AI + Entrepreneurship Experiential Learning Bootcamp

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a diverse STEM-focused university with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit operating at the highest level of research (Carnegie R1 Classification).

Program Highlights

• Hands-on Learning: Team-based workshops and business exercises guided by mentors.
• Entrepreneurship Education: Lectures on ideation, business model development, marketing, finance, and pitching from experienced entrepreneurs and faculty.
• AI Education: Lectures on the fundamentals and applications of AI in variety of high-tech industries.
• Simulations & AI: Engage in startup simulations using AI to accelerate venture creation.
• Industry Visits: Tours to major companies, Fortune 500 firms, and innovation hubs.
• Networking: Connect with alumni, local entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.
• Cultural Outings: Explore iconic NYC sites, Jersey Shore, and more.  

Program End Goals

• Pitch and Presentation Showcase: Present an AI-driven business idea to entrepreneurs and investors in a final pitch and presentation showcase.

What’s Included

• All educational materials, company visits, cultural excursions, on-campus meals, and accommodation in shared double rooms.

Cost

• $5,000 per student (excludes airfare and personal transport, and off-campus meals). Payment to be collected by the sending university for the entire group and remitted to NJIT.

Eligibility

• Ideally students are second- and third-year university students.
• Required proficiency in English.
• Open to all majors and fields of study for students with an interest in AI + entrepreneurship or those looking to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in this new AI era.

Location & Dates

• Newark, New Jersey (minutes from NYC); Summer 2026
• Tentative dates: June 14 to June 27 OR July 12 to July 25

Additional Info

• Minimum of 20 students are required to run the program per 2-week term.
• Travel documents are the responsibility of participants; NJIT will provide letters of invitation.

Application

• Open to students seeking a transformative educational and cultural experience in the U.S. AI and startup ecosystem. The sending university will handle the application process and send the list of accepted students to NJIT’s Office of Global Initiatives.
• Due date: __________ to receive the finalized list of students with a 25% non-refundable deposit. ___________ to receive the final payment balance.

Below is a tentative example of a high-level itinerary for the Experiential Learning Bootcamp:

Week 1

• Sunday (Day 1): Arrival Day
  • International students fly in and arrive in Newark, New Jersey. Airport codes: EWR, JFK, LGA.
  • Check-in at residence halls.
  • Evening welcome reception and orientation.
• Monday (Day 2): Bootcamp Kickoff
  • Morning: Welcome Session & Introductions
    • Program overview, expectations, and team-building activities.
    • Lunch speaker session
  • Afternoon: Workshop 1: Introduction to AI, Entrepreneurship & Ideation
  • Evening: Group dinner on campus.
• Tuesday (Day 3): Workshop Day
  • Morning: Workshop 2: Discovery and Business Applications Using AI
  • Tour: New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) with a discussion on innovation and application of AI
  • Lunch speaker session
  • Afternoon: Workshop 3: Design Thinking and Prototype Creation
  • Tour: Makerspace
  • Evening: Independent work on AI-driven business ideas
• Wednesday (Day 4): NYC Cultural Visit
  • Full-day excursion to New York City.
    • Visit the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State Building
  • Evening: Group reflection on experiences and discussions
• Thursday (Day 5): Newark Cultural Excursion and Company Visits
  • Morning: Visit Newark attractions, such as the Newark Museum of Art or Branch Brook Park, and/or visit companies to learn from professionals and startup founders
  • Afternoon: Workshop 4: Startup simulation
  • Evening: AI + Entrepreneurship film viewing and discussion
• Friday (Day 6): Workshop Day
  • Morning: Workshop 5: Startup formation and Business Model development
  • Lunch speaker session
  • Afternoon: Meet AI experts and entrepreneurs! Q&A session
  • Evening: Team building activities
• Saturday and Sunday (Day 7 and 8): Personal Time and Team Work
  • On Your Own Time - Jersey Shore or local shopping at American Dream Mall or another NYC visit
  • Team preparations for Pitch and Presentation Showcase in Week #2

Week 2

• Monday (Day 9): Workshop Day
  • Morning: Workshop 6: Finalize business and project plans
  • Lunch speaker session
  • Afternoon: Workshop 7: Organize pitch and presentation strategies
  • Evening: Team sharing of final business and project plans
• Tuesday (Day 10): Company and Alumni Connections
  • Full day organized by alumni to visit companies and to better understand international business connections and opportunities especially in this new era of AI and technology.
  • Evening: Dinner with industry and alumni
• Wednesday (Day 11): Workshop Day
  • Morning: Workshop 8: Pitching and Presentation Skills
  • Lunch speaker session
  • Afternoon: Workshop 9: Teamwork and Presentation Practice
  • Evening: Team sharing of final business and project plans
• Thursday (Day 12): Pitch and Presentation Showcase & Awards Ceremony
  • Morning: Pitch and Presentation Showcase: Teams present their ideas to an audience of peers, mentors, and investors
  • Lunch speaker session
  • Afternoon: Awards Ceremony and Celebration
  • Evening: Dinner with NJIT faculty, students and staff
• Friday (Day 13): Wrap-up Sessions
  • Morning: Group and individual reflections and discussions
  • Afternoon/Evening: Free time including packing or personal excursions
• Saturday (Day 14) Departure Day
  • Morning: Check-out from residence halls
  • Departure to the airport