New this fall 2026

Hawk Spark

Innovation Challenge — where big ideas begin

Pitch a big idea that solves a real-world problem. No business plan or technical details needed to start — bring the idea, we’ll help you develop it.

Sign Up How It Works
Kick-off & sign-up by Wed, Sept 23 · 3:20–4:20pm
Where Center for Entrepreneurship, Bey Hall 127
Ideation sessions Every Wednesday · 3:20–4:20pm
Pitch day Mid-November

What Is Hawk Spark?

Hawk Spark is an innovation challenge from the IEEE/ACM Student Chapter and the Monmouth University Center for Entrepreneurship — pitch a big idea that solves a real-world problem, and get help turning it into something you can present.

You do not need a business plan or technical details to start. Bring the idea; ideation sessions, industry mentors, and faculty will help you develop it between the kick-off and pitch day. It is open to all students, all majors, and all levels.

Hawk Spark Innovation Challenge 2026 flyer: kick-off Wednesday September 23, 3:20 to 4:20pm at the Center for Entrepreneurship, Bey Hall 127, with ideation sessions every Wednesday through pitch day in mid November.

How It Works

  • 1. Kick-off — Wed, Sept 23, 3:20–4:20pm

    Sign up by the kick-off and join us at the Center for Entrepreneurship, Bey Hall 127, to hear the format and start shaping your idea.

  • 2. Ideation Sessions — Every Wednesday

    Weekly sessions from 3:20–4:20pm run through pitch day in mid-November. Develop your idea week by week alongside other students.

  • 3. Mentor & Faculty Feedback

    Receive feedback from industry mentors and faculty along the way, so your pitch gets sharper before you present it.

  • 4. Pitch Live in November

    Present your idea live for a shot at the prize pool. Top ideas earn automatic consideration for the HawkTank Business Pitch Competition.

Why Enter

Pitch a big idea that solves a real-world problem
No business plan or technical details needed to start
Feedback from industry mentors and faculty along the way
Open to all students, all majors, all levels
Pitch live in November for a shot at the prize pool
Top ideas earn automatic consideration for HawkTank

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a finished idea?

No. Bring the idea — no business plan or technical details are needed to start, and the ideation sessions exist to help you develop it.

Who can enter?

All Monmouth students, all majors, all levels. You do not need to be an IEEE/ACM member.

When do I need to sign up?

Sign up by the kick-off on Wednesday, September 23, 3:20–4:20pm at the Center for Entrepreneurship, Bey Hall 127.

What happens to the best ideas?

You pitch live in November for a shot at the prize pool, and top ideas earn automatic consideration for the HawkTank Business Pitch Competition.

Sign Up for Hawk Spark

Register by the September 23 kick-off to join the challenge and get session details.

Sign Up Here

Questions? Alison Gilbert, Center for Entrepreneurship — agilbert@monmouth.edu
Or contact the chapter at s1358017@monmouth.edu and follow @monmouth_ieeeacm.