School:Clark Atlanta University
Currently, Clark Atlanta University is developing a strategic plan for the development and implementation of entrepreneurial innovation across disciplines. Building on the current infrastructure the establishment of workshops, lecture series, and special topics courses will provide faculty with the tools needed to pursue entrepreneurship within the marketplace. Encouraging faculty to pursue SBIRs, STTRSs, and development of grant proposals is necessary to the development of sustainable revenue for the University. We are currently reviewing our policies and developing a technology transfer office which is necessary to bridge the gap of innovation and commercialization at Clark Atlanta University. Recently, the University has created the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with David Duncan spearheading the initiative as the Director. In addition, Clark Atlanta University has started the design of its first Innolab which is slated to begin serving students in late February. By implementing the platform set forth by the initial leadership circle while continuing to grow this group to a larger pool of innovators will set in motion sustainable economic development.
Although Clark Atlanta University is in the early stages of developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem we do offer a few entrepreneurial opportunities. The School of Business at Clark Atlanta University makes great efforts to encourage entrepreneurship efforts of the students. Established within the Clark Atlanta University curriculum, freshman students as well as graduate students are exposed to entrepreneurship through the course which we look to establish across disciplines. Students also participate in various pitch competitions in which they prove their capabilities of establishing a working business model necessary for successful startup. The University also has a Shark tank competition this year which should inspire students and raise the profile of the innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives being enacted by both the UIF members and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.The development of programs such as LEADWeek, which has a UIF candidate as its Co-chair, has provided students with the opportunity to receive input on the development of self. Moving forward, the primary goal of the team is to integrate the departmental silos on campus in order to usher in a new ecosystem which embraces collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship. We are very optimistic that we will be successful at raising awareness and participation throughout the course of this school year.
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UI FellowLionel_Cross_Jr.,Damon_Willis