Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship
High School Program
A unique interdisciplinary program that challenges students to apply STEM and social science concepts to real-world problems.
This immersive 10‑week experience equips high school innovators to build apps and digital tools aimed at tackling challenges they see in their own communities. Whether you care about environmental sustainability, mental health, education, or social justice, you’ll learn how to turn your ideas into action using generative AI.
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Through hands‑on workshops, you’ll master design thinking, user‑centered prototyping, and ethical AI. You’ll code your own app with guidance from industry mentors, collaborate with like‑minded peers, and discover how entrepreneurship can create positive social change. By the end of the program, you’ll showcase a finished prototype and a go‑to‑market pitch, proving that young innovators can build solutions that matter.
Be part of a community that’s shaping the future, one idea at a time.
Key Information
Registration Period
Program Starts
Program Ends
Ends September 30
October 17
December 17
Identifying Social Challenges
Applying Technology & Innovation
Building
Ventures
Program Structure
Week One:
Orientation, Ideation, & Setup
Theme: Students are introduced to generative AI, design thinking, and empathy-driven problem solving. They begin brainstorming venture ideas through interviews, mind-mapping, and exploring existing apps for inspiration.
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Week Three:
User-Centered Design and Component Architecture
Theme: Students develop user personas and journey maps, breaking down their vision into key app components. Paper prototypes evolve through peer feedback to ensure technical feasibility.
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Week Five:
Testing, Iteration, & API Integration
Theme: Teams conduct early user testing and refine their prototypes based on feedback. They begin experimenting with API integration and mapping processes to connect data to functional app components.
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Week Seven:
Marketing, Pitch, & Polish
Theme: The focus shifts to storytelling and digital marketing basics, with students drafting elevator pitches and refining their app messaging. Teams continue improving their prototypes while polishing their value propositions.
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Week Nine:
Peer Review and Capstone Integration
Theme: Teams present their minimum viable products for structured peer review and feedback. They refine prototypes, pitches, and go-to-market plans with mentor support.
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Week Two:
Problem Definition and Low-Fidelity prototyping
Theme: Teams refine their problem statements, identify user needs, and start building a shared design vocabulary. Using paper sketches and diagramming tools, they create initial low-fidelity prototypes.
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Week Four:
Data Interactivity + Go-to-market Foundations
Theme: Students explore open datasets, learn about data constraints, and align datasets with their chosen problems. They also draft the foundations of a go-to-market plan, including target users and value propositions.
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Week Six:
Scalability and Advanced Features
Theme: Students explore how to make their apps scalable and sustainable, addressing growth, technical challenges, and ethics in AI design. They continue building advanced features while updating their go-to-market plans.
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Week Eight:
Business Model and Deployment
Theme: Students learn about business models such as subscriptions, freemium, and social enterprise. They test final usability, debug, and prepare their apps for deployment on hosting platforms.
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Week Ten:
Final Presentations and Reflections
Theme: Students rehearse and deliver their final presentations to peers, mentors, and community leaders. The program concludes with a showcase, celebrating achievements and reflecting on the journey.
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Who Should Enroll?
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High school students curious about how technology and entrepreneurship can shape society.
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Future innovators eager to learn how to turn bold ideas into real solutions.
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Students who want to explore the intersection of research, business, and social impact.
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Problem-solvers ready to collaborate on team projects that mirror startup life.
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Young leaders who want to build a portfolio that showcases creativity, initiative, and vision.
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Anyone excited to experience what it’s like to innovate, pitch, and launch ideas that matter.
Why Enroll
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Learn how entrepreneurs use technology to tackle real-world challenges.
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Gain hands-on experience building projects that blend innovation and social good.
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Work with mentors—including entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders—who guide you through the process of taking an idea from concept to execution.
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Strengthen critical skills in design thinking, research, data, leadership, and communication.
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Build a competitive edge for college applications with a portfolio of entrepreneurial projects.
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Join a community of ambitious peers who, like you, want to invent and lead.
Students who have participated in the institute's programs have gained admissions to programs at leading Universities including:
Pricing
Registration Fee: USD$25 (non-refundable)
Program Tuition: USD$1500
Frequently Asked Questions
For Students
What is the TIE Program?
It’s your chance to step into the world of startups, research, and bold ideas. You’ll learn how to use technology to solve real problems—and then pitch those solutions just like an entrepreneur.
Who can apply?
Any high school student who’s curious, ambitious, and ready to take on challenges. No prior experience required—just creativity and drive.
Why should I apply?
Because this program goes beyond textbooks. You’ll actually build ideas, work with mentors, and get a taste of what it’s like to be an innovator.
Do I need a business idea already?
Not at all. You’ll be guided through brainstorming, designing, and pitching your own ideas as part of the program.
What will I walk away with?
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A portfolio of projects you created.
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Experience working on real-world challenges in a startup-like setting.
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Skills in research, problem-solving, teamwork, and pitching.
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Confidence in your ability to innovate and lead.
How do I apply?
Applications open September 10th. Tell us about what excites you and how you want to make an impact.
For Parents
What is the TIE Program?
Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship (TIE) is a structured program designed to prepare high school students for the future of innovation and leadership. Students explore how technology shapes society while gaining practical entrepreneurial and research skills.
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Who is this program for?
High school students who are motivated, curious, and interested in developing skills that will prepare them for college, careers, and leadership.
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What makes this program unique?
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Students don’t just learn theory, they build and pitch real projects.
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Exposure to mentors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
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A curriculum that combines academic rigor with hands-on entrepreneurship.
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Students gain experiences that strengthen both college applications and career pathways.
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What skills will my child gain?
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Entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving.
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Leadership and teamwork.
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Research, analysis, and communication.
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Presentation and pitching skills.
What is the time commitment?
The program runs for 10 weeks - after school on Wednesday afternoons at 5PM EDT for 1.5 hours and on Saturdays for 2 hours - with a mix of live workshops, team projects, mentorship, and guided independent work.
What outcomes should I expect?
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A portfolio of innovative projects that showcase initiative.
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Real-world entrepreneurial experience.
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Mentorship and networking with experts.
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Academic enrichment that positions students for selective college admissions.
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A grounding in advanced technologies like Generative AI
Is prior experience required?
No. Students are guided through every step, and the program is designed to meet students where they are.
How do we apply?
Applications open September 10, 2025.