University Innovation Fellows - User contributions [en]

Fellow:Tyler Ebert

2017-10-24T14:53:48Z

TyEbert:

[[File:TylerEbert.jpg|thumb|TylerEbert.jpg]]''University of Minnesota, University Innovation Fellow Fall 2014''

Tyler is a serial entrepreneur and a current junior at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Raised in rural Wisconsin, he started his first business at 14 selling antiques and novelties online. Since then Tyler has worked in food service, healthcare, finance, and real estate both in established companies and start-ups. Currently, he is working as a Fellow at the University of Minnesota CoLab. CoLab is the first collaborative work space at the University of Minnesota where students from all areas of study gather to develop entrepreneurial solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. He serves at External Relations Liaison, spreading the word about what CoLab can do and developing the relationships necessary to start, scale, and operate new ideas, projects, and businesses. In his free time, Tyler is active in student government, serving as a representative to his school’s Board of Regents. He enjoys high adventure and is an avid church goer.

Fellow:Christopher Kuehn

2014-09-30T03:53:58Z

TyEbert:

== <kbd>Personal Bio:</kbd> ==
<div><kbd>Christopher Kuehn, "Chris" for many, and just "Kuehn" for some, is an aspiring industrial and systems engineer going into his second year at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. He sees value in the creativity and drive of technically minded people, and hopes to use his studies in engineering, business relations, and systems management to help reduce barriers to entry for inventors (both student and beyond) in tech markets around the globe.</kbd></div><div> </div><div></div><div><kbd>He spent a year volunteering for the pediatric medical device non-profit engineering firm ''Designwise Medical'' as a 3D modeling and prototyping engineer, and just wrapped up his summer internship as a manufacturing engineer for the custom electronics manufacturer ''Precision Inc''. He hopes to gain a vast knowledge of a variety of engineering fields through studies and work experiences to better communicate with technically oriented people. Chris also has a fascination with the system and concept of crowdfunding, and hopes to capitalize upon it with his startup venture, the ''Populus Community Investment Platform''.</kbd></div><div> </div><div></div><div><kbd>Chris's loving parents, engineers themselves, constantly support him with an atmosphere of creativity and ingenuity, and his brother and sister help keep him grounded during his various expositions. Outside of his ambitions, Chris can often be found perusing the lakes on his wakeboard like any good Minnesotan should, drumming along to anything from 70's pop to modern alternative, or building custom crafted longboards for friends out of his basement shop.</kbd></div><div><kbd></kbd> </div>
= Related Links =

[[University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities|University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities]]

[[University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities_Student_Priorities|University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities_Student_Priorities]]

[[Tyler_Ebert|Tyler_Ebert]]

= <kbd></kbd> =

Fellow:Tyler Ebert

2014-09-30T03:52:42Z

TyEbert:

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-30T03:50:49Z

TyEbert:

= MnDrive =

The University of Minnesota is blessed with an impressive array of resources. Recently, area leaders have charged the university with the task of better aligning those resources to pursue opportunites in key emerging industries and make it easier for enterprising students and faculity to access what they need.

Called MnDrive, the project has secured initial funding that will be used to build out infrastructure to support new innovation within four areas of research:

*Robotics, sensors, and advanced manufacturing.
*Global food ventures.
*Advanced industry, conserning our environment.
*Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions.

Moreover, a central database of resources is being created that students and staff can access online. Nationally-recognized faculty are being hired, seed grants are being allocated to recruit fellows, and equipment and laboratory space is being established to support and expand new research under the program.

From the student perspective, seeing this through is our first big priority. We believe MnDrive lays the foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship well after we are graduated. As such, we are encouraging students to make their voices heard throughout the development of the program. As University Innovation Fellows, we lay a base for student support, one of the key milestones listed below. As the project is starting to ramp up, the current Fellows are already active in the selection of the faculity that will run the program and the planning of how MnDrive will come together. 

== Milestones ==

*Obtain backing from faculity in the College of Science & Engineering, the Carlson School fo Management, the College of Design, etc.
*Obtain a base for student support, leveraging the University Innovation Fellows. 
*Have tangible events on campus.
*Begin website development.
*Create a central makerspace. 

As we continue to develop the program, we will not limit research or our capacity to innovate. Working closely with our partners throughout the state and the university, we will develop a solid framework that rewards discovery and enhances partnerships to drive results.

We welcome your participation in this new endeavor and are excited to see what we can accomplish together. Visit our [http://mndrive.umn.edu/contact.html Contact page] for a list of key MnDRIVE contacts at the university.

'''See our Youtube Video outlining the MnDrive Initiative:''' [http://youtu.be/hPiRXjnUiHY http://youtu.be/hPiRXjnUiHY]

= Invention Contest =

As a student innovator and entrepreneur, one of the most difficult things is taking that first initiative to get your idea out into the vast array of resources on campus. Much of what the University Innovation Fellows will be focusing on is the ease of access of these types of resources. However, many technically minded innovators may still feel that the intrinsic motivation that they currently have will not be enough. That is where an invention competition comes in. Much like''''' ''''''Startup Weekend,' the invention contest would be a weekend-long ideating, prototyping, validating, and pitching marathon. These events are captivating, and really foster the spirit of I&E in their participants. As a UIF, beginning to host an event like this would be a huge challenge, but one that would prove to be well worth the struggle. A contest like this could be the foot-in-the-door for all of the other I&E resources that the U provides.

== Milestones ==

*Formulate a precise canvas for the competition for presenting to sponsors/partners
*Obtain faculty backing
*Begin to gain student support
*Land corporate sponsorships
*Find space to host (maker/creative spaces)
*Launch a pilot event
*Provide a lasting framework that future leaders can use to continue the event

= Student Group Campus Converge =

The University of Minensota has over 900 student groups. Some are more active than others but all engage students in some way that improves the student experience. Some groups even have tangible affects in the area of Innovation and Entreprneurship. The idea behind a campus converge would be to bring leaders from the most prominent or high potential groups together so that they can learn about eachother's initiatives and find ways to improve their operations and collaborate.

The student's haven't directly been asking for an event like this. It's hard to conceive the potential of such an event when one is so focused on their own student group. Still, the chance to get passionate peopel talking about what they're passionate about seems like a high potential opportunity and it's one we'd like to pursue. 

