IDEA Lab

Hosting an IDEA Lab project

IDEA Lab is an annual opportunity to work with a seasoned team of MIT Executive MBA students (near the end of a rigorous 20-month program) on an intensive four-month engagement. Organizations partner with teams of 4-6 EMBAs – each team averaging 100 years of experience – to collaborate on a business innovation challenge or opportunity, and to provide focused, objective analysis. EMBA teams provide executive input from multiple viewpoints (including MIT’s). This short-term resource is not a consulting engagement, and expects no follow-on business. The EMBA student teams’ only objective is to create value for hosting organizations, while leveraging MIT and the surrounding Kendall Square innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurial resources.

Host timeline

  • Fall

    Introductions and team project-matching. 

  • December - May

    Project collaboration with field study work in mid-March. 

  • March 17-21, 2025

    Students conduct their field study work. 

  • April

    Presentations to hosts and project conclusion. 

 IDEA Lab projects are 5-months long, December through April, with one week set aside for field study – March 17-21, 2025. Travel is not a requirement for an IDEA Lab project, but some travel is possible.

The project host can expect to provide the strategic context for the project, access to data, and key staff. The host should plan to engage with the team on a weekly basis to review progress and provide feedback. There should be a key contact for the team at each location the team will visit to help coordinate resources. 

Project hosts working with IDEA Lab teams will benefit from having a dedicated resource of experienced MIT EMBAs. To make best use of the time available, please prepare the following in advance: 

  • Book time to work with your team during the IDEA Lab project 
  • Provide early strategic context and access to data and resources
  • Anticipate check-ins weekly or every two weeks with your IDEA Lab team
  • Identify resources if IDEA Lab team travel will be required, or benefits your team
  • Allocate time from staff or collaborators to enable the team’s work throughout the project, and especially during the March 17-21, 2025 field study period 

If travel beyond the MIT ecosystem is required, project hosts are responsible for the travel and lodging expenses for the IDEA Lab team. MIT Sloan Action Learning labs will adhere to state, federal and MIT guidelines regarding international and domestic travel.

Project deliverables will vary by project and generally include a report with an executive summary and/or comparable slide deck with a set of recommendations, including a plan for implementation.

Interested in hosting an IDEA Lab project?

To learn more about hosting an IDEA Lab project, please contact Dr. Phil Budden. The application process is a rolling one, so please reach out to him ahead of fall 2024. 

Read more about EMBA alumna Julie Lockner's recent experience