BoardSport Technology Enterprise Team member working in their lap space

Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation and Collaboration: The Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech

25 Years of Enterprise logo

For a quarter of a century, Michigan Technological University's Enterprise Program has been at theforefront of hands-on, experiential learning, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions. As we celebrate 25 years of this groundbreaking program, we reflect on its rich history, its impact on students and industry, and the bright future ahead.

A Legacy of Innovation

Since its inception during the pilot year in 1999, the Enterprise Program has provided students with the unique opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams, much like a business or industry setting. Unlike traditional classroom projects, Enterprise teams are student-led, with guidance from faculty advisors and industry mentors. This approach has allowed students to gain practical experience, enhance their leadership skills, and prepare for successful careers.

Impact on Students and Industry

Over the past 25 years, the Enterprise Program has grown from a visionary idea to a cornerstone of Michigan Tech’s educational experience. Thousands of students from various disciplines have participated in the program, contributing to significant projects that address real-world problems, from designing fuel-efficient vehicles to developing sustainable energy solutions.

The Enterprise Program’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Alumni often credit the program with giving them a competitive edge in the job market, as they graduate with not only technical knowledge but also the teamwork, communication, and project management skills that employers value. Many have gone on to become leaders in their fields, driving innovation and making a difference in their industries.

Industry partners have also benefitted from their collaboration with Enterprise teams. By engaging with students on projects, companies gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, while also helping to shape the next generation of engineers, scientists, and business leaders.

If you were an Enterprise student, advisor, or sponsor, you're part of our history. Join the celebration.

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Looking Forward: The Future of Enterprise

As we celebrate this 25th anniversary, we also look to the future of the Enterprise Program. With the continued support of alumni, industry partners, and the Michigan Tech community, the program is poised to expand its impact even further. We are excited to see how future generations of students will build on this legacy of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

  • 1000+
    current students enrolled in Enterprise
  • 43
    majors represented
  • 6,000+
    Enterprise alumni (and counting!)
  • 26
    Enterprise Teams
  • 50+
    sponsors supporting our Enterprise Teams

A History of Success

October 1, 1998

Three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant EEC-9872533 (submitted under the Action Agenda for Systemic Engineering Education Reform) for $749,976 awarded to Michigan Tech for the proposal titled "Redesigning Engineering Education with Active Learning and Integration Through the Engineering Enterprise (REEALITEE)"

2001

Formula SAE places 20th (out of 123 universities) and is runner-up for the Mechanical Dynamics Functional Digital Car Award and 3rd Plade in the TRC Safety and Crash Worthiness Award

2011

Husky Game Development launches Arcane Brawlers on Xbox Live

2012

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) included Enterprise as one of only 29 programs selected nationally in their publication "Infusing Real World Experiences into Engineering Education"

2017

Michigan Tech's Enterprise Program was selected by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Engineering Education Awards Committee for the Donald N. Zwiep Innovation in Education Award

2019

The first satellite built by Aerospace Enterprise is launched by SpaceX at Cape Canaveral as part of the Department of Defense STP-2 mission

2023

Robotic Systems Enterprise wins 2nd place Concept Design Event in the SAE Auto Drive Challenge competition

And more...

Read more about the dynamic history of the Enterprise Program on the Enterprise Newsblog

Michigan Tech students work on a Aerospace satellite

Aerospace Enterprise, 2016

Michigan Tech studentin a Blizzard Baja race 2017

Blizzard Baja, 2017

Group photo of the 2013 Formula SAE Enterprise

Formula SAE, 2012

CPM team working on biogas project 2018

CPM Enterprise, 2018

CinOptic Enterprise students working on a team project in 2019

CinOptic Enterprise, 2019

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