As UIF, our job would be to figure out what groups would most benefit from meeting eachother and then arranging for the actual event. Costs are minimal and the real obstacles lie in convincing student leaders that they have something to learn from working with others accross campus.

= Central Maker Space =

The University of Minnesota currently has several small, dedicated makerspaces spread across the campus (outlined in the campus wiki page). These provide resources to a select few students who utilize them for their coursework or capstone projects. When it comes to prototyping resources available to students who aren't in a class that has access to these creative spaces, finding resources like this is near impossible. What the University of Minnesota is eventually moving towards, in summation of all the different collaborative programs and initiatives at work right now, is a massive, centrally located creativity and maker laboratory. 

MN-Drive has this as one of their end-all goals. Many student groups who are jockeying for space see it as a potential relief of the competitive pressure. Students who have ideas that do not align with their coursework see it as an opportunity that a large university such as the UMN SHOULD provide. The space would include a large state-of-the-art prototyping lab, fully staffed by experienced TA's, reservable creative conference rooms for students, dedicated student group rooms for large innovative student groups, faculty offices for those who align with the student innovative initiative, digital liberaries for patent research and further mentorship in the community, and an atmosphere that spurs innovation.

Allocating the resources and finding the right people to get this done is a huge task, but it is a long time coming. As University Innovation Fellows, we hope to connect all the minds and opinions hoping for this already around campus together to make this happen.

= Related Links =

[[University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities|University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities]]

[[Tyler_Ebert|Tyler_Ebert]]

[[Christopher_Kuehn|Christopher_Kuehn]]

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-30T03:49:37Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesota is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe. 

Tesla Works: Students in every major come up with exciting project ideas which they do not have enough funding, time, or manpower to complete. Tesla Works exists to help these students explore the concepts that fascinate them, offering practical help and financial resources to pursue projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The organization is very open and fluid. Students can particpate in any project they choose and are also free to start new ones. Noteable projects include the UMN College of Science & Engineering Light Show, a huge choreographied dipslay of lights and music, and an ongoing effort to create an animatronic bust of University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. 

= Technology Commercialization =

The U of M is among the top research institutions in the nation and is a powerful economic engine for the state, creating $8.6 billion in total economic impact annually. 

== Research ==

University scientists often share their data and materials with business partners and other researchers via material transfer and un-funded research agreements. Even more engaging is the school's industry-sponsored research. Administered by the Office for Technology Commercialization (see below), the program is called the Minnesota Innovation Partnership (MN-IP). This new, unique approach to handling intellectual property has been commended nation-wide, including in a blog post by the White House.

For existing patents, there is the ''Try & Buy'' program. This allows companies to take available technologies for a “test run” or use them fee-free (if qualified) to test the viability of the innovation for their company. Should the technology prove viable, the company pays the typical fees. The University was one of the first to prelist these royalty rates and Minnesota companies get a 1% discount.

Companies can also do ''Sponsored Research''. Firms highlight what they want studied and can then utilize University resources to conduct their research. Upfront costs are 15,000 or 15% of the research expenditure. A 1% royalty rate is paid out for all resulting revenues.

== The Office for Technology Commercialization ==

The Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) was founded to get the technologies resulting from research into the hands of the public. They oversee all aspects of technology commercialization at the University, bridging the gap between the lab and the marketplace to connect faculty with companies to achieve results. Each stakeholder has specific needs. To best respond to those needs, the OTC is organized into industry groups, ensuring the right knowledge and experience.

In addition to overseeing research and licensing agreements, the OTC also administers the Venture Center (VC)''. ''The VC works with researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to create companies based on University research. All University-owned Intellectual Property is assessed for compelling disruptive and return potential. Those deemed to have adequate potential are moved into a pipeline. The VC has the capability to help develop a business plan, recruit management, and facilitate the formation of a new, independent company with licensing agreements. In 2013 alone, the U of M spun-off 15 startups, on par with Stanford & MIT.

= Related Links =

[[University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities_Student_Priorities|University_of_Minnesota_-_Twin_Cities_Student_Priorities]]

[[Tyler_Ebert|Tyler_Ebert]]

[[Christopher_Kuehn|Christopher_Kuehn]]

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-25T03:47:56Z

TyEbert:

= MnDrive =

The University of Minnesota is blessed with an impressive array of resources. Recently, area leaders have charged the university with the task of better aligning those resources to pursue opportunites in key emerging industries and make it easier for enterprising students and faculity to access what they need.

Called MnDrive, the project has secured initial funding that will be used to build out infrastructure to support new innovation within four areas of research:

*Robotics, sensors, and advanced manufacturing.
*Global food ventures.
*Advanced industry, conserning our environment.
*Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions.

Moreover, a central database of resources is being created that students and staff can access online. Nationally-recognized faculty are being hired, seed grants are being allocated to recruit fellows, and equipment and laboratory space is being established to support and expand new research under the program.

From the student perspective, seeing this through is our first big priority. We believe MnDrive lays the foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship well after we are graduated. As such, we are encouraging students to make their voices heard throughout the development of the program. As University Innovation Fellows, we lay a base for student support, one of the key milestones listed below. As the project is starting to ramp up, the current Fellows are already active in the selection of the faculity that will run the program and the planning of how MnDrive will come together. 

== Milestones ==

*Obtain backing from faculity in the College of Science & Engineering, the Carlson School fo Management, the College of Design, etc.
*Obtain a base for student support, leveraging the University Innovation Fellows. 
*Have tangible events on campus.
*Begin website development.
*Create a central makerspace. 

As we continue to develop the program, we will not limit research or our capacity to innovate. Working closely with our partners throughout the state and the university, we will develop a solid framework that rewards discovery and enhances partnerships to drive results.

We welcome your participation in this new endeavor and are excited to see what we can accomplish together. Visit our [http://mndrive.umn.edu/contact.html Contact page] for a list of key MnDRIVE contacts at the university.

