Innovation & Entrepreneurship

WPI's Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center supports the culture of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and action at WPI through skill-based workshops, solvathons, guidance, mentorship, competitions, networking opportunities, hands-on projects, and more. Whether it's a student MQP, faculty research in the lab, a hobby project, a venture, or nonprofit idea, we're here to help.

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

https://www.wpi.edu/about/innovation-entrepreneurship/programs/tinkerbox

Mentors in Residence

https://www.wpi.edu/about/innovation-entrepreneurship/programs/mentors-in-reside...

Tech Advisors Network

https://www.wpi.edu/about/innovation-entrepreneurship/programs/tech-advisors-net...

Makerspace

https://www.wpi.edu/about/innovation-entrepreneurship/programs/makerspace

WinterSession

https://www.wpi.edu/about/innovation-entrepreneurship/programs/wintersession

Embark

https://www.wpi.edu/about/innovation-entrepreneurship/programs/embark

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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:

Innovation for Impact Introduction

Innovation for Impact Student Panel

Interested in building a new product or have an idea for an innovative technology?

The NEW MakerBucks program helps students to 'Go and Try' their hands at a prototyping machine in our Foisie 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

Learn more and apply here

Learn more about Makerspace

Programs

Program type: Inspire

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.

Find out more!

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Program type: Build

WPI’s Mentors in Residence program connects aspiring entrepreneurs with accomplished and recognized mentors who are committed to offering guidance and sharing their expertise.

Find out more!

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Program Type: Elevate

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.

Find out more!

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Programs Overview

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.

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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.

Learn more

I & E Covid-19 Response, Resources and Initiatives

With 78,000 sq. ft. of labs, collaboration spaces, and active learning classrooms, the Foisie Innovation Studio brings WPI's project-based learning approach to life.

Explore the Building

Coaching at the I&E Center

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COACHING

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Newsletter Library

Announcements

SEE MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Impact for Innovation Video Links Available

March 16, 2021

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

MakerBucks- The "Go and Try" Prototyping Program

November 04, 2020

Innovation & Entrepreneurship , Undergraduate Studies, Foisie Innovation Studio, Technology Commercialization, Industrial Engineering, Integrative & Global Studies, International & Global Studies, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Process Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering