How Lehigh University is Leading the Way in Business Innovation Building

Introduction

Lehigh University has been a pioneering institution when it comes to business innovation building. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the university has played a significant role in training the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs who are well-equipped to tackle the ever-evolving business landscape. This article aims to explore how Lehigh University has taken the lead in business innovation building and the impact it has created in the business world.

The Lehigh University Story

Lehigh University has a rich history of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The school has been a pioneer in the field, introducing the Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation in 1999, which is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the United States. Lehigh’s commitment to innovation has also been reflected in its extensive curriculum, which offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs in entrepreneurship, innovation management, and technology commercialization. These programs have trained students to become the next wave of innovative business leaders.

Lehigh University and Business Incubation

A business incubator is a program that helps new and startup companies to develop by providing resources such as office space, mentoring, training, and networking opportunities. Lehigh University has been at the forefront of business incubation with the creation of the Hatchery, a student-run business incubator. The Hatchery was first launched in 2015 and has been a catalyst for student entrepreneurship on campus. It provides students with hands-on experience in launching and running a business while receiving guidance from experienced mentors. Over the years, the Hatchery has launched multiple successful startups that have gone on to make a significant impact in their respective industries.

Lehigh University’s Focus on Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Lehigh University understands that innovation is not confined to one discipline. The school has a culture that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, where students and faculty from different majors and departments work together to solve complex problems. This approach has led to the development of new and groundbreaking ideas that have transformed the business world.

Lehigh University’s Role in the Business World

Lehigh University has produced a vast number of successful entrepreneurs who have gone on to found companies that have made a significant impact in different industries. One notable example is Jeff Yass, a graduate of Lehigh who co-founded Susquehanna International Group (SIG), a global quantitative trading firm. SIG is now one of the largest privately held financial institutions in the world. Other successful Lehigh alumni include Brian Smith, who founded UGG Boots, and Kevin Plank, who founded Under Armour.

Conclusion

Lehigh University’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has set the school apart from other institutions. The school’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, business incubation, and extensive curricula has created an environment that nurtures innovation and prepares students for the future. Lehigh University has proved that investing in innovation and entrepreneurship is not only good for the school but for society as a whole.