A Life-Changing Education Initiative Event
Overview
The Campus of the Future (COTF) Student Idea Showcase invites students and the University of Michigan community to lead the conversation on the future of higher education. This isn't just a discussion; it is a design lab where curiosity, technical skill, and community insight converge to envision the next generation of U-M experiences.
The Challenge: "How Might We..."
How might we strategically transform the University of Michigan's educational ecosystem to ensure a U-M education remains a globally relevant, transformative, and high-impact experience that fosters growth and expands access for all learners, regardless of background or location?
The Showcase: Your Ideas, University Impact
From January to April 2026, students have the opportunity to share bold, transformative ideas directly supporting the U-M Look to Michigan Campaign. Whether your idea is a new product, a service, a unique course structure, or a physical space redesign, we want to see it.
Why Participate?
- Influence Institutional Strategy: Present your designs directly to President Grasso and Provost McCauley.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Form interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex, real-world challenges.
- Professional Development: Gain access to specialized coaching and network with industry and community leaders.
- Build Your Portfolio: Contribute to one of seven dimensions of campus innovation and align your work with the university's primary impact areas.
The Rewards
- Monetary Award: Each member of the 7 finalist teams will receive a $500 award.
- Presidential Presentation: Finalists present their work at the Presidential Showcase.
- Recognition: All participants receive a signed certificate and an invitation to present a poster at the final event.
Key Dates (Winter 2026)
| Date | Event | Description |
| Jan 20, 21 21, 26 | Kick-off Events | Learn pathways, meet teammates, and register. Link Slides: myumi.ch/qZeW8 |
| February 28 | Initial Idea Submission | Optional. Submit early for feedback and specialized support. Submission link: myumi.ch/pV3WD |
| Feb 13–19 | Networking & Consulting | Optional. Refine your project with industry leaders. Register to attend at https://sessions.studentlife.umich.edu/track/16073 |
| March 18 | Project Submission | REQUIRED. Opens March 1. Final deadline to submit for judging. |
| Mid-March | Finalist Coaching | Top 7 teams receive dedicated project coaching. |
| April 10 | Presidential Showcase | Final presentations, poster fair, and ceremony. |
Focus Areas for Innovation
Student projects are encouraged to align with the five Look to Michigan Impact Areas:
- Life-Changing Education
- Human Health & Well-Being
- Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement
- Energy, Climate Action, Sustainability & Environmental Equity
- Advanced Technology
Get Started
Ready to design what comes next? You can enter as a new team from the kick-off events or submit work you’ve already developed in a class or research project that aligns with the COTF vision.