Muhlenberg Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program

Another amazing night of innovation and entrepreneurship! The 2025 INE Innovation Challenge sponsored by Martin Guitars was a fantastic event hosted in our very own INE Center Makerspace.

Congratulations to our award recipients:
• Kathy Christy '27 - Martin Guitar Grand Innovation Award (Top Prize Winner
• Sarah Katz '28 - Best Music-Technology Integratior Award
• Yael Fink '27 - Creative Desian Excellence Awarc
• Esch (Edmund) Sage '26 - Music for Good Award
• Victoria Addy '27 - Audience Choice Award
• Charley McNeilly '28 - Emerging Innovator Award

And congratulations to every student who presented their innovation:
Brody Valentin '29, Sophia Sciarrino '27, and Abe Shire 27, along with our award recipients listed above. Each one of you demonstrated courage, preparation, and real entrepreneurial vision.

Introducing our Judges for the Innovation Challenge! Join us on Thursday, November 20th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM Fahy Commons 004 for an inspiring afternoon of creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

We’re honored to welcome an extraordinary panel of judges whose creativity, expertise, and leadership will inspire the next generation of innovators:

Shelby Lawson – Owner & Principal Designer, Lawson Accessories. Award-winning fashion designer and community leader whose designs have been featured at New York Fashion Week, the Allentown Art Museum, and across the Lehigh Valley arts community.

Marcus Pereira – Regional Banking Leader, Penn Community Bank. Business and community builder committed to entrepreneurship and partnership-driven growth throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Lindsay Batzar ‘26 – Senior, Media & Communication and Film Studies, Muhlenberg College. Program Director at WMUH and Recording Academy Grammy U Ambassador, bringing insight into creative storytelling and the evolving music industry.

Professor Ira Wolfe – Leadership educator, author, and TED Talk speaker known for his groundbreaking work on adaptability, innovation, and the future of work.

Students will pitch their prototypes and compete for the $1,000 Grand Innovation Award, supported in part by the Martin MARTIN GUITAR CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, along with additional cash prizes celebrating design, technology, music, and sustainability.

Students interested in pitching their ideas or learning more can contact me at [email protected] for details on participation, eligibility, and prototype development.

Present your innovations for a panel of judges and compete for awards! Thursday, November 20th | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Fahy Commons INE/Makerspace. Scan the QR code to sign up!🎶🎸🧵

Interested in exploring your creativity and learning more about our Innovation and Entrepreneurship (INE)- Maker-space center? Swipe right to scan this QR code to learn more!

The Winner of the was Kira Bretsky, '27, for her "Bretsky Ross Flag," a replica of the original American colonies flag that was created entirely from upcycled fabric in the Berg Makerspace! Kira won both the Aesthetic category and the Best in Show. Congrats to her and to everyone who won!

The winner in the Whimsical category is Kathy Christie, whose Worm-i-tat was a delightful creation based on the health of worms after a rainfall.

The Innovation Challenge is fast approaching!! Get your ideas in!!!

Summer Seedbox students working on their innovative 3-in-1 all natural soil enhancer.

We would like to thank the Jay & Jace Foundation for sponsoring the Innovation Challenge.

Thank you for the students who’ve signed up. We’ve extended the deadline to MARCH 12 @11:59

Student groups will pitch ideas for the chance to win 4 cash prizes, the biggest prize being $1,000. Students will hone in on their problem solving and presentation skills as they are mentored through out the process.