Miami Tech Works EPIC Innovation Challenge
Timeline
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June 20, 2025Opportunity start
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June 21, 2025Pre-Launch Preparation
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June 24, 2025Students Enter Platform
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June 25, 2025Phase 1 - Students Discovery
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June 26, 2025Phase 2 - Hypothesis Forming
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June 28, 2025Phase 3 - Ideation & Creation
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July 26, 2025Opportunity end
Timeline
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June 20, 2025Opportunity start
-
June 21, 2025Pre-Launch Preparation
Onboarding of Learners and Educators:
Provide tailored onboarding sessions to ensure both students and faculty understand how to use the Riipen platform and engage effectively with employer-led projects.
Familiarity with Riipen Platform:
Offer training and support materials to ensure all stakeholders—students, educators, and employers—are comfortable navigating and using the platform.
Information Sessions and Challenge Kickoffs:
Host info sessions to introduce the program and expectations, followed by kickoff meetings to align students, faculty, and employers before project work begins.
-
June 24, 2025Students Enter Platform
Official Challenge Kickoff:
Facilitate a structured kickoff meeting where students, faculty, and employer partners formally launch the project. The session will review the challenge brief, timelines, roles, and expectations, and provide space for initial Q&A.
Team Engagement and Hypothesis Development:
Following the kickoff, student teams will begin reviewing the challenge materials, conducting preliminary research, and defining initial hypotheses or approaches to address the employer’s problem. Faculty and employer mentors will be available to guide teams through this early-stage thinking.
-
June 25, 2025Phase 1 - Students Discovery
Developing Initial Ideas:
Student teams will begin brainstorming and refining early concepts based on their understanding of the challenge. This phase focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and alignment with project objectives.
Engaging with Mentors and Industry Professionals:
Teams will participate in guided discussions with assigned mentors and industry experts to receive feedback, ask questions, and validate their initial ideas. These interactions help ground student work in real-world context and industry relevance.
-
June 26, 2025Phase 2 - Hypothesis Forming
Developing Initial Ideas:
Student teams will collaborate to generate and refine early solutions based on the challenge brief, using research and brainstorming techniques to shape their direction.
Engaging in Discussions with Mentors and Industry Professionals:
Throughout this phase, students will connect with mentors and industry partners to share ideas, gather feedback, and ensure their proposed solutions align with real-world needs.
-
June 28, 2025Phase 3 - Ideation & Creation
Ideation and Creation:
Teams will transition from brainstorming to structured problem-solving, refining their initial ideas into feasible, well-organized solutions.
Aligning Solutions to Employer Needs:
Students will tailor their proposals to ensure compatibility with the employer’s goals, incorporating feedback and aligning deliverables with real-world business challenges.
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July 22, 2025Phase 4 - Finalization
Preparing for the Final Project Phase:
Teams will finalize their solutions, compile supporting materials, and ensure their projects meet all requirements. This stage includes rehearsing presentations, refining documentation, and incorporating final feedback from mentors and instructors.
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July 25, 2025Phase 5 - Submission on Riipen
Submission of Final Deliverables:
Student teams will submit their completed projects, including all required documentation, reports, or presentations, through the Riipen platform.
Presenting Solutions to Employers and Educators:
Teams will formally present their solutions to employer partners and faculty, showcasing their process, findings, and final recommendations in a professional setting.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 6 - Final Presentation
Final Presentation:
Student teams will deliver a formal presentation of their project outcomes to a panel of employers, educators, and peers. This includes explaining their solution, process, and impact, followed by a Q&A session for feedback and discussion.
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July 26, 2025Phase 7 - Exchange Feedback
Mutual Feedback Exchange:
Learners and employers will exchange feedback on the project experience, providing insights on collaboration, communication, and overall performance. This helps reinforce learning outcomes and informs future improvements.
This feedback will be delivered in the Riipen platform.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 8 - Student Exit Survey & Challenge Reflection
Student Exit Survey:
Students will complete an exit survey and participate in a structured reflection on their experience. This phase captures insights on learning outcomes, platform usability, mentorship quality, and overall satisfaction to inform future program enhancements.
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July 26, 2025Opportunity end
Total cost is US$300.00 per learner.
