IDEA students launch a Rutgers chapter of Design for America and connect Rutgers students to a national network of social innovators.
Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA)
Welcome to IDEA!
The mission of the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA) is to integrate design and entrepreneurial thinking into the student experience. During the program, students take part in research, design challenges, and entrepreneurial thinking, as well as contribute to interdisciplinary projects focused on solving complex societal challenges. IDEA’s innovation studio provides space for students to explore the innovation process by thinking about what problems they would like to solve.Â
IDEA at Rutgers University
Our History
The Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy was founded in 2020 to develop a program for the early undergraduate experience where new perspectives and real-world learning flourishes. IDEA seeks to create a resource where, before committing to a major, students can explore areas of interest and be connected to faculty researchers as well as industry and organization professionals, that reflect the rich history of innovative research that Rutgers-New Brunswick is known for.Â
Our Goals
- To empower students to explore problems they want to solve
- To foster student creativity and use of design thinking to solve complex societal challenges
- To expose students to interdisciplinary projects that provide a systems view of problem-solving
- To facilitate student participation in research, design, or entrepreneurial opportunities at Rutgers
How It Works
You will have unique access to:
- Experiential learning opportunities, such as conducting research alongside faculty mentors and gaining early exposure to alumni entrepreneurs and industry employers
- Paid internships and apprenticeships
- Interdisciplinary coursework and design challenges that encompass agriculture, arts, climate change, conservation, culture and design, healthcare, infrastructure, natural resources, and technology.
- Entrepreneurial leadership programs
- Dedicated academic and career counseling
- Career design connected to students’ interest and skills to prepare for jobs of the future
- The Hatchery, a dedicated innovation studio centrally located in the Archibald S. Alexander Library on the College Avenue Campus
The IDEA Student Roadmap
IDEA has prepared a specialized program of study that complements your academic journey as you work towards your degree.Â
IDEA in Action
This year, Rutgers had two teams that competed in the Northeast region of the competition. The first team, TransX Automated Transit System (TATS) (Team 3), was named as one of the eight Bonus Prize Finalists for the NYC Metro Regional round. The second Rutgers team that competed in the competition was led by sophomore Rut Mehta (CEO) along with Anand Patel (CTO) and Dunbar Birnir (Faculty Advisor).Â
Entrepreneurship is at the heart of Rutgers University's New Brunswick campus, and the institution is proud of its many programs and initiatives that help students with entrepreneurial aspirations. One such program is the yearly Rutgers UPitch Competition, which allows students to showcase their innovative ideas and business plans before a panel of judges.
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Meet the Leadership
Director of IDEA
Program Coordinator
Get Connected
IDEA is your front door to innovation at Rutgers-New Brunswick! All IDEA students have access to the IDEA network. We have the connections to help out any enterprising student.Â
Client Partners
Partners from within Rutgers, in the industry, or the government, offer unique opportunities to IDEA students.Â
Alumni
Alumni can offer their experience and guidance as ones who have successfully completed their journey from student to graduate.
Speakers
IDEA is proud to amplify other voices that offer valuable insight into what it means to be an innovator.
Where to Find Us
The Hatchery (Archibald S. Alexander Library)
169 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901