Designed for collegiate students and recent alums in Boston and beyond, you’ll meet movers and shakers from schools all across the Northeast, be inspired by fabulous speakers, and attend workshops that will help you build the skills you need to succeed – no matter your career goals.
Join us at Boston University on Saturday, October 25, and sign up below to get notified when tickets become available!
Whether you’re interested in technology, business, social impact, or arts and culture, IDEA Con is the perfect place to get inspired. And even better, you’ll learn strategies to harness that inspiration and turn it into something real.
Watch a short recap of 2023's IDEA Con!
Since 2018, IDEA Con has hosted thousands of young innovators from 20+ colleges and universities.
IDEA Con is powered by Boston University’s Innovate@BU, a University-wide initiative to enable all BU Terriers to become drivers of innovation in their own lives, careers, and communities.
Who is Jacob Nyamu? Jacob Nyamu is the founder of Kipekee, an organization dedicated to supporting adults with autism. Kipekee was selected into the Fast Track cohort at Babson College's Arthur M. Blank Center, enabling its community to grow to over 180 members. The program has helped Jacob and his team run bi-weekly support group […]
Who is Rachel Li? Rachel Li is the founder and executive director of Connect+, a platform dedicated to fostering community and storytelling among first-generation immigrants and college students. Rachel's achievements include winning the National Diversity Case Competition, the BU Demo Day Innovation Awards, and being a finalist in the 2024 New Venture Competition. A Journey […]
Who is Morra Aarons-Mele? Morra Aarons-Mele is the author and host of "The Anxious Achiever." She works with leaders and teams to turn their anxieties into their superpower, enabling them to lead at their highest level. Morra’s ongoing work has been recognized by Mental Health America with their Media Award (2023). She is also a […]
Who is Milan Tahliani? Milan Tahliani is the Co-founder and CEO of OpenLake, a data integration platform dedicated to helping businesses achieve data-driven excellence and growth. Having graduated from Boston University in 2024 with a degree in Computer Science, Milan has demonstrated leadership and analytical skills through his approach to data management. OpenLake’s mission: Empower […]
Who is Sandi DeRuntz? Sandi DeRuntz is the CEO and founder of ZipperBuddy, a company dedicated to enhancing clothing accessibility for individuals with mobility differences. Sandi has earned the Contribution to a Healthier Lifestyle award in the Wrist DifferenceMaker $50k Idea Challenge. The Journey of ZipperBuddy ZipperBuddy is a device that transforms traditional zippers into […]
Who is Bella Ramirez? Bella Ramirez is the CEO and founder of Wicked Smaht Comedy LLC (WSC), a company that brings sketch variety shows to life with collegiate talent from the Boston area. The shows not only provide a platform for aspiring comedians, but also donate a percentage of ticket sales to local charities. Bella's […]
We are excited to introduce one of IDEA Con 2024 emcees: Lauren McLeod! Lauren is an entrepreneur and advocate whose insights into health education you won't want to miss. Join us at Boston University on Saturday, October 26, to hear her story! Get your free ticket now Who is Lauren McLeod? Lauren McLeod (Questrom'27) is […]
Great news! 🎉 Tickets for IDEA Con 2024 are now available, and they're free! This is your chance to be part of an incredible event that brings together innovators from over 20 schools across New England. Why You Should Attend IDEA Con isn't just about sitting through talks; it's about connecting with like-minded individuals who […]