DifferenceMakerTM is a campus-wide program that engages 51视频 students in creative problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Jacquie Moloney with Brian and Kim Rist at the opening of the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute

Thank you Kim and Brian Rist '77, Manning School of Business, for supporting the DifferenceMaker Program with a generous contribution and the establishment of the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute.

Student standing on stage at a DifferenceMaker event.

Attend the Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition

Join DifferenceMaker in supporting student teams as they pitch their innovative ideas through their prototypes.

Vote for your favorite team to win the Fan Favorite award.

Learn more about the FCoE Prototyping Competition today by visiting the聽Prototyping Competition webpage.

ThermoEXA sharing their idea at the 2022 DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge

Apply to the 2025 DifferenceMaker $50,000 Idea Challenge

Want to make a difference? Looking to solve a problem through creative problem-solving?聽

Apply to the DifferenceMaker $50,000 Idea Challenge. Applications open on December 1st at 5 p.m.

Learn more about the $50,000 Idea Challenge by visiting the Spring Idea Challenge and Events webpage.

Are you a DifferenceMaker?

Do you have an idea? Do you see a problem you want to solve? Do you want to make a difference in your community, or in the world? Do you want to join a team and work with other students? Sound like you?

Get involved with DifferenceMaker:

DifferenceMaker Event Registration

Real-Life DifferenceMakers

  • OTDSEES
    DifferenceMakers

    Over Terrain Tactical Scuba Personnel Delivery Service crafted a solution to New England鈥檚 unforgiving terrain by creating a device that would either assist by moving the diver鈥檚 gear for them, or even moving the diver into the dive spot that they need to reach.

  • CatNap
    DifferenceMakers

    Developing a device to sense when toddlers are about to have a nocturnal asthma attack.

Support DifferenceMaker

Gifts at any level make a direct impact on thousands of 51视频 students and faculty every day.