'''See our Youtube Video outlining the MnDrive Initiative:''' http://youtu.be/hPiRXjnUiHY

= Invention Contest =

As a student innovator and entrepreneur, one of the most difficult things is taking that first initiative to get your idea out into the vast array of resources on campus. Much of what the University Innovation Fellows will be focusing on is the ease of access of these types of resources. However, many technically minded innovators may still feel that the intrinsic motivation that they currently have will not be enough. That is where an invention competition comes in. Much like''''' ''''''Startup Weekend,' the invention contest would be a weekend-long ideating, prototyping, validating, and pitching marathon. These events are captivating, and really foster the spirit of I&E in their participants. As a UIF, beginning to host an event like this would be a huge challenge, but one that would prove to be well worth the struggle. A contest like this could be the foot-in-the-door for all of the other I&E resources that the U provides.

== Milestones ==

*Formulate a precise canvas for the competition for presenting to sponsors/partners
*Obtain faculty backing
*Begin to gain student support
*Land corporate sponsorships
*Find space to host (maker/creative spaces)
*Launch a pilot event
*Provide a lasting framework that future leaders can use to continue the event

= Student Group Campus Converge =

The University of Minensota has over 900 student groups. Some are more active than others but all engage students in some way that improves the student experience. Some groups even have tangible affects in the area of Innovation and Entreprneurship. The idea behind a campus converge would be to bring leaders from the most prominent or high potential groups together so that they can learn about eachother's initiatives and find ways to improve their operations and collaborate.

The student's haven't directly been asking for an event like this. It's hard to conceive the potential of such an event when one is so focused on their own student group. Still, the chance to get passionate peopel talking about what they're passionate about seems like a high potential opportunity and it's one we'd like to pursue. 

As UIF, our job would be to figure out what groups would most benefit from meeting eachother and then arranging for the actual event. Costs are minimal and the real obstacles lie in convincing student leaders that they have something to learn from working with others accross campus.

= Central Maker Space =

The University of Minnesota currently has several small, dedicated makerspaces spread across the campus (outlined in the campus wiki page). These provide resources to a select few students who utilize them for their coursework or capstone projects. When it comes to prototyping resources available to students who aren't in a class that has access to these creative spaces, finding resources like this is near impossible. What the University of Minnesota is eventually moving towards, in summation of all the different collaborative programs and initiatives at work right now, is a massive, centrally located creativity and maker laboratory. 

MN-Drive has this as one of their end-all goals. Many student groups who are jockeying for space see it as a potential relief of the competitive pressure. Students who have ideas that do not align with their coursework see it as an opportunity that a large university such as the UMN SHOULD provide. The space would include a large state-of-the-art prototyping lab, fully staffed by experienced TA's, reservable creative conference rooms for students, dedicated student group rooms for large innovative student groups, faculty offices for those who align with the student innovative initiative, digital liberaries for patent research and further mentorship in the community, and an atmosphere that spurs innovation.

Allocating the resources and finding the right people to get this done is a huge task, but it is a long time coming. As University Innovation Fellows, we hope to connect all the minds and opinions hoping for this already around campus together to make this happen.

= =

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-25T03:47:01Z

TyEbert:

= MnDrive =

The University of Minnesota is blessed with an impressive array of resources. Recently, area leaders have charged the university with the task of better aligning those resources to pursue opportunites in key emerging industries and make it easier for enterprising students and faculity to access what they need.

Called MnDrive, the project has secured initial funding that will be used to build out infrastructure to support new innovation within four areas of research:

*Robotics, sensors, and advanced manufacturing.
*Global food ventures.
*Advanced industry, conserning our environment.
*Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions.

Moreover, a central database of resources is being created that students and staff can access online. Nationally-recognized faculty are being hired, seed grants are being allocated to recruit fellows, and equipment and laboratory space is being established to support and expand new research under the program.

From the student perspective, seeing this through is our first big priority. We believe MnDrive lays the foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship well after we are graduated. As such, we are encouraging students to make their voices heard throughout the development of the program. As University Innovation Fellows, we lay a base for student support, one of the key milestones listed below. As the project is starting to ramp up, the current Fellows are already active in the selection of the faculity that will run the program and the planning of how MnDrive will come together. 

== Milestones ==

*Obtain backing from faculity in the College of Science & Engineering, the Carlson School fo Management, the College of Design, etc.
*Obtain a base for student support, leveraging the University Innovation Fellows. 
*Have tangible events on campus.
*Begin website development.
*Create a central makerspace. 

As we continue to develop the program, we will not limit research or our capacity to innovate. Working closely with our partners throughout the state and the university, we will develop a solid framework that rewards discovery and enhances partnerships to drive results.

We welcome your participation in this new endeavor and are excited to see what we can accomplish together. Visit our [http://mndrive.umn.edu/contact.html Contact page] for a list of key MnDRIVE contacts at the university.

= Invention Contest =

As a student innovator and entrepreneur, one of the most difficult things is taking that first initiative to get your idea out into the vast array of resources on campus. Much of what the University Innovation Fellows will be focusing on is the ease of access of these types of resources. However, many technically minded innovators may still feel that the intrinsic motivation that they currently have will not be enough. That is where an invention competition comes in. Much like''''' ''''''Startup Weekend,' the invention contest would be a weekend-long ideating, prototyping, validating, and pitching marathon. These events are captivating, and really foster the spirit of I&E in their participants. As a UIF, beginning to host an event like this would be a huge challenge, but one that would prove to be well worth the struggle. A contest like this could be the foot-in-the-door for all of the other I&E resources that the U provides.

== Milestones ==

*Formulate a precise canvas for the competition for presenting to sponsors/partners
*Obtain faculty backing
*Begin to gain student support
*Land corporate sponsorships
*Find space to host (maker/creative spaces)
*Launch a pilot event
*Provide a lasting framework that future leaders can use to continue the event

= Student Group Campus Converge =

The University of Minensota has over 900 student groups. Some are more active than others but all engage students in some way that improves the student experience. Some groups even have tangible affects in the area of Innovation and Entreprneurship. The idea behind a campus converge would be to bring leaders from the most prominent or high potential groups together so that they can learn about eachother's initiatives and find ways to improve their operations and collaborate.

The student's haven't directly been asking for an event like this. It's hard to conceive the potential of such an event when one is so focused on their own student group. Still, the chance to get passionate peopel talking about what they're passionate about seems like a high potential opportunity and it's one we'd like to pursue. 

