McMillon Innovation Studio’s Post

Fast Company and Inc. present the inaugural list of Ignition Schools. These institutions are leaders in entrepreneurship and innovation. https://lnkd.in/e5qVn6Vv #ignitionschools #inaugurallist #innovative #colleges #universities #institutions #leaders #entrepreneurship #innovation #impacting #business #society

🏔️ Entrepreneurship Meets Alpine Adventure: Transforming Business Education at FHV I'm thrilled to share an exciting case study about the innovative Entrepreneurship & Innovation Simulation course I led at Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV) in Dornbirn, Austria. Over an intensive 3-day weekend, we took entrepreneurship education to new heights - literally and figuratively! Here's what made this experience unique: • Alpine Inspiration: We used the misty mountain trails as a metaphor for navigating business uncertainty. • Immersive Simulations: Students tackled real-world scenarios using cutting-edge tools from Strategy Tools. • Rapid Ideation: The pressure-cooker environment mirrored startup challenges, fostering agile thinking. • Diverse Perspectives: Our international group sparked creativity and innovative problem-solving. The results? Students emerged with enhanced adaptability, stronger pivoting skills, and some even planning to pursue their simulated ideas in the real world! This experience reinforced my belief in the power of experiential learning. By combining practical simulations with environmental inspiration, we're preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. Huge thanks to FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences for their trust and to Strategy Tools for their invaluable resources. Here's to pushing the boundaries of entrepreneurship education! 🚀 #EntrepreneurshipEducation #ExperientialLearning #InnovationInEducation #BusinessSimulation #AlpineInspiration #StrategyTools #FHVorarlberg https://lnkd.in/eGt73FpB

RETHINKING UNDERGRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Can We Apply the Same Principles Used for Graduate Programs? Majority of federally funded entrepreneurship programs in academia focus on graduate and postdoctoral students, emphasizing venture creation and leveraging advanced skills acquired through prior training. But when it comes to undergraduate entrepreneurship, can these same principles be applied effectively, given the different educational goals and development stages of undergraduates? Unlike their graduate counterparts, undergraduates are still shaping both their personal and academic identities. Therefore, these programs must go beyond venture creation to prepare students not only to become successful founders but also to excel as innovators within organizations and leaders across industries. From my experience, the following components are key to building a well-rounded undergraduate entrepreneurial program. I’d love to hear your thoughts. 1.      Courses Business Courses, Entrepreneurship-Specific Courses, Ethics and Social Impact Courses 2.      Experiential Learning Opportunities a.       Internships with Startups or Corporations b.      Hackathons & Innovation Challenges c.      Simulations and Case Studies d.      Incubators & Accelerators 3.      Personal Development & Mindset Training 4.      Cross-Disciplinary Learning 5.      Networking and Mentorship 6.      Cultural Awareness and Global Perspective 7.      Evaluation and Continuous Feedback WHAT OTHER ELEMENTS WOULD YOU ADD TO ENHANCE THIS LIST?   #Entrepreneurship #UndergraduateEducation #Innovation #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureLeaders #EntrepreneurshipEducation #EducationMatters #StudentEntrepreneurs #FutureFounders #SkillsForTheFuture 

Amazing news! Tel Aviv University is No. 19 in the brand new "Ignition Schools" ranking by Inc. Magazine and Fast Company, out of 900 institutions driving global innovation! Furthermore, we are the only non-American university ranked in the top 20 for entrepreneurship, recognized for its leadership in cutting-edge IP, partnerships, and talent development. Read more below: #rankings #topschools #top20 #tau #businessschools

We’re thrilled to share that Georgia Tech has been ranked No. 27 on Fast Company inaugural Ignition Schools list, recognizing leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship! This recognition highlights our commitment to advancing technology and supporting groundbreaking research that drives market success. Read more about the top innovative colleges and universities of 2024: Fast Company Ignition Schools List #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Commercialization #GeorgiaTech #FastCompany #IgnitionSchools

🌟 How does a dream transform into an impactful reality? Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing a transformative journey through an entrepreneurship program in New York. The daily walks through the streets of Manhattan to reach the classroom were nothing short of magical. Stepping out of class and being just steps away from The New York Times was truly incredible. Visiting Civic Hall was another highlight that added to the richness of this experience. During this program, I enhanced 7 key competencies that have redefined my approach: 1️⃣ Business Acumen: I learned to turn ideas into valuable opportunities and make strategic decisions with a clear vision. 2️⃣ Sense of Purpose: I reconnected with the mission of Uni Ingenio, my venture dedicated to helping young people achieve their university dreams and find their true purpose. 3️⃣ Innovation Skills: I discovered how to think outside the box and find disruptive solutions to everyday challenges. 4️⃣ Growth Mindset: I learned to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and to maintain a resilient attitude. 5️⃣ Relationship Building: I understood the importance of building genuine connections that enrich and support our entrepreneurial journey. 6️⃣ Execution Skills: Effective execution of ideas became a priority, reminding me that action is key to success. 7️⃣ Perseverance: I reaffirmed that perseverance is essential to overcoming challenges and continuing to move forward, even when the path gets tough. 💖 A special shoutout to Santander Open Academy and TrepCamp for the scholarship they provided me. Being one of the 60 selected participants for this program has been an invaluable opportunity that has transformed my perspective and entrepreneurial path. I also want to give a huge thank you to my EIR, the coordinators, speakers, and fellow participants who made this experience unforgettable. Your support and insights have been crucial to my growth 🙌🏻 Nahim Aliss Saba Antonella Sossi Abiel Gutierrez Carlos Mendoza Frances Simowitz Alejandra Molina Jackson Young Seema Shah Fernando Sepulveda Héctor Alejandro Macias Delgado And you, how are you turning your dreams into reality? I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned to Uni Ingenio and continue advancing on this exciting journey. 🚀 Here’s to more! #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #PersonalGrowth #UniIngenio #Networking #Leadership #SantanderOpenAcademy #TrepCamp

