An invitation to innovate

Ian A. Waitz, Dean of MIT’s School of Engineering and the originator of the programme commented: “The primary aim of Sandbox is to develop people, not necessarily start-ups or products, but the learning will be in the context of advancing an entrepreneurial venture or innovative idea - one that serves an important market or social need. It is designed to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be more effective when they go off in the world and practice MIT’s brand of deep scientific and technological innovation.”

Led by the School of Engineering in partnership with the MIT Innovation Initiative, Sandbox will collaborate with existing campus organisations, such as Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, the Venture Mentoring Service, and the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program. Initial participants in Sandbox are being drawn from StartMIT, a two week entrepreneurship bootcamp, but proposals are being encouraged from any MIT graduate or undergraduate student or team.

Designed to be flexible and synergistic with MIT classwork and research, Sandbox will support students throughout their time on campus. Accepted proposals will be accompanied by milestones and/or co-curricular requirements tailored to the needs of the individual student or team. All participants will be matched with mentors leveraging the alumni and non-alumni networks in the area.