We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2023-2024 DKU Innovation Challenge Season 2, where we invite you to bring your creative ideas to life under the theme “Innovation by Critical Thinking.” This season is all about pushing the boundaries of innovation by employing the power of critical thinking to address real-world challenges and create meaningful change. Just like the previous season, the challenge winner will be awarded the grand prize for pilot study and a ticket to the final pitch at the 2024 College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Dachuang) Program Application.
Background
Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. It involves setting aside personal biases and emotions to examine an issue rationally. Critical thinking utilizes logic and reasoning to determine whether arguments or claims are valid and well-supported by evidence.
To think critically, you need to develop certain skills. First, you must be able to identify the key components of an argument, such as the claim or conclusion, reasons, and underlying assumptions. Second, you need to evaluate the reasoning and evidence impartially. This includes checking for logical fallacies, biased language, and selectivity in sources. Third, you should develop intellectual humility. This means recognizing the limits of your knowledge and being open to new information and perspectives. You should also have intellectual courage to reconsider your own views when faced with strong counterarguments. Fourth, critical thinkers are inquisitive and ask meaningful questions to gain deeper understanding. You will analyze key concepts and trace implications of arguments. Finally, you are able to synthesize information from various sources to reach reasoned conclusions.
Developing strong critical thinking takes time and practice. But it is crucial for assessing information accurately, solving problems effectively, and expressing reasoned viewpoints. We would emphasize to you that critical thinking is an essential skill, both inside and outside the classroom.
What We're Looking For
We encourage you to submit proposals that showcase your ability to think critically, analyze problems, and develop innovative solutions. This is your chance to demonstrate how critical thinking can lead to groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you’re addressing social issues, technological challenges, or business opportunities, we want to see your unique perspective and creative approach.
Themes
This theme invites critical thinking across various scientific disciplines to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability through innovative solutions. How can technology be harnessed to address environmental challenges? Propose projects that analyze, question, and innovate within the intersection of science and sustainability. Whether it’s renewable energy, eco-friendly technologies, sustainable agriculture practices, groundbreaking approaches to waste reduction, or biodiversity preservation, we invite you to think critically and creatively about how scientific advancements can lead to a more sustainable future.
Develop solutions that promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility through critical scientific analysis and systems thinking. Innovate technologies, products, or services that drive positive change by conserving resources, reducing waste, and minimizing ecological impacts. Consider full life-cycle effects and integrate circular economy principles.
This theme allows for a wide range of interdisciplinary projects aimed at fostering social equality and addressing systemic issues. Critical thinking is vital in understanding societal dynamics and proposing solutions that promote justice, diversity, and empowerment. Whether it’s through policy analysis, community engagement strategies, or cultural initiatives, we invite you to think critically about advancing social justice through innovative projects.
Address societal inequalities and drive reforms through innovations informed by critical analysis of policies, institutions, behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs. Propose solutions to complex issues like healthcare access, intergenerational poverty, or educational achievement gaps by synthesizing insights from psychology, economics, political science, sociology, and related fields.
This theme encourages interdisciplinary exploration within literature, film, visual arts, and more. How can creative expressions contribute to a nuanced understanding of contemporary culture? Challenge norms, question societal narratives, and propose projects that offer critical perspectives on the world around us. We invite you to explore the transformative power of artistic expression and cultural critique in shaping our understanding of the present.
Rethink modern cultural narratives, symbols, ideologies, and media through reasoned critique and philosophical inquiry. Create impactful artistic works, humanities scholarship, or communications projects that provide cultural criticism and encourage critical discourse on issues of our time.
This theme allows for collaborative projects that bridge multiple disciplines to explore the ethical implications of technological advancements. How can we ensure that technology is developed and applied ethically for the benefit of society? Challenge conventional approaches and propose projects that delve into the intersection of ethics and technology. This theme encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration to address complex ethical challenges and drive innovative solutions.
Guide the development of emerging technologies by applying critical thinking to predict societal consequences and address ethical questions surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, automation, synthetic media, and related domains. Incorporate evidence-based moral reasoning into building innovative yet ethical applications.
