Changes

= Overview =

Several programs exist that, without explicitly focusing on entrepreneurship, allow students to develop critical skills in innovation and creativity. Generally, these three programs provide resources, directions, and support for motivated students with a certain skill set. The [http://creativecomputing.nd.edu/ Center for Creative Computing] provides leadership and resources to students with advanced skills in technology. With these resources, students work in an inter-disciplinary effort to address tasks relating to the arts, humanities or social science. The [http://ndias.nd.edu/ Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study] sponsors a group of Residential Fellowships that provide funding for students of all disciplines. With funding, students are encouraged to explore innovative and creative ideas that may align with the goals of the NDIAS. The Creativity and Innovation Club is uniquely a student-driven effort. As a club, members strive to facilitate and encourage creativity and innovation through various activities. 

Beyond generally stimulating creativity and innovation, there are several groups on campus that explicitly focus on promoting entrepreneurship. As mentioned previously, the presence of four distinct programs allows for a variety of activities for a student to choose from. On the other hand though, there is overlap between programs and no strong line of communication. Hopefully our team may address these issues moving forward.

<span style="font-size:small;">The Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship offers many other hands-on events to spark campus innovation. The Entrepreneurial Insight Lecture Series and the Irish Impact Social Entrepreneurship Conference engage students and faculty in entrepreneurial thinking from various perspectives. All on campus can take innovative action by participating in events such as the Ideas Challenge, the Hackathon, and Startup Weekend ND. Finally, early stage ventures can enter the McCloskey Business Plan Competition for a chance to launch with support from the Mendoza College of Business and Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship.&nbsp;</span>

Outfitted with a well-staffed Innovation Park dedicated to nurturing start-up ventures, Notre Dame creates an environment for small companies to grow alongside others. However, the distance between campus and Innovation Park and lack of courses taught there does keep undergraduates away from the resources offered.

[[Mark Brahier|Mark Brahier]]