Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the painting industry and win $2,000 at the Innov8athon IV: Innov8 Paint! event in the Student Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on this Saturday, Nov. 14.

Blackstone LaunchPad and Sherwin-Williams are working together to organize the event. Participating students will be introduced first to basic painting concepts in a workshop and then have the opportunity to test out different types of equipment, ranging from painting supplies and drywall, to microprocessors. 

“For centuries, we have painted with what some refer to as ‘pig hair on a stick,’” said Victoria Scarborough, program director for external technology at Sherwin-Williams, according to a press release by Kent State. “Painting is a messy and time-consuming process from preparation to clean up. We are looking for creativity and collaboration to discover new processes and ideas for the painting industry.”

Students can take part in the event by themselves or create a team to compete. Participants will be challenged to come up with business ideas, apps, creative designs and any other forms to present an alternative plan for the painting industry.

Every student who attends will receive a $25 Visa gift card for participating. The winner of the competition will also be awarded a $2,000 prize and the best ideas could be translated into future Sherwin-Williams products.

For details about Innov8athon and to register, visit http://www.innov8athon.com/. For more information about Blackstone LaunchPad and the services they offer, visit http://www.kent.edu/blackstonelaunchpad.

Bruno Beidacki is the actvities reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].