CSL Project Course
Interdisciplinary graduate student teams explore and define new opportunities with companies looking to create transformative growth
Have an idea you want to explore? Want a fresh perspective to examine how it could be transformative for your company? Join a cohort of peer companies and work with Carnegie Mellon University graduate students to investigate what’s possible over the course of a semester.
Spring 2026 Project Course Applications Now Open!
Apply here!
Applications for enrollment in this course are now open. Any Carnegie Mellon University Graduate student located in Pittsburgh may apply. Acceptance to the course will be based on a completed application and interview with a course instructor on a rolling basis. Applications will close on December 5th, so don't wait! Apply today!
STUDENT TEAMS AS CORPORATE ENTREPRENEURS
The graduate teams, recruited from all CMU Colleges, conduct background research, talk to potential customers, run lean tests or experiments, and iterate on a product or service until they a) find an identifiable market and business model that could work or b) demonstrate conclusively that the idea should not be pursued as a venture.
Goal: Students teams work with Corporate Sponsors to explore an idea that could be transformative for their company, utilizing their interdisciplinary talent and CSL resources
Commitments for Sponsorship
TWO IN-PERSON REVIEWSProject Kickoff & Final Demo Day attended by key employees of each partner company. |
WEEKLY CHECK-INSWeekly virtual check-in from same key employees to provide feedback. |
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONFinancial contribution to Carnegie Mellon University to sponsor a project. Please reach out to learn details. |
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Faculty

Melissa Murphy
Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing, Tepper
President, Melissa Murphy Marketing
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Jim Jen
Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship, Tepper
Director, Corporate Startup Lab
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Laurie Barkman
Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, Tepper
CEO & Founder, SmallDotBig
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Lou Mustane
Adjunct Professor, Corporate Entrepreneurship
Founder & Managing Partner, Echo Strategies
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2024 Sponsors