Important Timeline
Abstract Submission
We invite you to submit an extended abstract describing your innovative idea or solution for our Innovation Challenge.
Extended Abstract Requirements:
Length: 2 pages maximum, single-spaced, including figures/tables if any.
File format: DOCX/PDF, Template_Extended-Abstract.docx is provided for downloading.
Title: Include a title for your idea/proposal
Authors: List all contributing authors and their affiliations
Sections: The abstract should contain the following sections:
- Background: Provide relevant background on the problem being addressed
- Methods/Approach: Describe your proposed solution, technology, methods or approach
- Innovation: Explain what makes your idea innovative
- Impact: Discuss the potential impact and benefits of your idea
- Figures/tables (optional): You may include figures or tables
- References (optional): Include any key references
This abstract does not need to be a proven solution. We just need you to identify a problem that is worth exploring for research and solution, and find initial ideas to solve it. However, you will need to provide some preliminary evidence of the research or commercial value of the problem for this purpose.
Please submit your extended abstract through the Qualtrics link listed below by the deadline of November 26, 2023.
https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_agj34gV7tmgBrp4
Abstracts will be accepted ONLY through the Qualtrics and be evaluated by a review panel. Accept/reject notices will be emailed promptly. Authors of the most promising ideas will be invited to develop full proposals for the next stage.
Note: The DKU Innovation Challenge is designed as an entrance for DKU students to apply for the College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training (Dachuang) Program. Please submit only if you expect to represent your team in our incubation program.
Full Proposal Submission
Teams or individuals whose proposal abstracts are accepted may proceed to prepare a full proposal for submission.
The full proposal must describe the complete research or entrepreneurial plan. The plan will be submitted to the DKU Innovation Incubator’s review committee. The full proposal must not exceed 10 pages (approximately 5,000 words, including the cover page, figures, tables, and references.) and must conform to the DKU Innovation Challenge submission template. Accepted full proposals will be published in the DKU Innovation Gallery – a digital proceeding of the DKU Innovation Challenge.
This full proposal does not need to be the version that ends up in the application for the Dachuang program. However, we need you to give a complete development plan for refining what will become the final proposal, and to find initial ideas and approaches to solving the problem.
Please submit your full proposal through the Qualtrics link listed below by the extended deadline of January 14, 2024.
https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0eR3xmwY2Iffzue
Full proposal will be accepted ONLY through the Qualtrics and be evaluated by Dii review panel. Accept/reject notices will be emailed promptly. The winning teams will be invited to participate directly in the 2024 Dachuang Project Final Pitch.
Note: The DKU Innovation Challenge is designed as an entrance for DKU students to apply for the College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training (Dachuang) Program. Please submit only if you expect to represent your team in our incubation program.
What You Will Get
Selected for DKU Innovation Gallery
All winners’ ideas in the Innovation Challenge will be featured in the Duke Kunshan University Innovation Gallery, where they will be more widely disseminated and promoted along with other outstanding ideas generated by the DKU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community over the years, inspiring more innovation from DKU innovators and promoting continuous innovation and breakthroughs. At the same time, these ideas will become part of history, leaving a long-term reminder and mark.
Direct advancement to Dachuang 2024 final pitch
Each spring, we open the application process for a new batch of Dachuang program, which is a highly competitive selection process. The winner of the DKU Innovation Challenge will directly advance to the final pitch stage of the 2024 Dachuang.
Up to 2500 RMB pre-incubation funding
The winners of the Innovation Challenge will receive early-stage funding support before officially becoming a Dachuang Team. The funding support is set up as follows:
GOLD IDEA: 2500 RMB
SILVER IDEA: 1500 RMB
BRONZE IDEA: 1000 RMBThe funding will be provided in the form of a reimbursement quota, which can be used for early market research, pilot study, and other expenses needed to improve your final proposal.
Membership of DKU Innovation Incubator
All team members will automatically become members of the DKU Innovation Incubator, with access to a wealth of resources such as mentorship, innovation lab facilities, and exclusive Dii training programs.