Florida International University’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator (RA+DI) has officially selected its 2026/2027 cohort of resident fellows, welcoming a new group of student founders merging design, technology, and entrepreneurship. Among this year’s incubator projects is Social Sieb, an innovative idea by FIU Global Strategic Communications Creative Track graduate student Lena Deininger.
Designed to address feed fatigue and algorithmic triggers, Social Sieb aims to operate as a semantic shield for social media platforms. Unlike traditional blocking tools (for certain accounts) or generic content filters (such as preferred topics), the goal is to detect and filter out specific visual, textual, and contextual triggers allowing users to protect their digital environment without disconnecting from their online communities.
By joining the RA+DI cohort, student entrepreneurs gain access to the dedicated incubator at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus, financial support, legal advisory resources, and strategic mentorship designed to take early-stage intellectual property to market.
“Social media algorithms are made for engagement, which often means prioritizing outrage and graphic content,” says Lena Deininger. “With Social Sieb, I want to give users back power, allowing them to decide what type of content they consume on their feeds. The support from RA+DI provides the exact ecosystem needed to move from an idea to building a prototype.”
Throughout the 2026/2027 fellowship year, Lena will focus on user validation and testing within closed beta groups. If you are interested in learning more or in participating in focus groups, reach out to ldein001@fiu.edu and follow her on LinkedIn.
