All about the Innovate for Maine boot camp experience.
A four-day boot camp is the foundation of the Innovate for Maine experience and a major differentiator compared with other internship programs. Typically held in late May, boot camp focuses on building leadership and innovation skills that will help fellows to succeed in their placements. As their project for the week, fellows will put those skills to the test in a real-world challenge to develop a creative solution for a non-profit or entrepreneur.
Networking is another essential element of boot camp. Fellows will connect with Maine entrepreneurs and business leaders at events and through project work. The boot camp also fosters the development of a close-knit cohort among fellows, a support system that the students can draw on over the course of their summer placements and beyond.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Fellows will meet and the day’s program will focus on learning about Innovate for Maine, Innovation Engineering, and the state’s entrepreneurial and economic landscape. The day will end at the Big Gig Pitch-Off where the students will watch up-and-coming Maine entrepreneurs pitch their businesses for $5000.
Fellows will learn the fundamentals of Innovation Engineering and begin work on their real-world challenge project for a Maine startup or non-profit. This will typically include a tour of the company, if they are local, and a fun, team building activity so the students can get to know each other further.
Fellows will spend most of the third day listening to presentations on completing the challenge project and working on the project with their team. The day usually closes with a panel discussion to hear from innovative Maine entrepreneurs.
Fellows will learn about the daily logistics of participating in Innovate for Maine, what to expect working with start-up companies, hear about our partner program’s, Maine Career Catalyst‘s, events and go over the soft skills necessary for professional success. The interns will close the week by having their professional headshots taken and by presenting their final project to this year’s host company/organization.
Innovate for Maine Fellows Program