make48 after I realized that it would allow me to showcase my interest in idea fabrication. A primary way in which I showcase my ideas is through artwork. I have worked in several different media including sculpture, drawing, painting, and ceramics. I love working with my hands because I am able to physically turn words and ideas into a something tangible. Through Make48 I will be able to combine my interest in fabrication with social impact by being prompted to make something that will benefit the wider community!
Georgetown's team will compete alongside teams from 12 other universities including Michigan Technological University, Rice University, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, University of Miami and more. Good luck team Saxa Solvers, we are all rooting for you!