Providing real-world access and training builds on MIT's reputation as a key promoter and producer of innovative new ventures. It also made my coursework much more relevant. That conversation with Swanson started Preston thinking about all the other start-ups that might need some assistance. Entrepreneurship students, he reasoned, certainly could benefit from the rich mix of academics, hands-on experience and business contacts that would result from working with new ventures. In 1994, Preston recruited three companies and four students to launch the new internship course.
Grants fund most of the projects.
I'm proud of that, and proud of Sloan's entrepreneurial vision.