As UIF, our job would be to figure out what groups would most benefit from meeting eachother and then arranging for the actual event. Costs are minimal and the real obstacles lie in convincing student leaders that they have something to learn from working with others accross campus.

= Central Maker Space =

The University of Minnesota currently has several small, dedicated makerspaces spread across the campus (outlined in the campus wiki page). These provide resources to a select few students who utilize them for their coursework or capstone projects. When it comes to prototyping resources available to students who aren't in a class that has access to these creative spaces, finding resources like this is near impossible. What the University of Minnesota is eventually moving towards, in summation of all the different collaborative programs and initiatives at work right now, is a massive, centrally located creativity and maker laboratory. 

MN-Drive has this as one of their end-all goals. Many student groups who are jockeying for space see it as a potential relief of the competitive pressure. Students who have ideas that do not align with their coursework see it as an opportunity that a large university such as the UMN SHOULD provide. The space would include a large state-of-the-art prototyping lab, fully staffed by experienced TA's, reservable creative conference rooms for students, dedicated student group rooms for large innovative student groups, faculty offices for those who align with the student innovative initiative, digital liberaries for patent research and further mentorship in the community, and an atmosphere that spurs innovation.

Allocating the resources and finding the right people to get this done is a huge task, but it is a long time coming. As University Innovation Fellows, we hope to connect all the minds and opinions hoping for this already around campus together to make this happen.

= =

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-23T14:56:28Z

TyEbert:

= MnDrive =

The University of Minnesota is blessed with an impressive array of resources. Recently, area leaders have charged the university with the task of better aligning those resources to pursue opportunites in key emerging industries and make it easier for enterprising students and faculity to access what they need.

Called MnDrive, the project has secured initial funding that will be used to build out infrastructure to support new innovation within four areas of research:

*Robotics, sensors, and advanced manufacturing.
*Global food ventures.
*Advanced industry, conserning our environment.
*Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions.

Moreover, a central database of resources is being created that students and staff can access online. Nationally-recognized faculty are being hired, seed grants are being allocated to recruit fellows, and equipment and laboratory space is being established to support and expand new research under the program.

From the student perspective, seeing this through is our first big priority. We believe MnDrive lays the foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship well after we are graduated. As such, we are encouraging students to make their voices heard throughout the development of the program. As University Innovation Fellows, we lay a base for student support, one of the key milestones listed below. As the project is starting to ramp up, the current Fellows are already active in the selection of the faculity that will run the program and the planning of how MnDrive will come together. 

== Milestones:  ==

*Obtain backing from faculity in the College of Science & Engineering, the Carlson School fo Management, the College of Design, etc.
*Obtain a base for student support, leveraging the University Innovation Fellows. 
*Have tangible events on campus.
*Begin website development.
*Create a central makerspace. 

As we continue to develop the program, we will not limit research or our capacity to innovate. Working closely with our partners throughout the state and the university, we will develop a solid framework that rewards discovery and enhances partnerships to drive results.

We welcome your participation in this new endeavor and are excited to see what we can accomplish together. Visit our [http://mndrive.umn.edu/contact.html Contact page] for a list of key MnDRIVE contacts at the university.

= Invention Contest =

As a student innovator and entrepreneur, one of the most difficult things is taking that first initiative to get your idea out into the vast array of resources on campus. Much of what the University Innovation Fellows will be focusing on is the ease of access of these types of resources. However, many technically minded innovators may still feel that the intrinsic motivation that they currently have will not be enough. That is where an invention competition comes in. Much like''''' ''''''Startup Weekend,' the invention contest would be a weekend-long ideating, prototyping, validating, and pitching marathon. These events are captivating, and really foster the spirit of I&E in their participants. As a UIF, beginning to host an event like this would be a huge challenge, but one that would prove to be well worth the struggle. A contest like this could be the foot-in-the-door for all of the other I&E resources that the U provides.

== Milestones ==

*Formulate a precise canvas for the competition for presenting to sponsors/partners
*Obtain faculty backing
*Begin to gain student support
*Land corporate sponsorships
*Find space to host (maker/creative spaces)
*Launch a pilot event
*Provide a lasting framework that future leaders can use to continue the event

= Student Group Campus Converge =

The University of Minensota has over 900 student groups. Some are more active than others but all engage students in some way that improves the student experience. Some groups even have tangible affects in the area of Innovation and Entreprneurship. The idea behind a campus converge would be to bring leaders from the most prominent or high potential groups together so that they can learn about eachother's initiatives and find ways to improve their operations and collaborate.

The student's haven't directly been asking for an event like this. It's hard to conceive the potential of such an event when one is so focused on their own student group. Still, the chance to get passionate peopel talking about what they're passionate about seems like a high potential opportunity and it's one we'd like to pursue. 

As UIF, our job would be to figure out what groups would most benefit from meeting eachother and then arranging for the actual event. Costs are minimal and the real obstacles lie in convincing student leaders that they have something to learn from working with others accross campus.

= Central Maker Space =

The University of Minnesota currently has several small, dedicated makerspaces spread across the campus (outlined in the campus wiki page). These provide resources to a select few students who utilize them for their coursework or capstone projects. When it comes to prototyping resources available to students who aren't in a class that has access to these creative spaces, finding resources like this is near impossible. What the University of Minnesota is eventually moving towards, in summation of all the different collaborative programs and initiatives at work right now, is a massive, centrally located creativity and maker laboratory. 

MN-Drive has this as one of their end-all goals. Many student groups who are jockeying for space see it as a potential relief of the competitive pressure. Students who have ideas that do not align with their coursework see it as an opportunity that a large university such as the UMN SHOULD provide. The space would include a large state-of-the-art prototyping lab, fully staffed by experienced TA's, reservable creative conference rooms for students, dedicated student group rooms for large innovative student groups, faculty offices for those who align with the student innovative initiative, digital liberaries for patent research and further mentorship in the community, and an atmosphere that spurs innovation.

Allocating the resources and finding the right people to get this done is a huge task, but it is a long time coming. As University Innovation Fellows, we hope to connect all the minds and opinions hoping for this already around campus together to make this happen.

= =

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-23T14:47:23Z

TyEbert:

= MnDrive =

The University of Minnesota is blessed with an impressive array of resources. Recently, area leaders have charged the university with the task of better aligning those resources to pursue opportunites in key emerging industries and make it easier for enterprising students and faculity to access what they need.

