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Innovation & Entrepreneurship -
The Discoverers and Builders

For those seeking to drive meaningful change through building or applied research 

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Innovation Lies at the heart of creating impactful solutions that address complex challenges across sectors

Innovation students engage deeply with research and experimentation, collaborating with entrepreneurs and public sector practitioners to translate cutting-edge concepts into practical applications, which is why innovation and entrepreneurship sit alongside each other in this program. Students who are focused on innovation seek answers to questions like: How can emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence drive significant improvements in healthcare or education? In what ways can AI tools be harnessed by startups to enhance productivity or other outcomes of interest? How can governments use data from micro digital tools to design more effective public policies? What role do new technologies play in improving sustainability or social equity? These are the types of questions that drive innovators, as they uncover insights that lead to actionable and transformative change. 

 

The final product for those pursuing innovation could range from case studies and policy briefs to white papers or strategic frameworks, all aimed at informing and shaping future solutions. This track offers a unique space for students to explore the intersection of technology, society, and public policy, positioning them to make a lasting impact through novel approaches to old and emerging problems.

The three tenets that drive Innovation in this program

Collaboration
Ideation
Value Creation

Great Innovators of our time and their significant contributions to society

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Sir Tim Berners Lee

Inventor of the Internet

Dr. Patricia Bath

Invented new device and techniques to remove cataracts

Nikola Tesla

Pioneered the use of alternating current (AC) electricity

Grace Hopper

Revolutionizing computer programming and co-inventor of COBOL

Entrepreneurs bring new ideas to life through ventures that drive economic and social progress

Students who are interested in entrepreneurship are motivated by building new products and solutions, or establishing new business models that disrupt existing industries. Venture builders must first navigate what is often a grueling startup phase, exploring what strategies can be used to scale rapidly in a competitive market , while asking questions like how can founders secure funding and build teams to bring their vision to fruition? But before even getting to these questions, entrepreneurs must develop their ideas, conduct market research to validate their concepts, and build prototypes. These are just a few of the challenges that aspiring entrepreneurs seek to address to turn their ideas into tangible solutions that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives. Entrepreneurship students will gain hands-on experience in idea exploration and prototyping, business development, risk management, and development strategies, with an emphasis on real-world application.

 

The final product for those exploring entrepreneurship could be a comprehensive business plan, pitch deck, prototype, or the launch of an actual startup venture, social program targeting a specific community challenge, or a non-profit organization, depending on the student's vision and ambition. This track encourages collaboration with innovators and researchers, fostering a dynamic environment where creativity and practical execution intersect to spark the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.

The three tenets that drive Entrepreneurship

Partnerships
Innovation
Transformation

Great Entrepreneurs of our time and their significant contributions to society

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Oprah Winfrey

Multimedia Mogul

Steve Jobs

Co-founder of Apple, Inc. 

Jeff Bezos

Founder of Amazon

Mukesh Ambani

Business Magnate and Chair of Reliance Industires

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Track FAQs

Can I apply as a team to the the Innovation & Entrepreneurship track?

Yes, you may! Teams of two or more who are interested in the same innovation topics or would like to work on a venture, social program, or non-profit together may apply to the program, though each individual must apply and be admitted separately. Please indicate that you are applying as a team on the program's application and identify your teammates. 

I have an idea and looking for a co-founder. Can the program help?

Yes. In fact, we allow students to apply to the program as "free agents," meaning they can join other students or teams if their interests are mutually aligned. Once admitted, students will have the opportunity to present their ideas and meet with free agents to see if they are compatible

Ready to Apply?

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