Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program
Ideas spark, data drives, and ventures take flight: where curiosity turns into impact and global challenges become opportunities to build.
The Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program (GIEP) is a virtual semester-and-summer experience for students who want to turn data and ideas into global impact. ​Students begin with a rigorous semester of coursework and research, meeting on Friday of each week, then advance to publish original research with Harvard University's Data-Smart City Solutions Program, and conclude with a summer placement in Hyperion, the Public Innovation Institute’s applied innovation and venture hub. ​By blending academic depth, high-profile publications, and hands-on entrepreneurial practice, GIEP equips students with the skills and networks to lead innovation at the intersection of technology, policy, and society.
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Key Information
Applications Open
Applications Close
Interview Period
Notifications
First Day
September 12, 2025
November 21, 2025
January 5 - 9, 2026
January19, 2026
February 23, 2026
Robust Foundational Coursework
Research & Publications
Innovation in
Action
Program Structure
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Phase 1: Semester at PII (Spring)
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Core curriculum ​
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Weekly seminars with policy leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators
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Team-based projects and close mentorship
Phase 2: Research & Publication (Spring Semester End)
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Independent or team research guided by PII faculty and Harvard collaborators
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Publication of student work through Harvard’s Data-Smart City Solutions Program
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Culminating symposium to present research findings
Phase 3: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Action (Summer)
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Spend the summer working with a PII venture in Hyperion
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Work on applied projects in health, climate, civic infrastructure, or technology
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Entrepreneurial training workshops on leadership, product development, and scaling solutions
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Final showcase and professional portfolio
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Program Outcomes
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Advanced training in applying data analytics, urban policy, and innovation
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Published research affiliated with Harvard Data-Smart City Solutions
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Hands-on entrepreneurial experience with Hyperion ventures
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Entry into PII’s global innovation network
Who Should Enroll in GIEP?
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Aspiring innovators who want to turn data-driven insights into real-world solutions.
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Students excited by the challenge of tackling urban problems with creativity and action.
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Future entrepreneurs looking to develop ideas that can scale and make a tangible impact.
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Curious minds eager to explore the intersection of technology, policy, and society.
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Problem-solvers who thrive on experimentation, iteration, and hands-on projects.
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Team players ready to collaborate across disciplines and push boundaries together.
Why Enroll in GIEP
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Work directly with some of the most innovative U.S.-based startups, guided by city leaders and venture capitalists.
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Gain insider access to how bold ideas are tested, funded, and scaled.
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Conduct original research and earn the rare opportunity to publish through Harvard’s platforms.
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Position yourself at the crossroads of entrepreneurship, public innovation, and academic excellence.
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Build a portfolio that sets you apart—projects that don’t just live on paper but shape how cities evolve.
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Join a select community of ambitious changemakers preparing to lead the next wave of innovation.
Pricing
Application Fee: USD$25 (non-refundable)
Program Tuition: USD$1570
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GIEP?
It’s your chance to dive into the world of startups, data, and big ideas that shape cities. You’ll collaborate with founders, city leaders, and VCs while working on projects that could change how people live and work.
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Why should I apply?
Because this isn’t a typical classroom experience—it’s hands-on, real-world, and designed to help you think and act like an innovator. You’ll also get the rare opportunity to publish research with Harvard networks.
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Do I need to know coding or business already?
Nope. What you need most is curiosity, creativity, and a drive to learn. We’ll teach you the rest.
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What kind of people will I meet?
Other ambitious students from around the world, startup founders, city innovators, Harvard researchers, and even venture capitalists.
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What will I walk away with?
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A portfolio of projects that prove you can build and lead.
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Entrepreneurial experience you can point to in graduate applications or job interviews.
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Research and publication opportunities through Harvard.
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A powerful network of peers and mentors who think big, like you.
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How is this different from other programs?
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Students work directly with innovative U.S.-based startups.
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They gain exposure to city leaders and venture capitalists, learning how ideas are tested and scaled.
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They have the opportunity to conduct research and publish through Harvard’s networks.
