A hands-on approach to venture development, corporate innovation, and emerging life sciences

Consider the EIA as an extension of the classroom, providing an experiential component to prepare you for top leadership positions. Academy Director Dr. Kuratko will help you understand how to successfully start and run a business. From innovative corporate thinking, launching new products or services, to company buy-outs and start-ups, you will gain the skills to reach your goal. Through the EIA, you will understand the process of completing due-diligence on an emerging or an existing company. You will participate in real-world projects, providing recommendations for state grants that will impact jobs and communities.

And you will meet executives that can open doors and connect you to boundless opportunities. At the heart of your two-year training are three strategically-planned Academy Intensive Weeks that are key to your Kelley MBA experience. During these weeks, all other coursework stops and Academies convene for a full-immersion experienceas you dive into Entrepreneurial Innovation. In addition to the three scheduled intensive weeks, the Entrepreneurial Innovation Academy convenes during the academic year to discuss hot topics, meet returning EIA alumni, or hear guest speakers.

EIA Training Plan

EIA Week #1, Fall Semester, Year 1:

  • Learn the basics of corporate innovation, venture capital and the emerging life sciences to build your foundation
  • Participate in a Biotech Primer to immerse you into the life sciences field—connecting science and medical discoveries to business
  • Glean insights from venture capitalists; in a Due-diligence Primer, learn how to analyze companies in terms of feasibility and market potential

EIA Week #2, Spring Semester, Year 1:

  • Meet CEOs from high-potential businesses and venture capitalists at the Kelley School's annual Velocity Conference
  • Complete a seven week Intensive Immersion project with an emerging technology company seeking to launch a business or commercialize a product
  • Prepare for internship opportunities and interviews

EIA Week #3, Fall Semester, Year 2:

  • Share internship experiences and insights, including company culture and practices, with other Academy members
  • Work with your fellow Academy members in the Venture Challenge Competition—five intense days of venture research and analysis with a final recommendation to the state
  • Prepare for entry into a new career as an innovative leader
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