Throughout Michigan Technological University’s long history, the institution has led important research and innovation. From the college’s connections, in the early days, to area mining companies and educating miners to take on larger more demanding roles underground. Today, students work with private industry on projects within the enterprise program.
Some of them have been here for over 20 years and some of them are new. And we keep these areas, we always think about these areas and keep them relevant so that the students gain the skills that apply to the world today, right? So the number of teams is always in constant flux based on how many skills we need for the team. For example, we just started a new team. Called Aeronautics and Rocketry Enterprise. Hopefully, someone that comes out of it will build the next SpaceX. – Nagesh Hatti, Enterprise Program Director, Michigan Technological University
The enterprise program at Michigan Technological University celebrates 25 years in 2025. The program reaches many areas of study on campus. Close to one in six students at Michigan Tech are a part of an enterprise program organization.
A program that is completely optional to them. They don’t have to be a part of the program to earn their degree and go on, but the fact that so many students join the program, show up, and put in a lot of work, means that they see a lot of value in being a part of this program. And that’s one of my things I keep thinking about is how to add value to these students. That they might not get in a traditional classroom like, leadership skills or managing uncertainties or working with, other people that may not think like them. – Nagesh Hatti, Enterprise Program Director, Michigan Technological University
The Enterprise program was funded initially through the National Science Foundation. Since the early 2000s, thousands of students have gained real-world leadership experience while working with private companies. Enterprise Program Director Nagesh Hatti says many students like working with enterprise teams as their first job before their first job.
Most of the projects that we get are from, or because of alumni, because they have been through the program, they have gone out and a lot of them have done well in their respective industries. They’re at leadership positions where they now want to turn around and give back to the program. The next generation of students that can benefit similarly to what they have benefited from when they were here. So, I’d probably say, gosh, more than 90% of our projects that we get are because of alumni and their connections. And even if they’re not able to sponsor projects, they do quite a bit to open doors for us so we can get to the right decision-makers. Get them to see the value of investing in our program. – Nagesh Hatti, Enterprise Program Director, Michigan Technological University
The enterprise program includes 25 teams exploring different topics, fields of study, and industries. Hatti adds that alumni of the university often encourage employers and bring their companies to campus to work with enterprise teams. In February the program held Enterprise Day where students on campus could meet teams and learn more about ways to get involved. Learn more about the Michigan Technological University’s enterprise program, and its 25-year history here.
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