New Innovation Certificate Helps Professionals Make Impact

In keeping with MIT’s institute-wide innovation initiative, MIT Professional Education launched a professional certificate this past year, focusing on building competitive advantage through innovation and technology. Over 40 professionals from around the globe enrolled in the Professional Certificate Program in Innovation and Technology in its inaugural year and eight professionals graduated at the end of summer 2016. “I feel energized and inspired. We leave the classroom and feel like, ‘I can do this.’ Whatever it is you want to do, you feel like you’ve been given the tools to just do it,” said Denzil Wilson, a 2016 Innovation and Technology Certificate graduate. The MIT Innovation and Technology Professional Certificate consists of seven core Short Programs courses hosted at the MIT campus every summer that focus on identifying, cultivating and sustaining innovation within organizations, disruptive technologies, and nurturing both creative and analytical skills. Nine elective courses allow Certificate participants to seek further knowledge in specialized concentrations across various industries.

“Professionals in every discipline today know that innovation is key to their organization’s success, though few have the requisite understanding and expertise to effect innovative changes in an environment that is often change-resistant,” said Bhaskar Pant, Executive Director of MIT Professional Education. “Through this new professional certificate, everyone from entrepreneurs to managers of large corporations will be able to leverage MIT’s expertise to expand their preparedness in fostering lasting innovation.”