Opportunity scope
Categories
Marketing analytics Artificial intelligence Data analysis Project management Cloud technologiesSkills
marketing strategies business analysis research agile project management data transposition cross-functional team leadershipMiami Tech Works and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation have partnered together to launch EPIC (Employer Provided Innovation Challenges).
EPIC is designed to offer students high-quality work-based learning experiences that are authentic, employer-designed, problem-based, relevant and prepare students with job-ready skills.
With this opportunity, local businesses collaborate with students from Miami Dade College, with backgrounds in technology, business, data science, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. These students are equipped with practical skills in areas such as business analysis, marketing strategy, software development, user experience design, and research, and are eager to apply their knowledge to solve real business challenges.
Student + Employer Collaboration
Students and Employers will collaborate on challenges by exploring innovative approaches to problem solving, proposing solutions, and presenting final recommendations and deliverables upon conclusion of the project.
Resources needed:
- A clearly defined project challenge (preferably aligned with a current business objective)
- Designated company mentor(s) to meet with student teams weekly or biweekly
- A list of defined student roles and expectations for each project
- Access to any relevant data, tools, or systems necessary to complete the project
- Optional: participation in kick-off and final presentation sessions
Resources Provided
- Support from Miami Tech Works in project scoping and student-team coordination
- Templates for project planning, role definition, and milestone tracking
- Midpoint check-in to ensure alignment and progress
- Final presentation event facilitated by Miami Tech Works
- Post-project feedback form and opportunity to engage in future rounds
Learners
Project Outcomes (Student Activities to earn a skills badge):
Participants will engage in a team-based, real-world innovation challenge directly aligned with a business problem or opportunity provided by the employer. Over the course of the project, students will:
- Conduct stakeholder and industry research
- Analyze company goals, constraints, and potential strategies
- Develop and evaluate potential solutions through cross-functional collaboration
- Utilize tools such as project management platforms, collaborative workspaces, and presentation software to simulate a professional work environment
- Participate in team meetings, milestone check-ins, and feedback sessions with employer mentors
These activities are designed to build workplace competencies in problem-solving, communication, collaboration, project management, and technical proficiency relevant to their field of study.
Project Deliverables (What Students Will Submit to the Employer):
Each student team will submit the following deliverables:
Project Charter (PDF or Word Document)
- Summary of the business challenge
- Defined goals, scope, success metrics, and student roles
- Timeline and major milestones
Research Report / Insights Brief (PDF)
- Industry research, stakeholder analysis, or market analysis
- Supporting data, user interviews, or benchmarking (as applicable)
- Problem framing and rationale behind proposed direction
Solution Proposal Deck (PowerPoint or Google Slides)
- Clear articulation of the team’s proposed solution
- Visuals, user flowcharts, diagrams, or mock-ups (if relevant)
- Explanation of potential business impact or ROI
Final Presentation (Live or Pre-recorded Video + Slide Deck)
- 10–15 minute presentation delivered to employer stakeholders
- Includes Q&A session or feedback opportunity
Reflection Summary (1-page individual student write-up in PDF)
- Each student reflects on their role, learning experience, and takeaways
- Helps validate individual contribution and learning outcomes
Project timeline
-
June 20, 2025Opportunity start
-
June 21, 2025Pre-Launch Preparation
-
June 24, 2025Students Enter Platform
-
June 25, 2025Phase 1 - Students Discovery
-
June 26, 2025Phase 2 - Hypothesis Forming
-
June 28, 2025Phase 3 - Ideation & Creation
-
July 26, 2025Opportunity end
Timeline
-
June 20, 2025Opportunity start
-
June 21, 2025Pre-Launch Preparation
Onboarding of Learners and Educators:
Provide tailored onboarding sessions to ensure both students and faculty understand how to use the Riipen platform and engage effectively with employer-led projects.
Familiarity with Riipen Platform:
Offer training and support materials to ensure all stakeholders—students, educators, and employers—are comfortable navigating and using the platform.
Information Sessions and Challenge Kickoffs:
Host info sessions to introduce the program and expectations, followed by kickoff meetings to align students, faculty, and employers before project work begins.
-
June 24, 2025Students Enter Platform
Official Challenge Kickoff:
Facilitate a structured kickoff meeting where students, faculty, and employer partners formally launch the project. The session will review the challenge brief, timelines, roles, and expectations, and provide space for initial Q&A.
