Twenty-five rising 10th graders at The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV), led by Menton Deweese, Rebekah Stanton, and Pam Popp, embarked on a unique educational adventure that combined fashion, design, and the science fiction world of Dune. Housed on the Peabody campus within the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach, SSMV offers a four-year interdisciplinary, research-centered learning experience for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) students.

This summer the students dove into the world of fashion at the Wond’ry Fiber Arts Build Lab with a Dune-inspired twist, drawing inspiration from the recently released Dune films, adapted from Frank Herbert's novels. Click here to learn more. 

Vanderbilt University and the Mid-South Hub recently attended the 2024 National Innovation Network (NIN) Convening in Washington, D.C. The National Innovation Network, or NIN, is a tightly connected organization of the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Hubs, Nodes, and Sites across the U.S. During the conference, attendees received important updates, networked, collaborated, tackled solutions for overarching needs across their regions, and shared impactful highlights on how their programs are increasing participation to ensure the accessibility of programming to all. Click here to read more. 

Watch this short video showcasing our internal consulting program in action, featuring the Vanderbilt Divinity School. Participants embark on an enlightening journey that seamlessly integrates design thinking with practical application.
If you and your team are interested in exploring this program, please schedule a call with Mandy Lalrindiki to discuss your needs and determine if it's the right fit for you.

We're thrilled to host Dorothy Chen as our Innovation and Design Strategy Summer Intern. Dorothy brings dynamic and fresh perspectives to design work, both from her background as an Art major and previous training in the UX Studio program at the Wond’ry, where she developed her capabilities in user research, prototyping, and UX Design.

During her time with us, Dorothy will contribute to developing the model and structure for a new fellowship program that will be launching in the fall. Currently, she is working on designing a supplementary design field guide for fellows as they work on projects throughout the year. We are excited about the value she adds to our team and are glad to have her on board this summer.

Vanderbilt University, alongside top academic and industry leaders, is launching the Space-Edge Accelerator for biomedical innovators. This 12-week program aims to advance biomedical solutions by leveraging the new space economy. Get a sneak peek now at the just published application requirements to see if this program is right for you! Applications open August 8th.

Mandy Lalrindiki, Assistant Director of Innovation & Design Strategy at the Wond'ry, was recently honored with one of the prestigious Excellence in Corporate Collaboration awards from the Vanderbilt University Corporate Partnerships team! This recognition reflects Mandy's exceptional dedication and the impactful partnership between our organization and Nissan.

This was the inaugural presentation of this award, and was hosted by Scott Paja, Ph.D., Assistant Provost & Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships, and Alex Sevilla, Ed.D., Vice Provost for Career Advancement and Engagement and Evans Family Executive Director of the Career Center. It highlights the outstanding collaborations that drive innovation and industry advancement. Mandy's achievement underscores the power of teamwork and the significant contributions we are making together in our continued collaboration with Nissan.

The inaugural Biotech Day Summit, hosted by Phase Capital and 615.vc, drew over 150 biotech startups, investors, academic leaders, and strategic partners from over 13 states. This gathering underscored our commitment to establishing Nashville as a biotech hub and enhancing the ecosystem.

Our events are not only area-focused but also collaborative efforts with both campus-led and community partner initiatives. 

The Sullivan Family Ideator Program at the Wond’ry helps aspiring university-affiliated innovators (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) evaluate and develop their ideas by teaching an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation and offering expert mentorship and access to resources. Applications are open for the Fall 2024 Cohort, and will fill up fast! Click here to apply. 

This fall, the Wond'ry opens its application for its cutting-edge Introduction to UX Design Program - a dynamic initiative redefining problem-solving and innovation. Intended for designers, techies, and visionaries, this program empowers you to dive deep into user experience. You'll apply research, prototyping, and iterative design, unlocking techniques to crafting intuitive, engaging experiences.

Through immersive, hands-on activities and collaborative projects, you'll learn to create resonant experiences and services, elevating your design thinking. Whether budding designer, tech enthusiast, or innovation curious, this program offers a unique opportunity to hone skills and push boundaries. Spaces are limited, so don't miss this extraordinary design transformation.

Apply now and get ready to revolutionize the user experience.

Builder provides a step-by-step guide for aspiring university-affiliated entrepreneurs (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) with a viable early-stage idea to launch a new venture.

Builder is the perfect next step for graduates of a Regional NSF I-Corps Program, such as the Sullivan Family Ideator Program, or entrepreneurs with a validated product, technology, or service that have already engaged in customer discovery efforts, found a product-solution fit and would like to learn how to launch a new non-profit or for-profit venture or pursue a licensing deal. Click here to apply. 

Fall 2024 Map The System - Tuesday Afternoons
Sept. 17 - MTS Kickoff - 4:30-6 PM
Nov. 19 - MTS Finals - TBD
SI Workshops
Sept. 20 - Climate Resilience 
Oct. 18 - Biomimicry
Nov. 1 - Social Innovation
Nov. 15 - Student Leadership
SI Lunch and Learn
Nov. 21 11:45 AM-1:30 PM; 3rd floor lounge

Click here to fill out our interest form. 

The Industry Collaborations Division of OVPRI and CTTC invites you to attend the 2024 Vanderbilt University Life Science Showcase on Thursday, July 18th, 2024, 1 PM – 5 PM at the Student Life Center. Click here to learn more. 

Join Dr. Glenn Acree, Organizer of Nashville Data Nerds, President of Acree Consulting, and Professor Emeritus at Belmont, as he shares insights from his extensive career in academia and data science. 

July 19th from 12 PM - 1 PM in the Wond'ry, Room 302

LaunchTN assists Tennessee startups and entrepreneurs in preparing applications to the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs, which annually provide more than $4 billion in non-dilutive funding through the participating federal agencies towards early-stage technology development. Click here to sign up. 

Aspire Medtech is a five-week in-depth, hybrid program that prepares startups for investor engagement. Investor-mentors work one-on-one with startups to simulate due diligence conversations and integrate feedback into deal room materials in real-time. This program aims to prepare startups to raise equity investment. Application deadline is September 8th. Click here to learn more. 

Know of a local nonprofit organization seeking funds? Vanderbilt University's new Community Impact Fund makes financial and in-kind contributions for special programs and events and provides seed funding for important community projects.
The Community Impact Fund prioritizes projects that increase service capacity or ensure long-term sustainability for organizations. Applications for fall funds open between June 3, 2024–September 16, 2024. Click here to learn more. 

By making your tax-deductible gift to our Wond’ry Student Project Fund, you help us award students with the funding they need to turn their ideas into reality. Donate here.