The second annual Innovation Week started Monday with as many as four events planned each day. Events will be held from today
to Thursday and will be centered around the theme “discover, be inspired, play and connect.” Innovation week, hosted by UF’s Innovation Academy, connects students with businesses and entrepreneurs, said Xavier Richardson, an IA academic adviser.
“This week is really dedicated to Gators celebrating in the innovative spirit,” Richardson said. All events are free for anyone attending, he said.
Last Spring, there were 18 events, while this year there are 32 events, with 21 being held after Monday.
“We are really proud this year,” he said. “Last year we started with humble beginnings.” Richardson said the week also includes four speakers every night. The speakers will talk at different places on campus from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, today to Thursday.
On Monday, Charlotte Kesl, a coordinator for 352Creates, a UF Health community initiative combining arts and medicine, spoke with students outside of the Reitz Union. Kesl told students about the organization while they drew colorful drawings of mandalas on white paper.
“We are just encouraging people to have a moment of creativity,” Kesl said. “We have a lot of similar ideas related to the Innovation Academy and Innovation Week. So today we are supporting it.”
