Entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities
UMSI supports student founders and innovators through hands-on courses, mentorship, pitch competitions and access to Michigan’s robust startup ecosystem. Whether you want to launch a venture, join an early-stage startup or bring an entrepreneurial mindset to any organization, your path starts here.
Competitions and incubators
GRUBBRR Hackathon
Join forces with GRUBBRR, a leading self-ordering technology and commerce automation company, to tackle a real-world technical challenge. Working in teams, you will apply your skills in AI, data, design and technology to develop innovative solutions. You’ll receive guidance from industry mentors, who will watch as you present your ideas. This unique hackathon — hosted by UMSI — provides an opportunity to build practical skills, collaborate with peers and compete for prizes, including peer-voted merit awards.
Eligibility: U-M undergraduate and graduate students
When: January
Multidisciplinary Design Jams
UMSI’s Multidisciplinary Design Jams are short-term learning experiences (two to five hours) that challenge you to respond to real-world, societal and industry challenges presented by sponsoring organizations. Past challenges have included helping to prevent drowning in the Great Lakes and reducing payday lending issues for low-income populations.
Eligibility: U-M undergraduate and graduate students
When: Fall and winter semesters
Business+Tech Innovation Jam
This six-week program, organized by the Ross School of Business and UMSI, is designed to mimic a real-world tech team of product managers, developers, UX/UI designers, analysts and generalists. Teams of four to five multidisciplinary students will move through four phases — discover, validate, solve and market — while receiving one-on-one mentorship and earning up to $6,500 in prizes.
Eligibility: U-M undergraduate and graduate students
When: Fall semester
James A. Kelly Learning Lever Prize
Develop a digital tool that helps pre-K–12 students learn more effectively. The James A. Kelly Learning Lever Prize, organized by the Marsal Family School of Education, challenges U-M students to develop scalable, research-based innovations that use technology to improve learning. Finalists pitch their ideas to a panel of experts, with development awards of up to $4,000 and a grand prize of up to $10,000.
Eligibility: U-M undergraduate and graduate students
When: Winter semester
Impact Studio
Organized by the Ross School of Business, UMSI and the College of Engineering, the Impact Studio is a multidisciplinary incubator that brings students together from across U-M to develop and launch early-stage ventures focused on creating positive change. As a participating founder, you will receive coaching, funding, workspace and support to turn your ideas into working prototypes. Or you can join as a paid Applebaum Impact Design Fellow, using your skills in UX design, data analysis, web and app development or AI and business strategy to support founders.
Eligibility: U-M undergraduate and graduate students
When: Fall and winter semesters
Entrepreneurship information sessions
UMSI’s entrepreneurship and innovation information sessions guide you through the many opportunities available at U-M, using a roadmap designed specifically for UMSI students. Undergraduate and graduate students at any point on the E&I journey are invited to attend — no prior knowledge or experience is required.
Eligibility: U-M undergraduate and graduate students
When: Early in fall and winter semesters
Entrepreneurship advising
The Engaged Learning Office provides advising and customized resources to UMSI students seeking additional ways to engage with entrepreneurship and innovation at U-M. Email [email protected] to set up an appointment.
U-M opportunities
Explore the many entrepreneurship-focused engagement opportunities on the U-M Entrepreneurship and Innovation website. Undergraduate and graduate students at any level of experience can take part in programs like the Zell Lurie Institute’s Michigan Business Challenge, the Center for Entrepreneurship’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and the College of Literature, Science and the Arts’ optiMize Social Innovation Challenge.
Entrepreneurship minor
This 15-credit minor equips U-M undergraduate students from any background or area of study with the necessary skills and experience to translate ideas into real impact in the arts, sciences, commercial and social sectors. UMSI offers courses that count toward the entrepreneurship minor.
Graduate certificate in innovation and entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship at U-M offers a 12-credit certificate program to equip graduate students with the skills and insights they need to innovate, inspire and lead. All residential master’s and PhD students at UMSI are eligible to apply, and full-time students can pursue the certificate with no additional tuition cost.