Idea to impact: Change the World 2024 champions student innovators

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Change the World at Arizona State University serves as a platform to explore the profound question: 'How can I change the world?' It offers motivated students an invaluable opportunity to showcase their accomplishments within the vibrant Sun Devil community, presenting not only a chance to compete for prize money but also to forge vital industry connections.

“By embracing the belief that everyone possesses the capacity to enact meaningful change, the Change the World showcase transcends disciplinary boundaries, welcoming submissions across multiple presentation modes, from art to pitch, performance to exhibit,”Dr. Jen O’Brien, ASU Director of Strategic Initiatives, said.

“No matter which mode a student chooses to present in, students are empowered to channel their passion into tangible solutions for pressing global challenges, reinforcing ASU's commitment to fostering  impactful engagement within the ASU community and beyond,” Dr. O'Brien added.

Art is a powerful force, and as such, is an included category in Change the World. Any artists, from videographers to designers to painters, are encouraged to submit their projects for consideration. 

For students with a revolutionary idea “in education, sustainability, business, engineering, healthcare, law or policy,” the pitch category is for you. Register here to present your idea in a professional setting surrounded by fellow trailblazing Sun Devils. 

Sun Devils who are changing the world through music, dance, poetry or the spoken word are encouraged to perform their work live at Mountain America Stadium alongside peers who are working on the next worldwide initiative.

Max Bregman, a fourth-year Sun Devil studying business data analytics and real estate at the W. P. Carey School of Business, was a Change the World winner who has now gone on to secure his place on the AZ Inno Under 25 list for 2023. 

Before the competition, Bregman and his team applied for a grant through Changemaker to help fund their pursuits. At Change the World, they completed their five-minute pitch and were selected as winners in 2023. 

“Programs like Change the World are great,” Bregman said. “As a student, it is always good to pitch your idea and get experience learning about what works well and what doesn’t work well. It is lower stakes before you go to a larger investor that could help boost your company further.” 

As Max Bregman nears the completion of his degree at ASU, his dedication extends beyond academia as he continues to nurture his brainchild, BreatheEV. This innovative venture focuses on developing software solutions for electric vehicle charging, offering residents the flexibility to charge at their convenience. Bregman's commitment not only addresses the pressing need for accessible charging infrastructure but has also garnered significant recognition, with BreatheEV securing various awards and earning a notable feature in the pages of the Wall Street Journal. 

While Bregman is just one of the many students who have participated in Change the World at ASU, he is a great model for future opportunities that can emerge from Sun Devil involvement. 

Jason Marmon is a master’s student pursuing concurrent degrees in innovation and venture development at the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and applied sustainability solutions at the College of Global Futures. Currently, Marmon is involved with Change the World as a member of their pitch committee. 

“Change the World is about hearing what other people’s ideas of changing the world are, whether that is pitching, art, exhibits or performances,” Marmon said. “There are a lot of different opportunities to express yourself, and the way I express myself for Change the World is not necessarily what most people do.”

Last year, Marmom pitched his idea before the panel. After participating, Marmom feels he has learned a lot about the process. 

“My pitch was off last year,” Marmon said. “That is kind of the point of events like this. You get out there and pitch what you care about, so you can get feedback and make it better.” 

Change the World is not simply an event for undergraduates. All students are encouraged to apply, as active participation gives students the chance to be recognized for their work. 

“I would encourage ASU students, whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, to get involved and practice,” Marmon said. “You are going to need that practice once you get into the real world.” 

Not only do students receive practice pitching their concepts, but Change the World introduces Sun Devils to further opportunities for growth and success at ASU. 

“ASU has been super supportive of my entrepreneurial journey,” Bregman said. “Whether it be getting credit for the startup that I’m working on or going to speak to classes to inspire other students. I am excited to see ASU continue to be number one in innovation in a lot of ways.”