Expanding Opportunity and Education

VMI is well-known for its storied history and record of excellence in producing capable, honorable graduates who serve as leaders in both the public and private sectors. 

Our faculty are dedicated, award-winning researchers and educators, focused on student outcomes and preparing our cadets for life after college, whether in the workforce, military or advanced education programs.

With that firm foundation, the Institute continues to look to the future, encouraging members of our community to go beyond the traditional classroom and delve into new possibilities and opportunities for academic, leadership, and entrepreneurial growth.

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Our Mission

Under the guidance of the director and the Innovation Programming Advisory Committee (IPAC), VMI will develop academic, industry, and government partnerships seeking to offer innovative experiences across the academic curriculum. Collaborative teams of faculty, staff, and cadets will expand research opportunities and engage in hands-on training and experiences beyond the limits of post.

Whether you are a cadet ready to awaken your entrepreneurial spirit, a faculty member intrigued by the prospect of introducing new initiatives, or a business looking for fruitful partnerships, VMI will work to nurture and support you on your path towards innovation and success.

Why is innovation important in colleges and universities?

Innovation programs play a pivotal role in enriching the college experience by developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering creativity and an innovative mindset, and facilitating networking and collaborations for future opportunities.

These programs stimulate participants to think analytically, evaluate different perspectives, and devise innovative solutions to complex problems. Through hands-on projects, cadets learn to dissect challenges into manageable parts and find creative solutions.

By encouraging experimentation and risk-taking, the programs offered by VMI will empower cadets to challenge traditional norms and embrace new ideas. This not only enhances their college experience but also equips them for the ever-changing demands of the professional world.

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Key Projects

Summer Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program (SUEP)

The summer undergraduate entrepreneurship program represents Innovation Programming's first step towards producing graduates, regardless of academic major, who possess the mindset of an entrepreneur. This mindset will make them more effective, business leaders, engineers, scientists, and military officers.

Open to cadets in all academic majors, SUEP consists of: a five-week summer course during Summer Session I; field trips to start-up companies and incubators; interaction with invited speakers, chosen from alumni and business leaders; and 3 elective credits upon completion SUEP is offered free of charge to successful applicants through a grant from the Jackson-Hope Fund.

The program ran in 2024 and 2025. Preparations for summer 2026 are now underway. More information will be available on the program page as it becomes available.

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Alumni Involvement

Capitalizing on the Brother Rat Spirit

In Academic Year 2025-2026, Innovation Programming will collaborate with VMI alumni, seeking to capitalize on this immense support network of professionals and entrepreneurs from across a wide variety of industries. Discussions are already underway to generate internship opportunities for cadets for summer 2026 and beyond, as well as exploring potential partnerships for hands-on experiences and SUEP hosts and guest speakers.

Any alumni wishing to assist in the continued development of offerings and opportunities are encouraged to connect with Col. Cliff West, Director of Innovation Programming.