close-up of two people exchanging a business card.
InLab@ HCC provides an academic pathway for students to study entrepreneurship and innovation. Entrepreneurship education is like a 21st-century Business Administration Degree that appeals to students with varying academic interests. The curriculum involves rapid applied and experiential learning through active scientific experimentation (hypothesis testing) of innovative ideas.
Some students enter our program who already have businesses, other students enter our academic programs with just an idea. Our students spend a great deal of time in the field meeting with potential customers, competitors, suppliers etc. to validate or invalidate the core assumptions that startup entrepreneurial ventures all possess. Students learn to develop a logic based on effectuation, which empowers students to take action by starting with what they have, who they know, and what they know. Engagement of the community is vital to this program.
Our community partners bring the element of the "real world" directly to the student. Our partners also serve a critical role as an inspiration to our students, showing them what is possible while serving as mentors.