INNOVATION FELLOWS PROGRAM

INNOVATION FELLOWS PROGRAM
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The Innovation Fellows Program:
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

In 2019, Dr. Almesha L. Campbell, launched the Innovation Fellows Program at Jackson State University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). This groundbreaking initiative was designed to cultivate a culture of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among students while fostering pathways to innovation-driven workforce development.

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The Vision

Dr. Campbell envisioned the Innovation Fellows Program as a catalyst for transforming how academics, research, and creativity intersect at JSU. Recognizing the untapped potential within the university community, the program was created to provide:
  • Training in Technology Transfer and Commercialization:
    Equipping fellows with the knowledge and skills to bring research and inventions to market.
  • Entrepreneurial Development:
    Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking through workshops on business models, startup strategies, and customer discovery.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    Fostering partnerships between STEM, business, and other disciplines to generate innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
  • Talent Development:
    Prioritizing skills training that empowers students and prepares them to be ready for the future of work on day one.

Program Structure and Impact

The Innovation Fellows Program provides participants with a unique blend of education, mentorship, and hands-on project opportunities:

Training Modules:
Fellows complete and develop modules for coding and app development, 3D printing, and other areas.
Mentorship Network:
Participants get access to experienced mentors from academia, industry, and government, as well as leads for internship and job opportunities.
Project-Based Learning:
Fellows work on real-world projects, from developing tech-based solutions to pitching business ideas and teaching micro-credential courses.
Access to Resources:
Fellows utilize the facilities at the CIE, including the One Button Studio, the Knowledge Transfer Academy, and the Innovation Lab.

Since its inception, the program has supported over 30 fellows, resulting in a strong network of alumni who can serve as mentors for current fellows. Alumni of the program have gone on to contribute to JSU’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and work in industries such as Apple, Meta, AWS, Horne, Deloittle, MISO, Danato Technologies, Inc., Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and Hinds County.
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A Lasting Legacy

The Innovation Fellows Program has become a model for how universities can leverage their intellectual capital to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. By empowering students to think beyond traditional academic boundaries, the program continues to contribute to Jackson State University's mission of being a leader in research, education, and community impact.
ALUMNI INNOVATION FELLOWS SPOTLIGHT