Crucibles: Ideation and Innovation

Overview

Welcome to the Crucibles feature, where the entrepreneurial journey begins. At Missouri S&T, this feature represents the the initial spark of entrepreneurship driven by a burning need, technological innovation, curiosity and learning. It is where our diverse set of students, faculty and researchers form the foundation for ideation and innovation, transforming groundbreaking discoveries into viable startup concepts.

Key Activities

Technology and Market Discovery

Our ecosystem supports the exploration of new technologies and market opportunities, helping innovators identify potential intellectual property and assess the commercial viability of their ideas.

NSF’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Program

The TIP program is a key driver in this feature, offering resources and support through initiatives such as the Convergence Accelerator, Regional Innovation Engines and Partnerships for Innovation (PFI). These opportunities help our innovators advance their technologies and prepare for the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey.

Student Entrepreneurship Learning and Engagement

We are committed to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among our students. Programs like the Kummer Vanguard Scholars and Kummer I&E Doctoral Fellows provide hands-on learning experiences, while student competitions encourage innovative thinking and practical application of entrepreneurial skills.

Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset

KEEN Program

The KEEN (Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network) program is integral to developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Through this initiative, students engage in activities that enhance their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing them to be the innovators of tomorrow.

Expertise Areas

Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for budding entrepreneurs, including technical innovation, product and process design, and value analysis. These courses equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to turn their ideas into actionable business plans.

Digital Engineering and Digital Twins

In the digital age, understanding and leveraging digital engineering tools is crucial. Our programs include training in digital twins and model-based systems engineering, ensuring that our innovators are well-versed in the latest technological advancements.

Join Us

The Crucible feature at Missouri S&T is just the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. Here, you’ll find the resources, support and expertise needed to ignite your ideas and set the feature for future success. Join us and become part of a community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact us at [contact information]