Called MnDrive, the project has secured initial funding that will be used to build out infrastructure to support new innovation within four areas of research:

*Robotics, sensors, and advanced manufacturing.
*Global food ventures.
*Advanced industry, conserning our environment.
*Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions.

Moreover, a central database of resources is being created that students and staff can access online. Nationally-recognized faculty are being hired, seed grants are being allocated to recruit fellows, and equipment and laboratory space is being established to support and expand new research under the program.

From the student perspective, seeing this through is our first big priority. We believe MnDrive lays the foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship well after we are graduated. As such, we are encouraging students to make their voices heard throughout the development of the program. As University Innovation Fellows, we lay a base for student support, one of the key milestones listed below. As the project is starting to ramp up, the current Fellows are already active in the selection of the faculity that will run the program and the planning of how MnDrive will come together. 

== Milestones:  ==

*Obtain backing from faculity in the College of Science & Engineering, the Carlson School fo Management, the College of Design, etc.
*Obtain a base for student support, leveraging the University Innovation Fellows. 
*Have tangible events on campus.
*Begin website development.
*Create a central makerspace. 

As we continue to develop the program, we will not limit research or our capacity to innovate. Working closely with our partners throughout the state and the university, we will develop a solid framework that rewards discovery and enhances partnerships to drive results.

We welcome your participation in this new endeavor and are excited to see what we can accomplish together. Visit our [http://mndrive.umn.edu/contact.html Contact page] for a list of key MnDRIVE contacts at the university.

= Invention Contest =

As a student innovator and entrepreneur, one of the most difficult things is taking that first initiative to get your idea out into the vast array of resources on campus. Much of what the University Innovation Fellows will be focusing on is the ease of access of these types of resources. However, many technically minded innovators may still feel that the intrinsic motivation that they currently have will not be enough. That is where an invention competition comes in. Much like''''' ''''''Startup Weekend,' the invention contest would be a weekend-long ideating, prototyping, validating, and pitching marathon. These events are captivating, and really foster the spirit of I&E in their participants. As a UIF, beginning to host an event like this would be a huge challenge, but one that would prove to be well worth the struggle. A contest like this could be the foot-in-the-door for all of the other I&E resources that the U provides.

== Milestones ==

*Formulate a precise canvas for the competition for presenting to sponsors/partners
*Obtain faculty backing
*Begin to gain student support
*Land corporate sponsorships
*Find space to host (maker/creative spaces)
*Launch a pilot event
*Provide a lasting framework that future leaders can use to continue the event

= Student Group Campus Converge =

The University of Minensota has over 900 student groups. Some are more active than others but all engage students in some way that improves the student experience. Some groups even have tangible affects in the area of Innovation and Entreprneurship. The idea behind a campus converge would be to bring leaders from the most prominent or high potential groups together so that they can learn about eachother's initiatives and find ways to improve their operations and collaborate.

The student's haven't directly been asking for an event like this. It's hard to conceive the potential of such an event when one is so focused on their own student group. Still, the chance to get passionate peopel talking about what they're passionate about seems like a high potential opportunity and it's one we'd like to pursue. 

As UIF, our job would be to figure out what groups would most benefit from meeting eachother and then arranging for the actual event. Costs are minimal and the real obstacles lie in convincing student leaders that they have something to learn from working with others accross campus.

= =

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-23T14:39:21Z

TyEbert:

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-23T14:36:49Z

TyEbert:

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-23T14:33:58Z

TyEbert:

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-23T14:27:59Z

TyEbert:

Priorities:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Student Priorities

2014-09-23T14:25:30Z

TyEbert: Created page with "= MnDrive = The University of Minnesota is blessed with an impressive array of resources. Recently, area leaders have charged the university with the task of better aligning ..."

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T01:45:28Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe. 

Tesla Works: Students in every major come up with exciting project ideas which they do not have enough funding, time, or manpower to complete. Tesla Works exists to help these students explore the concepts that fascinate them, offering practical help and financial resources to pursue projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The organization is very open and fluid. Students can particpate in any project they choose and are also free to start new ones. Noteable projects include the UMN College of Science & Engineering Light Show, a huge choreographied dipslay of lights and music, and an ongoing effort to create an animatronic bust of University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. 

= Technology Commercialization =

The U of M is among the top research institutions in the nation and is a powerful economic engine for the state, creating $8.6 billion in total economic impact annually. 

== Research ==

University scientists often share their data and materials with business partners and other researchers via material transfer and un-funded research agreements. Even more engaging is the school's industry-sponsored research. Administered by the Office for Technology Commercialization (see below), the program is called the Minnesota Innovation Partnership (MN-IP). This new, unique approach to handling intellectual property has been commended nation-wide, including in a blog post by the White House.

For existing patents, there is the ''Try & Buy'' program. This allows companies to take available technologies for a “test run” or use them fee-free (if qualified) to test the viability of the innovation for their company. Should the technology prove viable, the company pays the typical fees. The University was one of the first to prelist these royalty rates and Minnesota companies get a 1% discount.

Companies can also do ''Sponsored Research''. Firms highlight what they want studied and can then utilize University resources to conduct their research. Upfront costs are 15,000 or 15% of the research expenditure. A 1% royalty rate is paid out for all resulting revenues.

== The Office for Technology Commercialization ==

The Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) was founded to get the technologies resulting from research into the hands of the public. They oversee all aspects of technology commercialization at the University, bridging the gap between the lab and the marketplace to connect faculty with companies to achieve results. Each stakeholder has specific needs. To best respond to those needs, the OTC is organized into industry groups, ensuring the right knowledge and experience.

In addition to overseeing research and licensing agreements, the OTC also administers the Venture Center (VC)''. ''The VC works with researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to create companies based on University research. All University-owned Intellectual Property is assessed for compelling disruptive and return potential. Those deemed to have adequate potential are moved into a pipeline. The VC has the capability to help develop a business plan, recruit management, and facilitate the formation of a new, independent company with licensing agreements. In 2013 alone, the U of M spun-off 15 startups, on par with Stanford & MIT.

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T01:44:05Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe. 

