Student of da Vinci Award

  • SUMMARY
    For 11 years, the da Vinci Awards have recognized the most innovative developments in assistive technology, the ideas and designs that best encompass the principles of universal design and promote accessibility to all individuals regardless of ability. This year, we seek to expand our recognition of assistive technology by bestowing the inaugural Student of da Vinci Award. All students (individuals or groups, high school through graduate school) are encouraged to submit their own design projects for consideration in one of the five award categories (see Nomination page). The best student submission across all categories will be recognized with the Student of da Vinci Award. Student submissions will also be considered for the top prize in their respective category, the prestigious da Vinci Award.

  • AWARD
    The winning student or student group will receive the Student of da Vinci trophy, as well as recognition at the da Vinci Awards Banquet and online in the da Vinci Awards Winners Gallery. Additional information about Publicity can be found on the Nomination page. The da Vinci Awards will also provide a venue for student finalists to interact with and get product feedback from the industries and companies involved with the Awards. Past da Vinci Awards partner companies include General Motors, Google, and many others. The specific details of the student-industry portion of the award are currently pending, but may be uniquely tailored to student projects.

  • SUBMISSION DEADLINE
    September 30, 2012

  • SUBMISSION DETAILS
    See Nomination page.

  • ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
    The Student of da Vinci Award is limited to students enrolled in college (undergraduate or graduate), technical school or high school. Students may apply individually or as part of a group (e.g., class project team or school organization). If a group is comprised of a combination of students and non-students, please email bill.pikarski@nmss.org to discuss eligibility for the student competition. All submissions, regardless of academic standing, will be considered for the da Vinci Award in each category.

  • SUBMISSION FEE
    A non-refundable, tax-deductible $125 application fee is required with each nomination. This fee includes one ticket to the event, and it partially covers expenses associated with the rigorous evaluation process. A hardship waiver may be requested by contacting Bill Pikarski at 248-936-0350 or via email, at bill.pikarski@nmss.org. Hardship waivers are evaluated on an individual basis. For college/university students, submission costs may be covered by college or departmental funding. To help with your request for financial assistance in securing the nomination fee by your school or department you can use the following Microsoft Word template. Please explore these options before requesting a hardship waiver. Proceeds to the da Vinci Awards benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter.

  • JUDGING
    Submissions are evaluated by a highly qualified, impartial panel of judges representing the technology and disability communities. Student submissions will be evaluated based on innovation, creativity, design and the potential for social impact. Judges may request additional information from nominees.

    Students with innovative ideas, but who may only be in the preliminary stages of design and development, are encouraged to apply.

  • CONTACT
    If you have any further questions, please see the official Nomination page for more submission details or contact Bill at bill.pikarski@nmss.org.