Every major firm faces innovation challenges. The Mack Institute is looking for the students who want to tackle them.
In our Collaborative Innovation Program, we pair our corporate partners with graduate students to create practical applications of innovation management.
Here’s how it works:
The partners submit an innovation challenge they’re facing, and we deploy teams of students, guided by faculty, to figure out how to confront the challenge. The collaboration is mutually beneficial; both the student and the partner firm develop a deeper understanding of advanced concepts encompassed by the Mack Institute’s research domain. Additionally, the student has the opportunity to tackle real-world business challenges, and the firm gains valuable insight to address an internal issue.
Here’s what a student had to say about the program:
“It was great to be part of the first CIP. As [an Integrated Product Design] student, I was always interested in the Internet of Things and innovation management. CIP provided me a wonderful opportunity to tackle this business in a dynamic way. It was also my first time working on a real-world consulting project together with Wharton MBAs.
“Throughout the semester, our team decided to divide and conquer while sharing our insights collectively with our client, CA Technologies. By conducting competitive analysis and market research, we managed to define the most feasible niche for CA to launch their IoT service. After the final presentation, we all felt like we became IoT experts in 3 months!
“This project even benefited my job search since my desired position, User Experience Designer, is increasingly dealing with IoT in general. I proudly share my CIP experience with my interviewers as an example of my collaborative teamwork as well as market research expertise.
“I strongly recommend CIP to you if you are innovative, collaborative, and enjoy solving problem and learning something new!”
How to participate:
All students are welcome to apply, especially students from Wharton in the undergraduate, MBA, and WMBA divisions; Integrated Product Design; School of Engineering and Applied Science; and the Perelman School of Medicine.
Wharton MBA students may apply directly through Course Match (MGMT 892); all other students should contact us directly.
Learn more
Trying to figure out if CIP is for you? Read more student perspectives here.