Libraries Hosting Idea Exchange on March 4, 2025
Syracuse University Libraries is hosting “The Ideas Exchange: Sparking Innovation at Syracuse University” on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the first floor of Bird Library. Students from across campus eager to explore the frontiers of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity are invited to attend this student-designed and student-led event to engage with experts, resources and peers in a dynamic and interactive environment.
The Idea Exchange is more than just a networking event—it’s an incubator for ideas, where students can find inspiration, seek guidance and connect with the right resources to bring their projects to life. The event features two simultaneous components: The Resource Emporium and Ask the Experts. Sponsored by SU Libraries, the Syracuse University NSF I-Corps and the Orange Innovation Team, this event is for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and those simply curious about the creative and startup ecosystem at Syracuse.
At the heart of The Idea Exchange is the Orange Innovation Team, which includes Orange Innovation Scholars Ava Lubekmann, Jair Espinoza, Aidan Turner, and Thomas O’Brien, alongside Intelligence ++ Scholars Isaac Munce and Trey Augliano. These student leaders have curated an experience that fosters collaboration, encourages curiosity, and provides direct access to some of the most valuable resources available on campus.
The Resource Emporium: Your Gateway to Innovation
On the first floor of Bird Library, a diverse lineup of organizations will host information tables to provide students with resources to help develop their ideas, start businesses and enhance their creative projects. Whether students are looking to create a prototype, launch a creative idea, secure funding for an idea or learn more about innovation at SU, The Resource Emporium will offer access to the right tools and people to take their ambitions further. Participating groups include:
- Blackstone LaunchPad – Campus hub for entrepreneurship
- CASE – Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering
- Couri Hatchery – Student venture incubation
- E-Club – Entrepreneurship student organization
- FADS – Fashion and design society
- Innovation Law Center – Legal guidance for startups
- Intelligence ++ – Inclusive design and assistive technology
- Invent@SU – Rapid prototyping and invention resources
- IVMF – Institute for Veterans and Military Families
- Maker Space – Hands-on creative workshops and prototyping
- NEXIS – Emerging technology research
- NSF I-Corps at Syracuse University
- SOURCE – Undergraduate research support
- Startup Garage – Early-stage startup mentoring
- Syracuse CoE – Environmental and energy innovation
- TEDx Syracuse University – Platform for innovative ideas and storytelling
- WISE – Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
Ask the Experts: Conversations That Ignite Ideas
In a format inspired by “Human Library” events, the Ask the Experts session will feature more than 20 confirmed peer specialists and professionals across various fields engaging in small-group conversations. These sessions, held in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons (Room 114 in Bird Library), will provide students with the chance to ask questions from student and alumni thought leaders, receive tailored advice and gain valuable insights into the skills needed to thrive in innovation, creation and entrepreneurship.
Each discussion will be an opportunity to learn from expert peers and experienced professionals as well as spark innovative ideas through engaging conversations. The curated topics and expert insights are designed to empower students with practical knowledge and the confidence to move forward with their ventures.
- Content creation/video/storytelling, by Thomas O’Brien
- Graphic design, by Sean Potter
- Company brand development, by Neil Adams
- Personal brand development, by Issac Munce
- Building a clothing brand, by Aidan Turner
- E-commerce/on-line stores/Shopify, by Trey Augliano
- Web development and SEO, by Syed Haque and Niara McIntyre
- Sustainable business models, by Ava Lubkemann
- Legal (incorporation/IP protection), by Nick Graham, Esq.
- Project management, by Waqar Hussein
- Marketing and sales, by Sara Silva
- Music industry, by Nick Moscatiello
- Inclusive Design, by Carolyn Fernandes
- Building a tech team, by Tony Goncalves
- How to code without being a coder, by Alex Levy
- AI – driving change and opportunity, by Jair Espinoza
- Negotiating deals, by Judah Milgrom
- Building a digital business and data insights, by Henry Beaudoin
- Social media, by Alana Epstein
- Visual storytelling - photography, by Lars Jendruschewitz
- Funding your idea, by Elizabeth Paulin
- Pitching, by Dylan Bardsley
Mix It Up: Networking and Refreshments
To wrap up the event, attendees will have the chance to mingle and network from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons. Light refreshments will be provided, creating a casual and welcoming environment for students to connect with peers, experts, and resource representatives.
Why Attend The Idea Exchange?
For students at Syracuse University, The Idea Exchange presents an unparalleled opportunity to tap into the university’s vast network of innovation resources. Whether you have a business idea, a research project, or a creative endeavor, this event will help you take the next step.
- Gain Access to Key Innovation Resources – Meet representatives from leading campus programs.
- Engage with Experts – Learn from professionals who can provide real-world insights.
- Build Your Network – Connect with fellow students who share your passion for innovation.
- Find Inspiration – Discover ideas and opportunities to explore.
For more information, visit Bird Library 123 – “The IDEA Studio” or email OrangeInnovation@syr.edu.