Lindsay Cotner
Marc Molea Student Innovation Award 2026
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University

This award highlights innovative products, services, programs, technologies, and designs conceived by students that promote the well-being and quality of life of older persons. Entries may range from well-thought-out ideas that are on the drawing board to developed products, programs, and services that are in use today. Past winning and honorable mention submissions include: Resident Mental Health Tracker, CaringWire Digital Caregiver Assistant; Intergenerational Book Club; Incontinence underwear with built-in UTI indicator; and Pets and Older Adults Program.

Eligibility criteria:
Nominations must be made by an OAGE member. Submit an online nomination with:

All students, including those from non-aging focused majors such as engineering, business, architecture, communications, and the fine arts are encouraged to submit an entry for consideration.
Students are strongly recommended to register for the annual conference.
Students must be the lead author. If a student co-authors with another student(s), only the lead author will be considered for the cash award, but all co-authors will be provided a certificate.
Submission Process:
Submit an online application with:

A no more than three-page (double-spaced) proposal that includes a problem statement, landscape analysis, and a description of the product, service, program, or design.
If available, students may submit a picture or diagram, a business plan, or a video.
Nature of Awards:

The awardee receives a certificate and a cash award.
The awardee is recognized at the annual conference.