Tesla Works: Students in every major come up with exciting project ideas which they do not have enough funding, time, or manpower to complete. Tesla Works exists to help these students explore the concepts that fascinate them, offering practical help and financial resources to pursue projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The organization is very open and fluid. Students can particpate in any project they choose and are also free to start new ones. Noteable projects include the UMN College of Science & Engineering Light Show, a huge choreographied dipslay of lights and music, and an ongoing effort to create an animatronic bust of University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. 

= Technology Commercialization =

The U of M is among the top research institutions in the nation and is a powerful economic engine for the state, creating $8.6 billion in total economic impact annually. 

== Research ==

University scientists often share their data and materials with business partners and other researchers via material transfer and un-funded research agreements. Even more engaging is the school's industry-sponsored research. Administered by the Office for Technology Commercialization (see below), the program is called the Minnesota Innovation Partnership (MN-IP). This new, unique approach to handling intellectual property has been commended nation-wide, including in a blog post by the White House.

For existing patents, there is the ''Try & Buy'' program. This allows companies to take available technologies for a “test run” or use them fee-free (if qualified) to test the viability of the innovation for their company. Should the technology prove viable, the company pays the typical fees. The University was one of the first to prelist these royalty rates and Minnesota companies get a 1% discount.

Companies can also do ''Sponsored Research''. Firms highlight what they want studied and can then utilize University resources to conduct their research. Upfront costs are 15,000 or 15% of the research expenditure. A 1% royalty rate is paid out for all resulting revenues.

== The Office for Technology Commercialization ==

The Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) was founded to get the technologies that result from this research into the hands of the public. They oversee all aspects of technology commercialization at the University, bridging the gap between the lab and the marketplace to connect faculty with companies to achieve results. Each stakeholder has specific needs. To best respond to those needs, the OTC is organized into industry groups, ensuring the right knowledge and experience.

In addition to overseeing research and licensing agreements, the OTC also administers the Venture Center (VC)''. ''The VC works with researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to create companies based on University research. All University-owned Intellectual Property is assessed for compelling disruptive and return potential. Those deemed to have adequate potential are moved into a pipeline. The VC has the capability to help develop a business plan, recruit management, and facilitate the formation of a new, independent company with licensing agreements. Last year alone, the U of M spun-off 15 startups, on par with Stanford & MIT.

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T01:42:46Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe. 

Tesla Works: Students in every major come up with exciting project ideas which they do not have enough funding, time, or manpower to complete. Tesla Works exists to help these students explore the concepts that fascinate them, offering practical help and financial resources to pursue projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The organization is very open and fluid. Students can particpate in any project they choose and are also free to start new ones. Noteable projects include the UMN College of Science & Engineering Light Show, a huge choreographied dipslay of lights and music, and an ongoing effort to create an animatronic bust of University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. 

= Technology Commercialization =

The U of M is among the top research institutions in the nation and is a powerful economic engine for the state, creating $8.6 billion in total economic impact annually. 

== Research ==

University scientists often share their data and materials with business partners and other researchers via material transfer and un-funded research agreements. Even more engaging our the school's industry-sponsored research. Administered by the Office for Technology Commercialization (see below), the program is called the Minnesota Innovation Partnership (MN-IP). This new, unique approach to handling intellectual property has been commended nation-wide, including in a blog post by the White House.

For existing patents, there is the ''Try & Buy'' program. This allows companies to take available technologies for a “test run” or use them fee-free (if qualified) to test the viability of the innovation for their company. Should the technology prove viable, the company pays the typical fees. The University was one of the first to prelist these royalty rates and Minnesota companies get a 1% discount.

Companies can also do ''Sponsored Research''. Firms highlight what they want studied and can then utilize University resources to conduct their research. Upfront costs are 15k or 15% of research expenditure. A 1% royalty rate is paid out for all resulting revenues.

== The Office for Technology Commercialization ==

The Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) was founded to get the technologies that result from this research into the hands of the public. They oversee all aspects of technology commercialization at the University, bridging the gap between the lab and the marketplace to connect faculty with companies to achieve results. Each stakeholder has specific needs. To best respond to those needs, the OTC is organized into industry groups, ensuring the right knowledge and experience.

In addition to overseeing research and licensing agreements, the OTC also administers the Venture Center (VC)''. ''The VC works with researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to create companies based on University research. All University-owned Intellectual Property is assessed for compelling disruptive and return potential. Those deemed to have adequate potential are moved into a pipeline. The VC has the capability to help develop a business plan, recruit management, and facilitate the formation of a new, independent company with licensing agreements. Last year alone, the U of M spun-off 15 startups, on par with Stanford & MIT.

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T01:38:07Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe. 

Tesla Works: Students in every major come up with exciting project ideas which they do not have enough funding, time, or manpower to complete. Tesla Works exists to help these students explore the concepts that fascinate them, offering practical help and financial resources to pursue projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The organization is very open and fluid. Students can particpate in any project they choose and are also free to start new ones. Noteable projects include the UMN College of Science & Engineering Light Show, a huge choreographied dipslay of lights and music, and an ongoing effort to create an animatronic bust of University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. 

= Technology Commercialization =

The U of M is among the top research institutions in the nation and is a powerful economic engine for the state, creating $8.6 billion in total economic impact annually. 

== Research ==

University scientists often share their data and materials with business partners and other researchers via material transfer and un-funded research agreements. Even more engaging our the school's industry-sponsored research. Administered by the Office for Technology Commercialization (see below), the program is called the Minnesota Innovation Partnership (MN-IP). This new, unique approach to handling intellectual property has been commended nation-wide, including in a blog post by the White House.

For existing patents, there is the ''Try & Buy'' program. This allows companies to take available technologies for a “test run” or use them fee-free (if qualified) to test the viability of the innovation for their company. Should the technology prove viable, the company pays the typical fees. The University was one of the first to prelist these royalty rates and Minnesota companies get a 1% discount.

Companies can also do ''Sponsored Research''. Firms highlight what they want studied and can then utilize University resources to conduct their research. Upfront costs are 15k or 15% of research expenditure. A 1% royalty rate is paid out for all resulting revenues.

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T01:07:20Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe. 

