WPI's Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center supports the culture of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and action at WPI through skill-based workshops, seed funding, mentorship, innovation challenges, networking opportunities, hands-on projects, and more. Whether it's a student IQP, MQP, ISP, graduate research, a hobby project, a venture, or nonprofit idea, we're here to help support the development of your idea and turn it into reality for the greater good of our local and global communities.
All the greatest innovations, companies, and nonprofits in the world started with an idea, a conversation between tinkerers and idealists, or even a "what if..." to solve real-world problems. At WPI, those conversations happen every day during hands-on projects in class, over late-night texts, and while at weekend social events. Get in touch with I&E to let us know how we can assist. If you're a faculty member and need assistance promoting an event or using the right channels, let us know and we can help.
Tinkerbox
WPI Tinkerbox provides seed funding for WPI student-initiated innovation and entrepreneurship ideas (MQPs, graduate research and similar projects may also qualify). Grant recipients will have access to mentors, workshops that will provide customized “just-in-time” skills and events.
WPI’s Mentors in Residence program connects aspiring entrepreneurs with accomplished and recognized mentors who are committed to offering guidance and sharing their expertise.
One of the cornerstones of the innovation ecosystem at WPI is the Tech Advisors Network (TAN), essentially a virtual incubator that launched in 2012. The Tech Advisors Network has engaged with entrepreneurs on various new products, such as a smartphone application that prevents texting and driving, an online educational tool for middle school science, and a video monitoring system.
Our I&E programs are intentionally developed to inspire nnovation that will lead into building foundational skills for our students to help elevate their ideas to solve real world problems.
The Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDigi), the award-winning center for academic cooperation, entrepreneurship, and economic development across the Massachusetts video games ecosystem, will move to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) this summer, MassDigi and WPI announced.
Innovators aren’t successful because they come up with new ideas; they’re successful because they’ve learned how to identify problems and pioneer high-impact solutions to real problems. In short, they create value—something that brings needed change in society. WPI prides itself on teamwork and collaboration, breaking down silos and barriers to move forward the great ideas that will make a positive impact in the world.
This event celebrates successes from three students and one alumni who have benefited from WPI's ecosystem for impact makers and value creators, including the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) and the Curtis and Dudley Carlson Value Creation Initiative.
Watch the recorded virtual event here:
The NEW MakerBucks program helps students to 'Go and Try' their hands at a prototyping machine in our Innovation Studio Makerspace to build hardware and software prototypes. Students are given $100 to purchase project supplies and taught how to use our machines including the 3D printers and laser cutters in our prototyping lab as well as utilizing resources and tools to bring their ideas to life.
For questions and inquiries about the program, please contact Mitra Anand at mvanand@wpi.edu
WPI's Seaport location offers convenient space that accommodates tech suites, meeting areas, open-concept spaces, and working spaces. Located in Boston's Innovation District, this space can be used as a workplace, classroom, meeting, event or innovative collaboration.
Are you interested in how the I&E Center can coach you in innovation strategies, best practices, and how to move forward? Get in touch with us to find out.
of 25 Private Colleges Where Graduates Go on to Earn the Most Money
most innovative schools
U.S. News & World Report (2021)
in funds raised for WPI startups
research funding through OSP (FY 2020)
