Zillion Solutions
What is Zillion Solutions?
Do you have a solution to a problem? Zillion Solutions is a campuswide competition in which graduate, undergraduate, and dual-enrolled students of all majors (including undecided students), as well as Genesee County high school students, create a short video or slide deck describing their unique idea for a new product or service that solves a problem.
Entering takes little time; investing a couple of minutes now can win you up to $4,250! The video can be a two-minute or less selfie. The slide deck should be five or fewer slides. Just follow the submission template.
Why Participate?
- Prize pool of $13,875+ across approximately 40 awards.
- Add a great line to your resume.
- Network and meet other entrepreneurs in UM-Flint and the Flint community.
The Hagerman Center is excited to award dozens of prizes ranging from $75 to $3000 to UM-Flint students for the 2026-27 academic year!
To get your idea off the ground, 100K Ideas will give all participants extensive free help, normally costing $200.
“It’s a really valuable experience because it gives you a chance to take an idea out of your head and put it into the world. You’re not just thinking about solutions, you’re actively shaping and communicating them.”
– Jennifer Christel, 2025-26 Competition Finalist and First Runner Up
Thank you to the C.S. Mott Foundation for sponsoring Zillion Solutions!
Awards Breakdown
High School Honorable Mention Awards
Seven students from the high school division will each receive a $75 prize in recognition of their efforts. Honorable Mention recipients are acknowledged for their hard work and are not required to take any further action in the competition.
Semifinalist Awards
There will be a minimum of three semifinalists from each UM-Flint school/college and the high school division who will win a $200 prize. These individuals will be in the running to be the finalist and represent their school/college during the university wide awards.
Finalists Awards
At least one student or team from each UM-Flint school/college (e.g., College of Innovation and Technology, School of Nursing, School of Management, etc.), as well as Genesee County high schools or dual enrolled students is guaranteed to be one of ten finalists and win $300.
- $300 | College of Arts, Sciences & Education – (e.g., Arts; Behavioral Sciences; Education; Language/Communication; Social Sciences/Humanities, etc.)
- $300 | College of Health Sciences – (e.g., Social Work; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy, etc.)
- $300 | College of Innovation and Technology– (e.g., Computer Sciences; Engineering; Physics, etc.)
- $300 | School of Management
- $300 | School of Nursing
- $300 | Genesee County High Schools & Dual Enrolled Programs
*The judges will select four additional teams from any division as finalists.
University Wide Awards
The ten students or teams will then compete for thousands of dollars. One student/student team can win $4,250!
- $3,000 – Grand Prize
- $2,000 – First Runner up
- $1000 – Second Runner up
- $750 – Fan Favorite Award
All prizes are subject to financial aid requirements, and awards may be in the form of an all-purpose Amazon gift card. The winners must be enrolled in either summer 2026, fall 2026, or winter 2027 semesters, or be a current high school student.
Important Dates
- Final Submission deadline: Feb. 25, 2027
- Announce Semifinalist winners: March 11, 2027
- Announce Finalist winners: March 25, 2027
- Zillion Solutions Award Ceremony: April 7, 2027 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Riverfront Conference Center. RSVP.
Submissions
General Rules & Information
- You can submit either:
- a quick two minute or less video or,
- a short five slide or fewer PowerPoint, the PowerPoint does not need to include voice over.
- Each team must include one or more students enrolled at UM-Flint during summer 2026, fall 2026, or winter 2027 semesters, or a current high school student. No limit on group size or interdisciplinary collaborations.
- UM-Flint students (but not others) may be on more than one team. However, if a student is on more than one team that makes it to the finals, s/he will have to choose one team with which to continue the competition.
- The solution must be a product or service. The exact product or service can’t already exist. It can, however,
- be a minor modification to an existing product or service, if the modification more effectively solves a problem.
- be unique within a specific geographic area (e.g., Flint) where it is currently unavailable, even if it already exists in other areas.
Judging Criteria
- The solution clearly solves a problem
- Provides a clear benefit over current competition/alternative and is creative
- Creative approach to an idea
Submission Format & Guidelines
- The selfie video must be less than two minutes or the slide deck must be five or fewer slides. Submitters who used slides and made it to the semifinals will need to replace the PowerPoint with a video. Videos should use an MP4 format.
- The suggested video/slide structure is below and on the submission template. Just follow along!
- Introduce yourself: name(s), category (e.g., School of Management, College of Arts, Sciences and Education, etc.), class rank, (e.g., freshman, senior, master’s student, etc.), and existing solutions that are similar to your idea.
- Explain your solution! What is the problem you are trying to solve, and how will your solution, idea, or innovation solve it?
- What are your goals?
Zillion Solutions FAQs
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes, there is no limit. You can increase your chances of winning by submitting as many ideas as you can think of.
Will the Hagerman Center help me launch my idea?
Absolutely! One of the main goals of the Hagerman Center is to connect you with advisory organizations that can help you go from an idea to a profitable business. In fact, free of charge, a local partner will help you take the next steps to launch your idea by providing invaluable suggestions. Select yes to “Would you like to be contacted regarding other resources, including competitions, to help you pursue this or other entrepreneurial ideas?” when submitting your Zillion Solutions idea. Also, consider taking EIM 240, Introduction to Entrepreneurship. The course is open to students from all disciplines with at least sophomore standing.
Will the Hagerman Center help me protect my idea?
Yes! Anyone from the Hagerman Center who views or judges your entry to determine whether it makes it to the finals signs a confidentiality agreement. If you make it to the finals, we will provide information suggesting easy ways to help protect your ideas.
I hate seeing myself on video; is there a way to avoid this?
Yes! Just use a slide deck (e.g., PowerPoint). It should be no more than five slides and very simple. It DOES NOT need to include a voice-over. Last year, many finalists used PowerPoint.
Can I use the prize money however I want?
Yes! However, we strongly encourage you to use the winnings to start the venture. After all, if your idea is promising enough to win, why not try to parlay your winnings into hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars? All prizes are subject to financial aid requirements and awards may be in the form of an all-purpose Amazon gift card.
What are the relevant dates?
- Fall Semester Submission Drawing: Submissions made between Aug. 24 and Dec. 12, 2026 will be eligible for a gift card drawing, with two winners each receiving $100.
- Final Submission deadline: Feb. 25, 2027
- Announce Semifinalist winners: March 11, 2027
- Announce Finalist winners: March 25, 2027
- Zillion Solutions Award Ceremony: April 7, 2027 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Riverfront Conference Center. RSVP.
Who is eligible?
All UM-Flint students, including undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students, as well as Genesee County high school students, who are enrolled during the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Winter 2027 semester. In addition, each team can have non-UM-Flint students, including alumni, but must include at least one UM-Flint student.
I graduate before winter semester, can I still submit my idea?
Yes! If you are an undergraduate, master’s or Ph.D. student enrolled during summer 2026, fall 2026, or winter 2027 semester you are eligible to participate in Zillion Solutions, even if you have already graduated.
How many/few members can be on a team?
Teams may be any size, including teams of one person.
Can I be on more than one team?
Yes! UM-Flint and high school students may choose to be on more than one team. However, if more than one of their teams makes it to the finals, the students will have to choose which team they will stay on.
Can I submit more than one video?
We strongly encourage it! Why not double, triple, or even quadruple your chances of winning?
What if my team contains members from more than one school/college within UM-Flint?
On the submission form, checkboxes for each school or college that you have members in.
What if I am an undecided major?
Take your best guess as to what you think you might major in, and check the most appropriate box.
Have a question that wasn’t mentioned? Email us at hagermancenter@umich.edu for help!
Interested in Entrepreneurship?
Take Introduction to Entrepreneurship: EIM240! Learn how to make more money pursuing your passion. With the permission of the major department, any student enrolled in undergraduate academic programs other than those of SOM may complete the Entrepreneurship minor.