"It's never too late and you're never too old" - is absolutely true. This Saturday I'll be on RTE Radio with Áine Kerr chatting about this. One of the most in-depth studies on the relationship between age and startup success was conducted by researchers from MIT, Northwestern, Wharton and the U.S. Census Bureau. They found that the mean age of startup founders across the U.S. was 42 years and the average age of founders of the rare ultra-fast growth unicorns (the 1 in 1,000 fastest growing ventures) was 45. The study shows that the likelihood of success as a founder increases with age until the age of 60. The older you get, the more likely your chances of success are. A 50-year-old founder is twice as likely to build a thriving enterprise that has either an IPO or a successful acquisition as a 30-year-old founder. Also you don’t necessarily need practice as an entrepreneur to become one. Most successful founders have worked in corporate and other jobs before starting their venture. This is giving rise to the term "encore entrepreneurs." Many are pursuing new ventures driven by a desire to remain engaged and productive, turning passions into businesses like consulting, lifestyle ventures, or service-oriented enterprises. Older entrepreneurs are starting diverse businesses, from leveraging expertise in consulting to embracing tech-related ventures. With online learning through Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, UCD Innovation Academy, Institute Of Ai Studies and TechFoundHer (and so many more) they are expanding their skill sets to stay relevant in the market. Challenges like accessing capital and overcoming technology barriers exist, but the resilience and experience of this demographic often lead to innovative solutions that resonate with their peers. Society is recognising the value older entrepreneurs bring, developing age-friendly policies and expanding the market for products tailored to older adults. Tune in at 10.30am on Saturday RTE Radio one to hear more ... #EncoreEntrepreneurs #LifelongLearning #AgeIsJustANumber https://lnkd.in/eZwqzCMj https://lnkd.in/eDHrnXsH

💡 Can strategy shape culture? Alex Usher from Higher Education Strategy Associates argues it can—if done right. In his latest article, Strategy, Differentiation, and Culture, Usher addresses a critical issue for universities: the tension between strategy and culture. Drawing on Peter Drucker’s famous maxim, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” Usher flips the script, asking whether a well-executed strategic process can, over time, reshape institutional culture to drive differentiation. Usher points out that most universities are stuck in a cycle of short-term, five-year plans tied to the tenure of their leaders. This approach limits their ability to tackle deep-rooted challenges and fails to foster the kind of distinctive missions that can serve as a “North Star” for long-term growth. Few universities adopt the longer, 10- to 15-year horizons that enable real transformation. Usher highlights global standouts like Johns Hopkins, KAIST, and the Technical University of Munich, where extended strategic planning is paired with broad campus engagement. Embracing entrepreneurship is one powerful way universities can stand out. Take the University of Waterloo, for example. Its long-standing focus on entrepreneurship, co-op programs, and strong ties to industry have cemented its reputation as a leader in innovation. Through initiatives like Velocity and the Conrad School for Entrepreneurship and Business, Waterloo has transformed its institutional culture and produced some of the most successful startups and entrepreneurs in Canada. This strategic focus gives Waterloo a unique identity, attracting top students, faculty, and industry partners. Despite Usher’s compelling advice, many institutions resist. Boards and administrators often prioritise accountability over ambition, treating strategic plans as mere to-do lists rather than tools for genuine cultural evolution. Universities need to rethink not just their strategies but their approach to planning. Differentiation isn’t just about having a unique mission—it’s about embedding that mission in the institution's DNA. #HigherEducation #StrategicPlanning #CultureChange #Differentiation #Entrepreneurship

 "If I have not made any mistake, it means I am not trying something new." This powerful insight set the tone for an engaging panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Atul Bharat, Director of AIIH Foundation, on how academic institutions can nurture entrepreneurship by weaving innovation, critical thinking, and real-world experiences into education. The panel explored actionable strategies to empower students to embrace risk, tackle real-world challenges, and unleash their entrepreneurial potential—building a generation ready to innovate and lead. Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurship is Innate: Mr. Dipan Sahu emphasized that entrepreneurship is about tapping into one's natural potential, with passion, attitude, and hands-on experience being key to developing entrepreneurial skills. Real-World Experience is Key: Dr. Rajeev Roy stressed that entrepreneurial skills cannot be taught solely in classrooms but need to be developed through real-world challenges and experiential learning. Importance of Collaboration: Panelists highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to help students transition from theoretical learning to practical entrepreneurial success. Role of Faculties: Faculties should inspire students to innovate and explore entrepreneurship beyond the syllabus, guiding them to take risks and solve real-world problems. Focus on Experiential Learning: Panelists agreed that integrating experiential learning, such as ideation, execution, and market understanding, into curriculum is essential for preparing students for entrepreneurship. Overcoming Barriers: The discussion addressed challenges like fear of failure and lack of support systems in academia, urging for policies and initiatives to create a more supportive environment for student entrepreneurs. The panel reinforced that fostering an entrepreneurial mindset requires a blend of academic discipline, experiential learning, and strong industry-academia collaboration. It also stressed the need to empower students to embrace risk, learn from failure, and pursue meaningful, innovative work. A truly inspiring and insightful discussion that encouraged the audience to rethink how entrepreneurship can be nurtured within educational systems. A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed panelists, Mr. Dipan Sahu and Dr. Rajeev Roy, and moderator Mr. Atul Bharat for their enlightening perspectives. Your insights have inspired us to rethink how academic institutions can shape the next generation of innovators and changemakers. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Startups #Education #PanelDiscussion #ExperientialLearning #FutureSkills #Mentorship #Leadership #Collaboration #InnovationEcosystem