Innovation & Entrepreneurship
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.
WinterSession Workshops
Join us for WinterSession 2023! Over 15 workshops will be spread out over two days and cover topics meant to engage the community, expand your transferrable life skills and inspire new ideas.
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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.
Program type: Build
WPI’s Experts in Residence program connects aspiring entrepreneurs with accomplished and recognized mentors who are committed to offering guidance and sharing their expertise.
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.
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.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Project Collaboration Space
The I&E center now has 5 designated project collaboration spaces to support project teams advance their projects. We support all student projects who are working on their IQP, MQP, ISP, research or personal innovation. We would like ensure that this is accessible to everyone, therefore we have set up a reservation process in LibCal. Each collaboration space is reservable for up to 2 hours each day.
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 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
Stimulating Innovation
WPI’s entrepreneurial ecosystem builds an essential mindset for problem solvers.
Student Success Story
Jeremy Trilling '22
Trilling has the kind of imagination that’s exciting and a little mind-boggling—one that envisions a future where the jet stream moves packages, and people, around the world.
of 25 Private Colleges Where Graduates Go on to Earn the Most Money
most innovative schools
U.S. News & World Report (2023)
in funds raised for WPI startups
research funding from government, corporate, and private sources through OSP (FY 2020)