What do a smart pet door, a lunar trencher, and a portable high-speed surgical drill for underserved populations have in common? They’re among the hundreds of life-improving undergraduate student projects on display at Michigan Technological University’s 20th annual — and first virtual — Design Expo 2020 on Thursday, Apr. 16.

Design Expo has always been open to the public. “Now that it will be held online, I’m glad it will be much more accessible for others to share,” said Janet Callahan, dean of the MTU College of Engineering. “This year, visitors to Design Expo can vote on their favorite projects, too, via text message.”

“We invite all current and future students, families of students, alumni, K-12 teachers and their students, anyone and everyone — to please join us, and spread the word.”

The annual Enterprise and Senior Design project showcase puts undergraduate student innovators and their corporate and faculty sponsors front and center. Every year, teams solve complex, real-world and life-changing challenges in a competition featuring thousands of dollars in awards and priceless recognition. Sign up, and show up, to tour the virtual gallery open to the public. Register for opening remarks, and be there for the first-ever Design Expo live awards ceremony.

Get more details in “MTU Design Expo Unveils Student Innovations” on Michigan Tech News.

You can register at mtu.edu/expo and here are event contacts for before, during, or after the event if you’re interested in interviews or video footage. The awards ceremony will also be streamed live on Michigan Tech Facebook