Global Health Initiatives Innovation Sprint

Since 2020, the Office of Global Health Initiatives and UB's Blackstone Startup and Innovation CoLab have collaborated to offer an annual innovation sprint on a global health topic. 

Innovation FIT: The Movement for Movement, Oct. 27, 2023

Group photo of students who participated in the Innovation FIT innovation sprint.

During the final Innovation FIT competition on Oct. 27, 2023, 12 teams pitched programs for increasing physical activity among vulnerable populations in WNY. The winning team pitched a step-counter app that would reward participants with discounts and coupons at minority-owned health-related businesses. 

Ethan Dinse (Sociology), Kafay Kaboke (Nursing) and Tanvi Thiyagu (Media Studies) took first place. Second place was awarded to Nicole Burton (Health and Human Services), Abbey Gardner (Exercise Science) and Grace Rider (Speech and Hearing Sciences). Nishat Sarker (Public Health), Fariha Hussain (Business Admin & Management) and Brianna Cassia (Exercise Science) placed third. The judges awarded Honorable Mention to Paige Haarman (Biomedical Sciences), Maggie Holmes (Pre-OT), Delaney Horan (OT) and Mifta Hassan (Undecided).

A student competitor discusses how a martial arts program could improve activity levels.

A student competitor discusses how a martial arts program could improve activity levels.

Event judges consider a pitch.

The judges consider a pitch

Over 40 undergraduate and graduate students, representing seven different schools and colleges at UB, competed in the Sprint. Thank you to the competitors, and to the panel of judges who generously donated their time to help make the event a success!

Past Innovation Sprints

Contact Us

Jennifer A. Foster, PhD.

Jennifer A. Foster, PhD

Coordinator

Office of Global Health Initiatives

188 Biomedical Education Building

Email: fosterj@buffalo.edu