WPIGenius
WPI Genius!
| Group type: | Club |
| Focus: | Ideas |
| Organizer: | Student-run |
ABOUT US
Mission
Genius! catalyzes the formation and fosters the success of student businesses by bringing key participants closer to one another. In essence, we connect people with ideas.
History
Genius! began in early 2007 after its founders competed in the MIT Ignite Clean Energy contest and noticed that there was a need for a new type of service group for student entrepreneurs. Over its first year, Genius! underwent several iterations, evolving from a student club for entrepreneurship into a scalable nonprofit organization. As a student club, Genius! held weekly meetings: bringing accomplished alumni to speak, holding brainstorming sessions, and bringing the whole club to business plan competitions. The founders visited other accomplished student clubs for entrepreneurship at MIT, Yale, Olin, and Clark to learn their best-practices. The Genius! club at WPI was formalized and its leadership was given to students.
The William James Foundation has announced 8 competitions that together provide $100,000 in cash and in kind support for sustainable entrepreneurs. Entrants can be of any age or from anywhere in the world. First round deadline is December 4th. Details at: www.williamjamesfoundation.org/press.