Tesla Works: Students in every major come up with exciting project ideas which they do not have enough funding, time, or manpower to complete. Tesla Works exists to help these students explore the concepts that fascinate them, offering practical help and financial resources to pursue projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The organization is very open and fluid. Students can particpate in any project they choose and are also free to start new ones. Noteable projects include the UMN College of Science & Engineering Light Show, a huge choreographied dipslay of lights and music, and an ongoing effort to create an animatronic bust of University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. 

= Technology Commercialization =

The U of M is among the top research institutions in the nation and is a powerful economic engine for the state, creating $8.6 billion in total economic impact annually. 

== Research ==

University scientists often share their data and materials with business partners and other researchers via material transfer and un-funded research agreements. Even more engaging our the school's industry-sponsored research. Administered by the Office for Technology Commercialization (see below), the program is called the Minnesota Innovation Partnership (MN-IP). This new, unique approach to handling intellectual property has been commended nation-wide, including in a blog post by the White House.

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T00:55:23Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe. 

Tesla Works: Students in every major come up with exciting project ideas which they do not have enough funding, time, or manpower to complete. Tesla Works exists to help these students explore the concepts that fascinate them, offering practical help and financial resources to pursue projects that might otherwise be out of reach. The organization is very open and fluid. Students can particpate in any project they choose and are also free to start new ones. Noteable projects include the UMN College of Science & Engineering Light Show, a huge choreographied dipslay of lights and music, and an ongoing effort to create an animatronic bust of University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler.

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T00:50:09Z

TyEbert:

= Introduction =

The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota System and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,853 students in 2012-2013, and is broadly organized into 19 colleges and schools.

= Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship =

== Entrepreneurship Centers ==

The Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship is the deparment home of the Entrepreneurship Major and Minor. It houses a faculty-led, student-driven, business hatchery and hosts/sponsors numerous clubs, events, and programs within the Carlson School of Management. It has supported the development of dozens of student start-ups in the last few years.

== Courses ==

Science & Engineering: The University of Minnesota is home to some of the most profound science and engineering research professors in the country and the vast majority incorperate opportunities for student research into upper-level and graduate-level engineering and science coursework. Although these may not have a direct relation to entrepreneurship, they foster an innovative mindset amongst the students that participate, and this may eventually lead to entrepreneurial or intrepreneurial ventures in the future.

Entrepreneurial Management: While the Carlson School of Management is largely focused on preparing students to work in corporate environments, many successful start-ups have come out of the program. In turn, the school has invested in a centralized Entrepreneurship curriculum that exposes students to innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) thinking in addition to their traditional business-related courswork. This curriculum covers the breadth of I&E theory with an emphasis on applicability in the upper level classes. The capstone course, ''Entrepreneurship In Action'', provides students with capital to test and start their own venture. At the end of the course, students pitch their fledgling businesses to community investors.

Management of Technology: The Technological Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota has developed both a graduate program, and an undergraduate minor program called MOT or Management of Technology. This course curriculum focus on the escence of entrepreneurship in vastly technical industries, and the managerial skills needed to bring an invention to market. Coursework such as Financial Management for Technology-Based Organizations, Developing New Technology-Products, and Technology Foresight and Forecasting put a highly technical spin on the classic business and entrepreneurship couses offered throught the Carlson School of Management.

Social Applied Entrepreneurship (ACARA):  As Minnesota's sole Land-grant University, the University of Minnesota is called to focus resources toward the solving some of society's pressing problems. ACARA is a unique way to create venture solutions for these issues both in the US and abroad. Housed in the Institute for the Environment, the program is structured around a full series of classes accross a variety of subjects including science, business, and design. The program's objective is to develop solutions that are innovative, scalable, and impactful. The work of students culminates in at the ACARA Challenge, where the most promising venture solutions compete for recongnition and support to carry their venture forward.

== Competitions ==

BizPitch: Each Spring, the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship hosts a business pitch competition for the most promising University of Minnesota's student ideas. In 2014, over 60 students applied with business concepts ranging from local hops farms to customizable refrigerator magnets. They are first tested through a lengthly application process, and then tried with a 90 second business pitch in front of an auditorium filled with local attourneys, businessmen, potential investors, and other aspiring students. The winner recieves a $1000 check from the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship to help with startup-funding, as well as networking connections from across the state.

The Launch Pad: Recently started by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, Launch Pad is a forum through which students pitch their business ideas to a more focused and  specialized group of panelists from the University and beyond. Modeled after the show Shark Tank, events are held on the first and third friday of each month. Each show has two student ventures. Each is given 6 minutes to disucss their business and their obstacles. Pitches are followed by a respective 20 minutes of constructive conversation. The audience is welcome to approach the presenters afterward with additional opportunities and resources.

Campus Innovation Contest: Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Co-Lab idea incubator, these contests are an opportunity to source student input and ideas to solve pressing issues at the University. The contest started in the Spring of 2014. Security had been a growing issue at the University. The original contest revolved  around  reducing crime on campus. Leveraging an idea submission and voting platform, students published their ideas. The most highly regarded solutions presented at a showcase in front of University officials. Winners received prize money and all finalists received services from Co-Lab. Such contests are planned to continue one during each semester. For the fall of 2014, the contest is championing Operation Excellence to help the school make its processes more efficient and save money.

Minnesota Cup: This is Minnesota's largest and most prestigious business plan contest. Over the last 10 years, the Cup has given away more that $1,000,000 to dozens of businesses. In 2014 alone, more than 1,200 applicants competed in 7 catagories, including catagories  for social and student ventures. While not exclusively a University function, the Carlson School of Management was one of the founding sponsors and continues to offer its services and resources to applicants. Interestingly enough, 37% of all applicants had an University of Minnesota affiliation. Since it's founding, Cup finalists have went on to raise more than $160 million in capital and a handful have been acquired.

Hackathon: The University of Minnesota has a thriving Computer Science and Computer Engineering community, and with that come student, as well as faculty and 3rd party, organized hackathons. These events take place most commonly over the weekends in the winter months, and focus on bringing an innovative or entrepreneurial atmosphere to a very technical study. Participants are presented with a real-world problem that can be solved through unique software developements. One such example is the University's 'Visualizing Neighborhoods' hackathon through the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. The 'hackers' worked on developing software that would more effectively monitor and optimize urban bus routes for inner-city primary and secondary schools. The resulting software was implemented and is in use in Minneapolis today.

