Innovation

Introduction

USC and the Viterbi School of Engineering promotes, encourages, and nurtures innovation of both its students and faculty. Student innovation is supported through the Viterbi Student Institute for Innovation (VSI2) which will offer educational programs, new venture creation support and networking opportunities to help cultivate the next gen engineering entrepreneur.

Viterbi faculty and their innovations are supported through the USC Stevens Center for Innovation which manages the intellectual property of the university. It is a USC faculty innovator’s first point of contact when interested in commercializing an invention. See USC Stevens’ Have an Idea? web page for more details

Viterbi Student Institute for Innovation (VSI2)

VSI2 will serve as a crucible for innovation for Viterbi students, who will learn how to turn their ideas or research into successful business ventures.

VSI2 will focus on the following key areas: educational programs in engineering innovation including workshops, startup speaker series and new content, aimed particularly to our undergraduate and MS students; providing innovation support through access to business plan contests, industry mentoring and possibly a startup incubator; and the establishment of industry partnerships and collaborations to connect our students with the startup community.

Viterbi Startup Garage
 

Viterbi Startup Garage is a 12 week technology accelerator program that includes $20k in funding, space, strategic and financial resources and access to world-class mentors, and hands-on product, marketing, legal and fundraising support. It was created by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering in collaboration with Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and United Talent Agency.