The Public Innovation Institute

Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship

An intensive 10-week virtual program for high school students to build real-world ventures using cutting-edge technology.

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Our Alumni Have Been Admitted To

Our Methodology

Identifying Social Challenge

Students learn to analyze their communities through the lens of a social entrepreneur. This phase focuses on need-finding, qualitative research, and defining actionable problem statements.

Applying Technology & Innovation

Students are introduced to rapid prototyping and agile development. We guide them in selecting the right technology stack to create Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that are scalable and effective.

Building Ventures

Students learn to analyze their communities through the lens of a social entrepreneur. This phase focuses on need-finding, qualitative research, and defining actionable problem statements.

Detailed Syllabus

10 Week/Modules Total

  • Week 1: Foundations of Innovation
    Introduction to Generative AI and Design Thinking. Students begin brainstorming venture ideas through empathy-driven problem solving.

    Week 2: Problem Definition
    Teams narrow down their problem statements, identify core user needs, and create their first low-fidelity prototypes.

    Week 3: Component Architecture
    Developing user personas and journey maps. Teams break their vision down into key technical components.

  • Week 4: Data Strategy & Market Fit
    Exploring open datasets and data constraints. Students align real-world data with their chosen problems.

    Week 5: API Integration
    Moving from design to function. Teams experiment with API integration to connect data to their apps.

    Week 6: Scalability & AI Ethics
    Addressing the technical challenges of growth. Students explore how to make apps scalable and sustainable.

  • Week 7: Storytelling & Brand Strategy
    The focus shifts to digital marketing basics and refining the app’s value proposition.

    Week 8: Monetization
    Defining the business model. Students analyze revenue streams (subscriptions, freemium) and prepare for deployment.

    Week 9: Capstone Refinement
    Structured peer review and mentor feedback. Teams polish their MVPs and finalize their pitch decks.

    Week 10: Demo Day
    The Grand Finale. Students deliver final presentations to peers, mentors, and community leaders.

High school students curious about how technology and entrepreneurship can shape society.

  • Future innovators eager to learn how to turn bold ideas into real solutions.

  • Students who want to explore the intersection of research, business, and social impact.

  • Problem-solvers ready to collaborate on team projects that mirror startup life.

  • Young leaders who want to build a portfolio that showcases creativity, initiative, and vision.

  • Anyone excited to experience what it’s like to innovate, pitch, and launch ideas that matter.

Who Should Enroll?

Learn how entrepreneurs use technology to tackle real-world challenges.

  • Gain hands-on experience building projects that blend innovation and social good.

  • Work with mentors—including entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders—who guide you through the process of taking an idea from concept to execution.

  • Strengthen critical skills in design thinking, research, data, leadership, and communication.

  • Build a competitive edge for college applications with a portfolio of entrepreneurial projects.

  • Join a community of ambitious peers who, like you, want to invent and lead.

Why Enroll?

Applications Open for Spring 2026

Our admissions process is highly selective. We look for students who are curious, resilient, and passionate about solving problems. No prior experience is required—just a hunger to learn.

Registration Opens: February 23, 2026

Program Kickoff: March 16, 2026

Graduation: May 22, 2026

Program Details

Duration

Time commitment

10 Weeks

Weekly (2-4 hours)

Format

Remote (Global Cohort)

Mar 16-May 22,2026

Dates

Registration Fee

$25 USD (Non-refundable)

Tuition

$1,500 USD

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FAQs

For Students:

  • It’s your chance to step into the world of startups, research, and bold ideas. You’ll learn how to use technology to solve real problems—and then pitch those solutions just like an entrepreneur.

  • Any high school student who’s curious, ambitious, and ready to take on challenges. No prior experience required—just creativity and drive.

  • Because this program goes beyond textbooks. You’ll actually build ideas, work with mentors, and get a taste of what it’s like to be an innovator.

  • Not at all. You’ll be guided through brainstorming, designing, and pitching your own ideas as part of the program.

    • A portfolio of projects you created.

    • Experience working on real-world challenges in a startup-like setting.

    • Skills in research, problem-solving, teamwork, and pitching.

    • Confidence in your ability to innovate and lead.

  • Applications open September 10th. Tell us about what excites you and how you want to make an impact.

For Parents:

  • Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship (TIE) is a structured program designed to prepare high school students for the future of innovation and leadership. Students explore how technology shapes society while gaining practical entrepreneurial and research skills.

  • High school students who are motivated, curious, and interested in developing skills that will prepare them for college, careers, and leadership.

    • Students don’t just learn theory, they build and pitch real projects.

    • Exposure to mentors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

    • A curriculum that combines academic rigor with hands-on entrepreneurship.

    • Students gain experiences that strengthen both college applications and career pathways.

    • Entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving.

    • Leadership and teamwork.

    • Research, analysis, and communication.

    • Presentation and pitching skills.

  • The program runs for 10 weeks - after school on Wednesday afternoons at 5PM EDT for 1.5 hours and on Saturdays for 2 hours - with a mix of live workshops, team projects, mentorship, and guided independent work.

    • A portfolio of innovative projects that showcase initiative.

    • Real-world entrepreneurial experience.

    • Mentorship and networking with experts.

    • Academic enrichment that positions students for selective college admissions.

    • A grounding in advanced technologies like Generative AI

  • No. Students are guided through every step, and the program is designed to meet students where they are.