Engage in discussions with tech leaders in AI, healthcare, and neuroscience; connect with political influencers; and celebrate the launch of xFoundry@UMD. Explore the new programs at xFoundry@UMD and hear about the grand challenge topic we're targeting for our first competition, and vote on the topic for our second. Food and drinks will be provided.

For students enrolled in the 2025 Xperience cohort – head over to the IDEA Factory for the Xperience Retreat to launch the program. Connect with fellow participants and get a sneak peek into the transformative journey ahead. Dive into a vibrant atmosphere of community building and anticipation as we kickstart the Xperience adventure together.

Hear from two industry experts as they pitch their respective topics and engage in a Q&A session.Cast your vote for which topic will be the center focus as our Xperience teams develop solutions for our first competition launching in the spring. At the end, enjoy free pizza!

Domain 1: Health | Topic: Chronic care management

Domain 2: Society  |  Topic: School safety

Calling all architecture students! Compete to design the structure for a living canopy that will be installed on the Ortanez Family Terrace at the E. A. Fernandez IDEA Factory. Teams will have 4 hours to design and pitch their structure to a panel of judges. The winning team's design will move forward and members will receive a $1,500 grand prize.