Believe in Your Big Idea!

Big Ideas is the University of California’s leading early-stage social innovation competition. Now in its 15th year, Big Ideas provides funding (up to $20K!), support and validation to interdisciplinary teams of graduate and undergraduate students who have transformative solutions to real-world problems. This year’s contest will feature new tracks, including Pandemic Response & Recovery and Data & AI. Not sure if your idea/project/team is a good fit for Big Ideas? Attend one of our upcoming information sessions (10/5, 10/15: RSVP here) or sign up for an online or in-person advising session to discuss your big idea and to learn more about the contest criteria.

UCSC has a new Big Idea ambassador, Alia Roca-Lezra.

Alia is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UC Santa Cruz pursuing degrees in Economics and Environmental Studies. She is curious about the intersection between these two fields and how, coupled with innovation, they might help guide a progressive future. Last year, she worked with the UCSC Blum Center on a project that analyzed students’ perceptions of “basic needs.” Its purpose is to inform decisions about on-campus basic needs services and to serve as a source of information for those interested in the topic. Alia believes that students are important social innovators and looks forward to meeting those who are as excited about creating change as she is. She enjoys cooking, exploring cities, performing improvised comedy sketches with her sister (in private), and is excited to be a part of the entrepreneurial community at the UC and beyond!