The Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) provides academic and practical training for students to embark on careers as entrepreneurs (innovating to form new companies), and as intrapreneurs (innovating within existing companies).
The program provides students with knowledge and experience on core topics on the process of innovation and entrepreneurship, i.e., identifying new venture opportunities through lean startup methodology, developing a business model, preparing a business plan, assembling a team, raising the necessary financing including venture capital, and launching a new business. The program is a self-supporting terminal master's degree, which includes opportunities for extra-curricular internships or practicums.
Students participate in the New Venture Competition at the Merage School, jointly run by the Beall Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and UCI Applied Innovation, from November through May. Students participating in the competition are coached and judged by entrepreneurs, business leaders, angel investors, and venture capitalists, and will have the option of attending several workshops on a variety of topics aimed at increasing the odds of success in the competition. Post May, students have the opportunity to apply to enter the Wayfinder incubator at UCI Applied Innovation where Innovation Advisors (IAs) through a broad set of available resources, help student teams build relationships with investors, advisors, and community partners to pave the path for successful capital raising, advancement of technology, and refinement of their business models, among other significant milestones.