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University Innovation Fellows
What if you could help shape the future of CMU?
The University Innovation Fellows program empowers students to identify challenges, develop solutions and create meaningful change on campus through leadership, innovation and design thinking.
Hosted by Stanford University's d.school and supported at CMU through the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, UIF gives students the tools to turn ideas into action and leave a lasting impact on their university.
What is University Innovation Fellows?
University Innovation Fellows is a global leadership program that trains students to become agents of change on their campuses and in their communities.
Each year, a small cohort of CMU students completes an intensive training experience focused on design thinking, innovation and leadership. Fellows learn how to identify opportunities, understand community needs and develop solutions that improve the student experience.
The program is open to students from all majors because innovation happens everywhere.
What you'll do
Learn design thinking
Develop skills in empathy, problem-solving, ideation, prototyping and testing that help you approach challenges from new perspectives.
Explore campus needs
Conduct a campus landscape analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Lead a change project
Work with your cohort to develop and implement a project that creates meaningful impact for CMU students.
Join a global network
Connect with Fellows from universities around the world and learn from peers who are leading innovation on their own campuses.
Innovation with impact
UIF projects are designed to improve the student experience and create lasting change.
Recent CMU cohorts have explored ideas such as:
- Reimagining underutilized campus green spaces as collaborative learning environments
- Expanding access to scholarships and student resources
- Exploring virtual reality technology to enhance experiential learning across disciplines
- Developing new opportunities for student engagement and innovation
Each project begins with the same question: What could make CMU better?
A global experience
UIF Fellows don't just learn about innovation. They become part of a global community of student changemakers.
After completing their training, Fellows have opportunities to connect with students from universities around the world, participate in workshops and share their projects with peers who are leading change on their own campuses.
These experiences help students strengthen their leadership skills, expand their perspectives and bring new ideas back to CMU.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
The University Innovation Fellows program is open to students from all majors and academic disciplines. Innovation benefits from diverse perspectives, so students with different backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
How many students are selected?
CMU typically selects a small cohort of students each year. Cohort size may vary depending on program needs and available opportunities.
Do I need entrepreneurship experience to apply?
No.
UIF is designed for students who are curious, motivated and interested in creating positive change. Students do not need previous entrepreneurship or innovation experience to participate.
What is design thinking?
Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding people's needs, generating ideas, testing solutions and learning through iteration.
UIF Fellows learn how to empathize, define challenges, ideate, prototype and test solutions to create meaningful impact.
How much time does the program require?
The program includes training, team collaboration, project development and stakeholder engagement. Specific commitments may vary by cohort and project.
Can students from any CMU college participate?
Yes.
UIF welcomes students from across CMU. Past cohorts have included students from business, engineering, mathematics and other disciplines. Innovation thrives when students bring different perspectives and experiences to the table.
What are the benefits of participating?
Students gain leadership experience, design-thinking skills, project management experience, professional connections and the opportunity to create meaningful change on campus.
Many Fellows also become part of a global network of student innovators and changemakers.
What kinds of projects do Fellows work on?
Projects vary from year to year based on student research and campus needs. The goal is to identify opportunities that improve the student experience and strengthen innovation across campus.
How do I apply?
Application information is shared each year through IBIE. Students interested in future cohorts are encouraged to contact the IBIE team for additional information or apply now during the open application period.
Ready to make an impact?
The University Innovation Fellows program is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, work alongside passionate peers and leave a lasting mark on the CMU community.
If you're interested in innovation, problem-solving and creating positive change, we'd love to hear from you.
