Local Businesses Invited to Partner with Graduate Student Teams on Summer Technology Projects

Local businesses and organizations have a unique opportunity this summer to collaborate with graduate students from the University of Illinois through the Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM) program at the Gies College of Business.

The MSTM summer program pairs technically skilled graduate students with organizations that are facing business challenges involving data, technology, or emerging innovations. Through the program, student teams apply both business strategy and technical insight to help organizations explore solutions that can improve efficiency, strengthen competitiveness, and support innovation.

Projects may include evaluating or implementing new technology platforms, developing go-to-market strategies for emerging technologies, or addressing industry-specific challenges with a strong technical component. The program is designed for organizations of all sizes interested in exploring how technology can enhance their operations or strategic direction.

Each project team will consist of four to six graduate students with technical backgrounds in fields such as information sciences and engineering who are pairing their undergraduate degrees with a business master’s degree.

The summer semester is tentatively scheduled to run from May 19 through August 7, 2026, based on faculty availability. Participating organizations will commit approximately 60–90 minutes per week to meet with their student team either in person or virtually. The collaboration will include a kickoff meeting, a midterm presentation, and a final presentation in late July or early August.

There is no cost for organizations to participate.

Organizations interested in partnering with a student team are encouraged to submit a project proposal by April 30, 2026 (the deadline may be extended slightly if needed).

For more information or to express interest, businesses may contact Salvo Rodriguez, Associate Director of Business Development at the Gies College of Business, at sr31@illinois.edu and copy mdelany2@illinois.edu.