Trine Hosting Innovation Challenge

Last year's business category winner Luke Summer tells former Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann about his concept.

Trine University will play host Friday to the third annual Innovation Challenge. Students and residents from Indiana, Michigan and Ohio will showcase new concepts in technology and business in hopes of winning cash prizes funded by Fifth Third Bank.

Some of the technology concepts that will be on display include glasses that vibrate to signal someone with a visual impairment when an object is near, a locking system for classroom doors in a school shooter situation and sensors that could automatically detect and identify vehicles involved in a hit and run.

The challenge will also feature business concepts on display, such as a new a new software application for tracking sports statistics and a web-based tool to tailor school assignments to individual children.

First place winners will receive $2,500 with second place taking home $1,000 and third place earning $500. Prizes will also be given for Best High School Entry, Best University Entry and Best Community Entry.

The public innovation expo will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and admission is free. The winners and prizes will be awarded at 6:30 p.m.