Entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities

Entrepreneurial thinking is at the heart of launching a business venture, but an innovator’s mindset and problem-solving skills can provide value to any workplace or societal change initiative.

The University of Michigan (U-M) undergraduate and graduate programs in entrepreneurship are ranked among the top programs globally. UMSI supports students interested in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors as well as learning about innovation more broadly.

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.

Entrepreneurship and innovation programs

UMSI students can participate in pitch competitions, gain mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and even launch a business venture during their time at U-M. UMSI co-sponsors key opportunities on campus for the benefit of UMSI students, including:

+Tech Innovation Jam organized by the Ross School of Business
- Competition runs from the end of September to mid-November
James A. Kelly Learning Levers Prize organized by the Marsal Family School of Education
- Competition runs from early March to mid-April
+Tech Datathon organized by the Ross School of Business
- Competition runs from late January to mid-February

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.

Multidisciplinary Design Jams

Multidisciplinary Design Jams are short-term learning experiences (two to five hours) during which students from U-M 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
Register: umsi.info/elo-register

Advising and additional information

The Engaged Learning Office (ELO) provides advising, information sessions and customized resources to UMSI students seeking additional ways to engage with entrepreneurship and innovation at U-M.

Information sessions

UMSI Entrepreneurship and Innovation information sessions guide students through the many opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation 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 required.

Eligibility: U-M undergraduate and graduate students
When: Early in fall and winter semesters
Register: umsi.info/elo-register

Advising

Students can contact the ELO at [email protected] for customized advising or with additional questions.