The IIT Invention Center

G why?

F New engineers coming from school have little idea of what makes a successful product. They have to be re-trained by their employers
F Standard Engineering programs often damage the students' natural creativity because they emphasize analysis (calculations) over synthesis (concept).
F Many naturally creative people are repelled by Engineering studies. Talent is wasted.
F Current project-based courses do not go far enough to remedy the problem.

F Teach Engineering not as applied science but as one of the Arts, that which uses physical phenomena to create something new and useful.
F Do this while allowing the students to obtain accredited 4-year Bachelors or Masters.
F Attract students to Engineering before they finish high school.

F Undergraduates take at least three three-credit Engineering studios, from 2nd year on.
F This course sequence is undertaken as "interprofessional projects" (nine credits) or as a "specialized minor" (fifteen credits, replacing some elective courses) of the standard, ABET-accredited Engineering program. It does not add time to their graduation.
F They work on their own inventions. Team projects are also possible. They are coached on-site by studio professors and industrial advisors.
F A regular seminar is held where all the aspects of creative problem solving, marketing, patenting, etc. are explained.
F The students' work is evaluated through prototypes, reports and presentations. Other outcomes such as prizes, patents, and positive commercialization results also count.
F One- week camps for selected high school students.

F At the "IIT Invention Center," which has the essential facilities for information gathering, computing, prototyping, testing, and communications.
F Interim location now. Will be ten thousand square feet, divided among several connected labs and shops. A large open portion reserved for the students' personal work benches.
F To be expanded as the program grows and start-up corporations are created nearby.

F IIT Engineering and Science students. Other students can sign up for elective course credit. High school students during camps.
F Full-time faculty from the ranks of IIT's current departments, plus other studio professors who work part-time at the Center. Staff for prototyping, shop training, and maintenance.
F Industrial advisors recruited from Chicago companies. Others by teleconferencing.
F Board of Advisors drawn from IIT trustees, faculty, notable inventors and entrepreneurs.

F First course offered Sept.-95. Invention Center to be fully set up in 2000-01.
F High school camp begun in Jan.- 96.