Innovation Scholars Program
The Innovation Scholars program fosters innovation and entrepreneurship and seeks to increase the number of successful startup companies initiated by or involving Carnegie Mellon University’s undergraduate students.
Scholars complete a two-year program integrating
- academic coursework
- work experience in a startup company
- networking
- mentorship — given as well as received
This selective program attracts the next generation of innovative thinkers and doers.
Applications were open through April 5, 2024. Early applications were encouraged.
Congrats to the new 2026 cohort of the Innovation Scholars! Meet the Scholars>
What They Say
Matt Spettel, 2020 Innovation Scholar
Sachi Shah, 2021 Innovation Scholar
Goals
The undergraduate Innovation Scholars Program was created through the endowment from the McCune Foundation in 2013. The purpose of the grant is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among undergraduate students.
- Increase the number of successful startups initiated by or involving CMU undergraduate students.
- Broaden our undergraduates’ awareness of, education in and involvement with the Carnegie Mellon Innovation Ecosystem.
- Engage alumni and entrepreneurial experts through programs and mentorship for enhancement of the student experience and innovation ecosystem.
Benefits
- Innovation Scholars with their own startup receive $6,000 stipend for the 12 weeks of summer work
- $1,200 grant to explore startup companies during the "Silicon Valley Trek" in January 2021
- Membership and/or reimbursement to attend local events
- Special invitations to events
- Individual mentoring
- Spark Grants for specific projects (if available)
- Cohort and community building with current and alumni Innovation Scholars
Requirements
- Applications accepted by current second year students in the second semester in ANY school or college at Carnegie Mellon University
- Entrepreneurial exploration and experience before applying is strongly encouraged
- Able to meet weekly
- Two year program, (Junior/Senior year)
- Successful completion of one intro entrepreneurship course
- Participate in workshops and other events, document participation
- Mentor those who follow you as Innovation Scholars
Introductory Entrepreneurship Courses*
*Other entrepreneurship courses may fulfill requirement
70-415 Introduction to Entrepreneurship
70-414 Introduction to Entrepreneurship for Engineers
70-421 Introduction to Entrepreneurship for Computer Scientists cross listed as 15-390 Computer Science
70-420 Introduction to Entrepreneurship for Scientists
Scholars, reserve the following times for program events
- Weekly Meetings - Fridays starting in September from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Inaugural Dinner - Fall 2024
- Silicon Valley Trek - January 2025