Inspiring Projects for the Idea to Action Incubator

These projects exemplify what happens when innovation, academic learning, and community partnership intersect. Each was completed in under a year, with budgets under $5,000—and each delivered real-world impact. Explore how teams used limited resources to create lasting change.

Driving Change, Unlocking Potential

University of Indianapolis + Goodwill Commercial Services

In just six months, faculty, staff, and MBA students from the University of Indianapolis partnered with Goodwill Commercial Services to empower employees across three worksites using lean management tools.

Students facilitated hands-on trainings and collaborative problem-solving sessions, gaining experience in applied operations management while challenging their assumptions about justice-involved, differently abled, and under-credentialed individuals. The project cost less than $2,500 and produced measurable efficiency gains, increased job ownership, and sparked a cultural shift toward employee empowerment.

Why It Works:

Applied learning in operations, facilitation, and cross-sector collaboration
Community benefit through workforce development and inclusion
High impact on a small budget and short timeline

Environmental Research Coalition

Saint Mary’s College + South Bend Office of Sustainability + Regional Partners

Saint Mary’s College launched the Environmental Research Coalition (ERC)—a regional initiative uniting higher ed and community partners to tackle complex environmental challenges in South Bend and the Michiana region.

Students conducted community-centered research and presented their findings at a public Spring 2025 Symposium. This experience strengthened students’ civic and professional identities, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

With under $5,000 in funding and a timeline of just seven months, the project created a sustainable platform for cross-sector environmental work and empowered students through real-world engagement.

Why It Works:

Strong academic and civic learning through applied research
Public event and lasting regional collaboration structure
Focus on inclusion and interdisciplinary engagement

Repurposing the Kitselman Conference Center

Ball State University + IU Health Foundation + Local Community Partners

At Ball State, an interdisciplinary team of students tackled the real-world challenge of reimagining a vacant building in Muncie. With input from hospital staff, neighborhood residents, and nonprofit partners, students proposed two viable concepts: a healthcare hospitality house and a boutique bed-and-breakfast.

Spanning business, architecture, interior design, and property management, students engaged in stakeholder interviews, site assessments, and collaborative planning. Their deliverables included full business and operations plans, interior layouts, and financial models—culminating in presentations to university leadership.

Why It Works:

Cross-disciplinary learning in design, planning, and stakeholder engagement
Practical, community-informed outcomes
Strong integration of student work with institutional decision-making

Ready to bring your bold idea to life?

These projects are proof that great ideas, when backed by community insight and student passion, can thrive with limited time and funding. That’s what the Idea to Action Incubator is all about.