The great innovations, the ones that advance humanity, start with people, working together. One great mind meets another, an idea is catalyzed, a leap is taken, and the world changes.
Welcome to WPI
Our goal is to support the culture of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and action at WPI through skill-based workshops, solvathons, guidance, mentorship, competitions, networking opportunities and more. Whether it's an MQP, research in the lab, a hobby project, a venture or nonprofit idea, we're here to help!
Even if an idea seems crazy, we'd love to hear it! All of the greatest innovations, companies and nonprofits in the world started with a crazy idea, a "what if...". Computers, Amazon, and even the concept of the United Nations all seemed crazy, until they became normal. Those crazy ideas started with conversations between tinkerers and idealists. At WPI, those conversations happen every day during class projects, over late night texts, and while at weekend social events. You too can be the next ___ (whoever you look up to). We're here to support you on that journey and tell you that yes, it is possible.
Get in touch with I&E to let us know how we can help you. If you're a faculty member and need assistance promoting an event or using the right channels, let us know and we can help.
Held on campus in the few days before C-Term begins, WinterSession is a 3-day series of workshops and events that give students, alumni, faculty, and staff the chance to explore new topics, develop (or perfect) their skills, and foster new connections in a variety of environments. The 30+ workshops range from How to Give a TED Talk and Personal Finance, to Drone Racing and a robotics competition, to Glass Blowing and Self Defense 101.
StartupTree is WPI's hub for all things I&E! Discover upcoming events, applications and competitions; connect with cofounders and form your team; find mentors, investors, and internships/jobs at startups; and collaborate with entrepreneurial students/alumni across the globe.
Tinkerbox provides seed funding for student-initiated innovation and entrepreneurial ideas, mentoring, and workshops that provide customized “just-in-time” skills to inspire students to bring their high impact ideas to life.
Goat Tank is an 8-week program of hands-on workshops and mentorship starting Weds, Oct 23rd to inspire diverse teams (at least 50% women) to innovate with projects that create societal or WPI community impact. Participants develop confidence, skills, and mindset, while creating value propositions for their projects. It culminates in a “Goat Tank challenge with teams pitching their value proposition and negotiating an “ask” with judges for money, resources, mentorship, etc. (be creative).
Embark on an exciting journey moving your startup, non-profit, or product ideas to the next level.
Embark is a 3-day journey moving your startup, non-profit or product idea to the next level to make a difference in society. Students, faculty and staff engage in fun workshops and mentoring with faculty, alumni experts, and industry specialists.
Summer Experience Grants
The Career Development Center Grants assist undergraduate students in financing unpaid/underpaid summer experiences that are related to their career interests. Grants are given for all types of summer experiences that are career focused, ranging from the corporate world to non-profit; in the U.S. and abroad.
NSF I-Corp at WPI
WPI I-Corp is a several week-long incubator-like program that educates on and provides financial support to teams to complete intensive customer discovery. This aids ventures to define their customer and their needs early in the development process, reducing future pivots which will save the team much time and money.
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 provides advising and networking services to support innovators and entrepreneurs. Advisees: Who are we incubating? Innovators and entrepreneurs who are members of the extended WPI community: alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
IP Protection through WPI
The Office of Technology Transfer at WPI helps innovators investigate the patentability of an invention. WPI will also cover the cost of the patent. It is important to contact the OTC as early as possible after an invention is made and before it is described outside the group of inventors, as there may be substantial consequences in public disclosure for the legal rights involved.
Find out about the successful companies that started in WPI residence halls, classrooms, and labs and read about the people who made it happen. Read more.
research funding (FY 2019)
national average for research universities' invention disclosures and licenses
funds raised for new ventures
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