Team Engagement and Hypothesis Development:
Following the kickoff, student teams will begin reviewing the challenge materials, conducting preliminary research, and defining initial hypotheses or approaches to address the employer’s problem. Faculty and employer mentors will be available to guide teams through this early-stage thinking.
-
June 25, 2025Phase 1 - Students Discovery
Developing Initial Ideas:
Student teams will begin brainstorming and refining early concepts based on their understanding of the challenge. This phase focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and alignment with project objectives.
Engaging with Mentors and Industry Professionals:
Teams will participate in guided discussions with assigned mentors and industry experts to receive feedback, ask questions, and validate their initial ideas. These interactions help ground student work in real-world context and industry relevance.
-
June 26, 2025Phase 2 - Hypothesis Forming
Developing Initial Ideas:
Student teams will collaborate to generate and refine early solutions based on the challenge brief, using research and brainstorming techniques to shape their direction.
Engaging in Discussions with Mentors and Industry Professionals:
Throughout this phase, students will connect with mentors and industry partners to share ideas, gather feedback, and ensure their proposed solutions align with real-world needs.
-
June 28, 2025Phase 3 - Ideation & Creation
Ideation and Creation:
Teams will transition from brainstorming to structured problem-solving, refining their initial ideas into feasible, well-organized solutions.
Aligning Solutions to Employer Needs:
Students will tailor their proposals to ensure compatibility with the employer’s goals, incorporating feedback and aligning deliverables with real-world business challenges.
-
July 22, 2025Phase 4 - Finalization
Preparing for the Final Project Phase:
Teams will finalize their solutions, compile supporting materials, and ensure their projects meet all requirements. This stage includes rehearsing presentations, refining documentation, and incorporating final feedback from mentors and instructors.
-
July 25, 2025Phase 5 - Submission on Riipen
Submission of Final Deliverables:
Student teams will submit their completed projects, including all required documentation, reports, or presentations, through the Riipen platform.
Presenting Solutions to Employers and Educators:
Teams will formally present their solutions to employer partners and faculty, showcasing their process, findings, and final recommendations in a professional setting.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 6 - Final Presentation
Final Presentation:
Student teams will deliver a formal presentation of their project outcomes to a panel of employers, educators, and peers. This includes explaining their solution, process, and impact, followed by a Q&A session for feedback and discussion.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 7 - Exchange Feedback
Mutual Feedback Exchange:
Learners and employers will exchange feedback on the project experience, providing insights on collaboration, communication, and overall performance. This helps reinforce learning outcomes and informs future improvements.
This feedback will be delivered in the Riipen platform.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 8 - Student Exit Survey & Challenge Reflection
Student Exit Survey:
Students will complete an exit survey and participate in a structured reflection on their experience. This phase captures insights on learning outcomes, platform usability, mentorship quality, and overall satisfaction to inform future program enhancements.
-
July 26, 2025Opportunity end
Project Examples
Requirements
Miami Tech Works is seeking real-world, innovation-driven projects that allow students to contribute meaningfully to your organization while developing professional skills. Projects should reflect challenges your business is currently facing—or opportunities you're exploring—and can be scoped to a 6–8 week timeline.
Ideal projects are:
- Cross-functional in nature (involving multiple skillsets)
- Research-based or solution-focused
- Scoped clearly with measurable objectives
- Open to creativity, collaboration, and fresh perspectives
Examples of Projects Students Can Complete:
Market Analysis & Strategy:
- Identify new customer segments or opportunities for expansion using data-driven research and competitive analysis.
Product Design & User Experience:
- Conduct user interviews, develop user personas, and create wireframes or UX prototypes for a new or existing product.
Social Media & Digital Marketing Strategy:
- Audit your digital presence, develop a content strategy, and propose a targeted social media campaign.
Data Analytics Dashboard:
- Build a dashboard using tools like Power BI or Tableau to visualize key metrics for internal reporting or customer insights.
Process Optimization:
- Analyze internal workflows and propose improvements using Lean or Agile frameworks to enhance team productivity.
AI/Automation Use Case Exploration:
- Identify an area of your business where AI or automation could be implemented, research potential tools, and present a pilot concept.
