Program Overview

Introduction to the Engineering Entrepreneurship Summer Institute (E2SI)

The Engineering Entrepreneurship Summer Institute (E2SI) is a program offered by Villanova University that welcomes students from all academic backgrounds. This immersive sixteen credit hour minor blends entrepreneurial spirit with product innovation principles, fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Program Overview

E2SI guides students through the entire process from initial concept to venture pitch, with no prior technical or business expertise needed. The program focuses on learning the main tenets of entrepreneurship and innovation, making it a complement to any career path.

Program Details

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Credits: 16
• Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate students in any college at Villanova
• Requirements: No experience with engineering or entrepreneurship is necessary

Why Engineering Entrepreneurship?

The need for entrepreneurial skills is much broader than the focus on starting a new enterprise. Employers value self-starters who take initiative, show persistence, and demonstrate leadership. A product innovation skillset is essential to both entrepreneurial and corporate environments. These competencies are invaluable in any career and differentiate students from the competition.

E2SI Abroad Program

In the E2SI Abroad program, undergraduate students will learn tenets, tools, and frameworks for global innovation and entrepreneurship, preparing them to work in corporate innovation, product development, or in a technology-based startup. They also gain experience in international business and social impact, as they visit startup partners, supply chain and import-export organizations in the host country, learn more about the challenges other countries face, and consider how they can be part of the solution.

E2SI Abroad FAQs

• Why Ireland?: Ireland is an outstanding choice for a sustainability focus due to its strong commitment to environmental action and a rapidly growing green economy.
• Courses and Credits: The program consists of 6 total courses: 5 are three-credit courses and 1 is a one-credit course, for a total of 16 credits.
• Application and Financial Aid: The application opens September 15th, and financial aid is available for students as determined by the Financial Aid Office at Villanova.
• Class Format: Classes will be held virtually for the first 5 weeks, and in person while in Ireland for the last three weeks.
• Travel and Accommodation: Students will purchase their own flights and travel from their home city on their own, with ground transportation available to meet them at the airport.
• Faculty and Support: The Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship will be on the ground for the duration of the students' stay in Ireland, with 1-2 additional faculty members available at all times.
• Travel Insurance: Students must have international travel insurance, which can usually be obtained for less than $100.
• Program Dates: The program officially ends July 16th, with ground transportation provided to the airport on that date.