C3 Innovation

C3 Innovation C3 Innovation Subscribe on LinkedIn Follow Us on Instagram About C3 Innovation C3 Innovation is a hub of multidisciplinary collaboration that connects students, faculty, and the community to push the boundaries of discovery and practice. The outcomes of these collaborative efforts span community projects, learning modules, events, and traditional research. Located at the Kraemer Family Library in the heart of the UCCS campus, we empower participants to solve real-world challenges and drive growth in sectors like AI/cybersecurity, space, healthcare, the arts, and beyond. Press Releases and Updates Upcoming Events and Activities Register for the Space ISAC event (4/24)-- UCCS Students Only Register for AI "Spring Training" for K12 (4/25) WiCyS and ISSA Women in Security Meetup (4/25) Share Your Story on our YouTube and Radio Show (Interviews) Featured Programs and Projects Faculty Fellowship “The C3 Faculty Fellows are showing what it means for UCCS to act as an innovation-driven public university,” said Seth M. Porter, Ph.D, Dean of the Kraemer Family Library and Chief Innovation Officer in C3. “This first cohort is working on projects as varied as mapping assets with Southeast Colorado Springs to spark grassroots entrepreneurship, designing energy-efficient quantum AI models and helping students build resilience through life-design tools.” Student Fellowship Applications are open for the 2026-2027 Student Cohort! This program will provide mentorship, community, and applied experiences in research, innovation, and project management. Each student fellow will receive $3,000 towards their educational goals, a Certificate of Completion, a Skill Badge, and recognition for completing their project at the C3 Innovation Showcase. Community & Industry Collaboration The first C3 Innovation App Design Workshop delivered an inspiring look into the potential of community-based creativity. The special event, brought to life by Ben Kwitek, Ph.D., (Director of Innovation, Inventor-in-Residence and co-founder of C3 Innovation), aimed to solve a pressing challenge: how can UCCS and the Colorado Springs community better connect to develop ideas, submit proposals and collaborate on projects? Growing Partnerships “Innovators do not wait for permission – they invent and create the future they want to see,” said Kwitek. “Invention and entrepreneurship have shaped my life. As a professor of innovation, I see firsthand how traditional degrees and established careers are outmoded. Students want to customize their education and build a bespoke life for themselves. Innovation is the gateway to these goals.” Events and Speaker Spotlights Sparking innovation requires a flow of ideas, perspectives, and conversations into the community. We invite speakers and host events for the C3 participants and broader community. Curiosity, Creativity, and Community. At UCCS, innovation is at the core of everything we do, driving us to think outside the box every day. Across all programs, academic disciplines, and new collaborations, we embrace an innovative approach to succeed, create, and transform. This commitment inspired the creation of C3 Innovation, which stands for Curiosity, Creativity, and Community —the essential elements for solving problems and delivering impactful solutions. Through hands-on projects and meaningful collaborations, we believe anything is possible. Share your story with us C3 Innovation Fund Gifts to C3 Innovation help support initiatives for the C3 Innovation. Support C3 Innovation "The C3 Faculty Fellows are showing what it means for UCCS to act as an innovation-driven public university. Each effort takes research and turns it outward, connecting scholarship with real problems and real people." - Seth M. Porter, Ph.D Dean of the Kraemer Family Library and Chief Innovation Officer. "As you walk around campus, it’s easy to see that students are not engaging with each other regularly. Creating a welcoming and friendly environment will make students want to stay because a sterile one does not create community. Currently, I have three ideas in mind to contribute to enhancing the culture around human connections on campus to promote student success. The first is the 'Hello Habit,' the second is 'Shuttle Shenanigans,' and lastly 'Meaningful Mentors' all aimed at encouraging students to be on campus and creating a connection with another student." - Patricia Witkowsky College of Education "I am working on a project to develop, design, and produce a health promotion-oriented card game to pre-school through 1st grade aged kiddos in community settings (think schools, libraries, and community centers). I've worked with health promotion students to create content that goes on cards, and now look to engage folks (ideally students or classes) in the design program to assist with creating better designs and images for the game." - Joey Lee Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences "I am excited for the opportunity to turn an idea I've have had for long time into something real and meaningful. I hope to use this program to make a positive impact." - Lily Student Fellowship Applicant News Feed Loading Event List... UCCS Stories Contact and Learn More If you'd like to learn more about the C3 Innovation and the exciting work happening, reach out to Ben Kwitek at bkwitek@uccs.edu or Seth Porter at sporter9@uccs.edu. Top