== Innovation and Maker Spaces ==

DigiFabLab: Within the College of Design's Rapson Hall lies the state-of-the-art prototyping facility which carries the lengthly name 'The Digital Fabrication Laboratory,' shortened to DigiFabLab by it's unique flavor of staff and students. It is a makerspace available only to academic-based projects to which College of Design students have priority. It contains two Stratasys industrial-grade 3D printers, as well as self-serve laser-cutting machines and CNC laithes. It is staffed during regular office hours by a talented full-time technitian. It's main purpose is to assist design students with any design projects that they may come across in their coursework.

Rapson Hall: Second only to the design lab and workshops that lie within it, one of the most vibrant innovation communities at the University of Minnesota exists in the College of Design's Rapson Hall. On any given day, anywhere from a dozen to a hundred bustling design students can be found in it's main atrium. They use the vast space as a staging area for design projects of all shapes and sizes. The hall is often outfitted for presentations or design shows in which students present their capstone projects, and innovative group collaboration is the norm. However, when it comes to student I&E, Rapson Hall lacks the atmosphere of industry applicability as most of the projects are course specific, and not necessarily related to problems found in the real world.

Co-Lab: A student-led idea incubator founded last year through the Entrepreneurship Program's ''Enrepreneurship In Action'' capstone. Co-Lab has a dedicated staff of student Fellows who provide services ranging from website design, to graphics, to strategy, and accounting. In addition to helping students develop, start, and scale projects/businesses, Co-Lab sponsors numerous events, such as the Launch Pad and the Campus Innovation Contests,  to promote innovative thinking amongst students.

== Student Group ==

Entrepreneurship Club: Run by students for students, this program brings in two successful entrepreneurs each week to discuss their venture(s), the obstacles they've faced, and the strategies they've used to overcome them. Attendees range from students with a preliminary interest in starting thier own business to those in higher level innovation courses looking to learn more about best practices and get inspired. Each year culminates in a CEO Dinner, where club members and a variety of community figures come together to hear the store of one high caliber speaker at a professional banquet. Past speakers have included  Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe.

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-15T00:41:20Z

TyEbert:

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-12T21:20:32Z

TyEbert:

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-12T21:04:30Z

TyEbert:

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-12T20:59:02Z

TyEbert:

School:University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

2014-09-12T20:34:54Z

TyEbert: Created page with "= Introduction = The University of Minnesotais a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. It is the oldest and l..."

Resource:How to leverage regional and campus relationships to build win-win solutions

2014-09-06T02:00:22Z

TyEbert: Tyler Ebert & Bradley Turner interview Rob Salamon

= Introduction =

While many communities, both in and outside of Universities, have resources available for innovators and entrepreneurs, barriers often arise the prevent the full utilization of these resources. Moreover, there are a  lot of individuals  and organizations with the same end goal in mind but because they want ownership of the process and its succsses they don’t collaborate. The key is to get the people to talk and cooperate.

= Getting Started =

When one starts the process of connecting the dots in a community, they need to start with their own connections. As students and aspiring entreprneurs, we likely have many connections of our own or can utilize those of our mentors and institutions. Anywhere from personal references to combing LinkedIn and reaching out can get you where the conversation starts. 

= Tips for Leverage =

Even after you've contacted stakeholders and have a foothold amongst the various institutions pursuing the same goal, it may be difficult to get them to work together or even to keep them cognizant of thier shared goal. It isn't uncommon to try and coordinate collaboration over the phone and email and see it fall apart. It is much more pragmatic to get people together in person. When they can meet or go and see the other resources available, there is a significantly higher chance they'll decide to start and stay in a relationship.

= How to Leverage  =

Once relationships have started to form, the question remains how to leverage them. It can prove hazardous to try everything at once. That could strain the relationship and everextend resources. Instead, you could focus on where your passion is while keeping the big picture in mind. For instance, Milwaukee, WI area had lots of maker spaces that could be integrated, but that was a far off goal.  In the short term, the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee University Innovaitons Fellows got groups to collaborate on a series of innovation themed events like TEDx and the Three Day Startup. As the relationships, and the accompanying trust, develop, they will move toward their bigger, loftier goals.

Fellow:Tyler Ebert

2014-08-24T12:48:28Z

TyEbert:

[[File:TylerEbert.jpg|thumb]]''University of Minnesota, University Innovation Fellow Fall 2014''

Tyler is a serial entrepreneur and a current junior at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Raised in rural Wisconsin, he started his first business at 14 selling antiques and novelties online. Since then Tyler has worked in food service, healthcare, finance, and real estate both in established companies and start-ups. Currently, he is working as a Fellow at the University of Minnesota CoLab. CoLab is the first collaborative work space at the University of Minnesota where students from all areas of study gather to develop entrepreneurial solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. He serves at External Relations Liaison, spreading the word about what CoLab can do and developing the relationships necessary to start, scale, and operate new ideas, projects, and businesses. In his free time, Tyler is active in student government, serving as a representative to his school’s Board of Regents. He enjoys high adventure and is an avid church goer.

Fellow:Tyler Ebert

2014-08-24T12:47:56Z

TyEbert: Created page with "TylerEbert.jpg '''Tyler Ebert''' ''University of Minnesota, University Innovation Fellow Fall 2014'' <span style="font-family:times new roman,..."

[[File:TylerEbert.jpg|thumb|TylerEbert.jpg]]

'''Tyler Ebert'''

''University of Minnesota, University Innovation Fellow Fall 2014''

Tyler is a serial entrepreneur and a current junior at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Raised in rural Wisconsin, he started his first business at 14 selling antiques and novelties online. Since then Tyler has worked in food service, healthcare, finance, and real estate both in established companies and start-ups. Currently, he is working as a Fellow at the University of Minnesota CoLab. CoLab is the first collaborative work space at the University of Minnesota where students from all areas of study gather to develop entrepreneurial solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. He serves at External Relations Liaison, spreading the word about what CoLab can do and developing the relationships necessary to start, scale, and operate new ideas, projects, and businesses. In his free time, Tyler is active in student government, serving as a representative to his school’s Board of Regents. He enjoys high adventure and is an avid church goer.

File:TylerEbert.jpg

2014-08-24T12:27:01Z

TyEbert: University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, UIF Fall 2014

University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, UIF Fall 2014