Bowdoin’s First Social Innovation Week: Empowering Entrepreneurship for the Greater Good

Last week, Bowdoin College’s McKeen Center for the Common Good hosted its inaugural Social Innovation Week. This exciting event brought together global social impact projects and on-campus activities to highlight the power of entrepreneurship in creating positive change in communities.

Social Innovation, a concept that emerged in the 1960s, encompasses any projects or initiatives aimed at addressing social issues within communities. From promoting mobile banking in India to renewable power projects worldwide, these initiatives strive to find innovative solutions to pressing problems.

According to Moana Gregori, one of the organizers of the week, social innovation allows us to identify gaps in our systems and improve upon existing structures. It provides an opportunity to think creatively and find alternative ways to solve problems.

Throughout the week, various events focused on the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact. Attendees enjoyed a screening of the thought-provoking documentary ‘One Dollar a Day,’ explored the Solutions Exhibition, participated in a case competition with the Bowdoin Consulting Club, and engaged in an impact fire with the Bowdoin Outing Club.

The organizers, Gregori and Sunny Das, aimed to reach students who may not typically engage with the McKeen Center. They wanted to tap into the interest and potential of individuals who may be passionate about social innovation but have yet to explore it fully.

The inspiration for Social Innovation Week came to Gregori after attending a startup summit during her internship in Austria. The summit showcased numerous social impact projects, many of which were featured in the on-campus Solutions Exhibition. This exhibition allowed viewers to learn about and take home ideas for their own social innovation endeavors.

The Solutions Exhibition, originally created by Snowball Effect, focuses on the impact of social innovations at the local level. It has gained popularity in Europe and Africa, with over 1,400 participants. This year marked the first time the exhibition was held in the United States, showcasing both global initiatives and the projects of six Bowdoin students who have made significant contributions to their communities.

Tej Dhingra, a Bowdoin student, was among the showcased innovators. He founded TAJ, a business that creates athletic turbans to help Sikhs feel more comfortable while playing sports. Dhingra expressed his surprise at the number of meaningful projects his fellow students were involved in and appreciated the opportunity to share and discuss their work.

The Solutions Exhibition also encouraged attendees to contribute their own ideas for social innovation on a sticky note board. Suggestions ranged from revitalizing post-industrial towns with green manufacturing to creating gap-year programs for students with learning differences to build confidence.

Gregori and Das hope that the success of Social Innovation Week will inspire future events and continue to foster an entrepreneurial spirit at Bowdoin. They believe that the college provides a supportive environment for students to pursue their ideas and access funding and resources.

While new social innovations are crucial, Gregori and Das also emphasized the importance of recognizing existing solutions and adapting them to meet specific needs. By leveraging what already works, individuals can make a significant impact on social issues.

Following the positive response to this year’s programming, Gregori and Das are eager to host another Social Innovation Week in the future. They look forward to expanding the range of events and engaging with the Bowdoin community to create lasting change.

In conclusion, Bowdoin’s first Social Innovation Week showcased the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in addressing social issues. Through a series of engaging events, students were inspired to think creatively and explore ways to make a positive impact in their communities. By fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and highlighting existing solutions, Bowdoin College is empowering students to become agents of change for the greater good.