Customer Journey Mapping:
- Deep dive into customer feedback, map out user touchpoints, and recommend service design enhancements.
Additional company criteria
Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this opportunity:
Timeline
-
June 20, 2025Opportunity start
-
June 21, 2025Pre-Launch Preparation
-
June 24, 2025Students Enter Platform
-
June 25, 2025Phase 1 - Students Discovery
-
June 26, 2025Phase 2 - Hypothesis Forming
-
June 28, 2025Phase 3 - Ideation & Creation
-
July 26, 2025Opportunity end
Timeline
-
June 20, 2025Opportunity start
-
June 21, 2025Pre-Launch Preparation
Onboarding of Learners and Educators:
Provide tailored onboarding sessions to ensure both students and faculty understand how to use the Riipen platform and engage effectively with employer-led projects.
Familiarity with Riipen Platform:
Offer training and support materials to ensure all stakeholders—students, educators, and employers—are comfortable navigating and using the platform.
Information Sessions and Challenge Kickoffs:
Host info sessions to introduce the program and expectations, followed by kickoff meetings to align students, faculty, and employers before project work begins.
-
June 24, 2025Students Enter Platform
Official Challenge Kickoff:
Facilitate a structured kickoff meeting where students, faculty, and employer partners formally launch the project. The session will review the challenge brief, timelines, roles, and expectations, and provide space for initial Q&A.
Team Engagement and Hypothesis Development:
Following the kickoff, student teams will begin reviewing the challenge materials, conducting preliminary research, and defining initial hypotheses or approaches to address the employer’s problem. Faculty and employer mentors will be available to guide teams through this early-stage thinking.
-
June 25, 2025Phase 1 - Students Discovery
Developing Initial Ideas:
Student teams will begin brainstorming and refining early concepts based on their understanding of the challenge. This phase focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and alignment with project objectives.
Engaging with Mentors and Industry Professionals:
Teams will participate in guided discussions with assigned mentors and industry experts to receive feedback, ask questions, and validate their initial ideas. These interactions help ground student work in real-world context and industry relevance.
-
June 26, 2025Phase 2 - Hypothesis Forming
Developing Initial Ideas:
Student teams will collaborate to generate and refine early solutions based on the challenge brief, using research and brainstorming techniques to shape their direction.
Engaging in Discussions with Mentors and Industry Professionals:
Throughout this phase, students will connect with mentors and industry partners to share ideas, gather feedback, and ensure their proposed solutions align with real-world needs.
-
June 28, 2025Phase 3 - Ideation & Creation
Ideation and Creation:
Teams will transition from brainstorming to structured problem-solving, refining their initial ideas into feasible, well-organized solutions.
Aligning Solutions to Employer Needs:
Students will tailor their proposals to ensure compatibility with the employer’s goals, incorporating feedback and aligning deliverables with real-world business challenges.
-
July 22, 2025Phase 4 - Finalization
Preparing for the Final Project Phase:
Teams will finalize their solutions, compile supporting materials, and ensure their projects meet all requirements. This stage includes rehearsing presentations, refining documentation, and incorporating final feedback from mentors and instructors.
-
July 25, 2025Phase 5 - Submission on Riipen
Submission of Final Deliverables:
Student teams will submit their completed projects, including all required documentation, reports, or presentations, through the Riipen platform.
Presenting Solutions to Employers and Educators:
Teams will formally present their solutions to employer partners and faculty, showcasing their process, findings, and final recommendations in a professional setting.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 6 - Final Presentation
Final Presentation:
Student teams will deliver a formal presentation of their project outcomes to a panel of employers, educators, and peers. This includes explaining their solution, process, and impact, followed by a Q&A session for feedback and discussion.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 7 - Exchange Feedback
Mutual Feedback Exchange:
Learners and employers will exchange feedback on the project experience, providing insights on collaboration, communication, and overall performance. This helps reinforce learning outcomes and informs future improvements.
This feedback will be delivered in the Riipen platform.
-
July 26, 2025Phase 8 - Student Exit Survey & Challenge Reflection
Student Exit Survey:
Students will complete an exit survey and participate in a structured reflection on their experience. This phase captures insights on learning outcomes, platform usability, mentorship quality, and overall satisfaction to inform future program enhancements.
-
July 26, 2025Opportunity end