The Explorer Challenge Process and Timeline

Process

Step 1
Individuals or teams (faculty, staff and students are all eligible) develop innovative ideas that support the university’s strategic plan, and integrate inclusive practices.

Step 2
Short pre-proposals are submitted to the new University Innovation Council for review; the Innovation Council will review and provide feedback. Pre-proposals are required for participation in this year’s competition. There will be no selection of proposals to continue to the final submission – any pre-proposal that is submitted will be eligible to continue to step 3.

Step 3
Applicants revise and refine proposals, as appropriate. Small requests (less than $5,000) will continue to use short application format; major requests will require more detail. The Innovation Council and University Financial Planning will review and provide feedback to University leadership.

Further review will include the University Leadership Council; the president and provost will give the final review. The president will announce the awards.

Step 4
Final budgets and milestones will be established. Annual reports will be reviewed by the University Innovation Council and posted on the Marquette Innovation website.

Timeline

October 11, 2023 - Explorer Challenge Kick-off Celebration, sign up

October 17, 2023 - Ideas Fest (3:30-4:30 virtual, email innovation@marquette.edu for link)

December 7, 2023 - Pre-Proposals Due by 11:59pm

late January/ early February 2024 - Pre-Proposal Feedback Returned

February 7, 2024 - Writing Workshop

February 14, 2024 - Budget Workshop

March 8, 2024 - Final Proposals Due 

July 1, 2024 - Awards Begin