GEOLaunch to Propel Next-Gen Geoscientists and Entrepreneurs
The Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University is excited to announce GEOLaunch, a student-driven geospatial and entrepreneurship incubator. The program is a collaboration between the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship, the Taylor Geospatial Institute, and SLU's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business and School of Science and Engineering.
Nadine Alameh, executive director of the Taylor Institute, is excited for the collaboration. Students in all fields are encouraged to apply.
“I'm happy that the Taylor Geospatial Institute is supporting GEOLaunch as part of our focus on preparing the next generation of geospatial scientists and entrepreneurs," Alameh said.
The Taylor Geospatial Institute was founded in 2022 as a new hub for geospatial technology. The center will work with SLU students to develop innovations applying geospatial insights to broader issues such as food and water security, climate change, economic development and more.
By joining GEOLaunch, students have the opportunity to join a fast-growing and exciting industry right here in St. Louis, a major hub for geospatial research, Taylor Geospatial Institute Director Jennifer Marcus said.
“This will also be a great opportunity for students to dip their toes into a field that is growing like crazy but doesn't have enough smart, talented and curious people to innovate, build companies and change the world," Marcus said.
In addition to the participant application, GEOLaunch utilizes submissions to the problem bank to help students identify the issues affecting the geospatial industry. Following each submission, the GEOLaunch executive board and the Entrepreneurship Center staff evaluate the problem for selection. If selected, a team of dedicated students and their advisors will work on developing a solution.
Teams are formed of students in both STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and non-STEM fields at SLU. All students are encouraged to sign up to be considered for a team and invited to participate in Launch Day to meet with team leads to find the right fit.
"This is a timely opportunity for student entrepreneurs to be supported as they use geospatial to launch businesses that can impact everyone, either by helping us all tackle some of the world's toughest human challenges, such as climate change, food security, and health, or by creating new location or map-driven applications to streamline our daily lives using AI, 3D-tech, sensors, and more,” Alameh said.
Team leads are typically upperclassmen and are responsible for selecting a problem, recruiting team members, and leading the execution of deliverables for the year. SLU faculty, researchers, stakeholders, and industry professionals can apply to be an advisor for the GEOLaunch program. By leveraging their professional experience and networks, advisors can help students overcome barriers.
About the Richard A. chaifetz School of Business
Founded in 1910, the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University has shaped the future of industry for more than a century. As one of the oldest business schools west of the Mississippi, the Chaifetz School has built a reputation as a leader in business education committed to innovation, inclusion and impact and recognized with eight undergraduate and graduate programs nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report.