Tiger Collective: News from NTID and President Solomon
May 2026

Outreach Consortium

Charles McFadden

Seven student teams brought innovation, creativity, and serious entrepreneurial energy to the forefront at this year’s Next Big Idea competition, and we are proud of each of them for stepping up and sharing their vision.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

First Place: EmberBlock – Marden Kowalczyk and Luca-Bella White
Second Place: TigerDash – Rebecca McGregor, Oliver McKown, and Lexi Banks
Third Place: Verdict – Danik Soudakoff and Isabella Terzoli

EmberBlock is a portable, all in one, zero-waste fire system that reimagines how fires are started and maintained. Made from natural, recycled materials, EmberBlock combines ignition and long lasting fuel into a compact, modular design. With customizable burn times and easy portability, EmberBlock offers a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally responsible fire experience for modern outdoor and recreational users.

TigerDash enhances campus accessibility by optimizing RIT’s dining infrastructure through a reliable, student-led delivery network. Built as a specialized delivery layer within the existing Order Ahead platform, TigerDash addresses last-mile delivery challenges while creating student employment opportunities. By leveraging existing campus resources, TigerDash delivers greater convenience and equity for students, staff, and faculty across the RIT community.

VERDICT is an accessible legal dictionary platform designed to support Deaf consumers, Deaf and hearing interpreters, and Deaf professionals. The platform addresses gaps in legal terminology by providing clear, accessible resources to improve understanding of complex criminal justice concepts. VERDICT also supports continuing professional development through legal workshops and CEU granting opportunities, strengthening access and equity within the legal system.

Congratulations to all competing teams: NeuraDorm, Luna et Stella, RocReach, and Look & Link, for making this an inspiring night of ideas in action.

A special thank you to ZP Better Together for sponsoring this event and supporting the next generation of innovators.

A four-panel collage showing student winners of the "Next Big Idea" competition at RIT. Top-left: Two students from team "EmberBlock" hold large ceremonial checks for $3,000 and $2,000 alongside competition officials. Top-right: The same students present their product on stage with a cardboard campfire prop. Bottom-left: Three students from team "TigerDash" hold checks for $2,000 and $1,000. Bottom-right: Two students from team "Verdict" hold checks for $1,500 and $500.