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.
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.
You will have unique access to:
IDEA has prepared a specialized program of study that complements your academic journey as you work towards your degree.
IDEA operates a program for first-year students in which undergraduates contribute to interdisciplinary projects focused on finding solutions to societal challenges. Since the summer of 2022, students join the Justice Health program through IDEA, which provides other summer programs.
Students exploring Alexander Library in the fall semester might stumble upon the Hatchery Innovation Studio, a collaboration between Rutgers—New Brunswick Libraries and the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA), which resides on the first floor of the library.
Jason Lei (RBS, '24) participates in a panel discussion that highlights the value of student contributions to address national challenges and the value of government-academia partnerships for undergraduates.
Director of IDEA
Program Coordinator
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.
Partners from within Rutgers, in the industry, or the government, offer unique opportunities to IDEA students.
Alumni can offer their experience and guidance as ones who have successfully completed their journey from student to graduate.
IDEA is proud to amplify other voices that offer valuable insight into what it means to be an innovator.
The Hatchery (Archibald S. Alexander Library)
169 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901