Author: Jessie Neece

Celebrating 25 Years of the Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech

Since its inception, the Enterprise Program at Michigan Technological University has provided students with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences, offering them the opportunity to work on real-world projects that have shaped their futures. Over the past 25 years, the program has seen tremendous growth and success, and its impact is undeniable.

The journey began in 1998 when a three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant was awarded to support the pilot program. By 1999, the Enterprise Program was officially launched with just three teams, testing the innovative approach of combining academic learning with practical, industry-driven projects.

Formula SAE students working on a project in 2014
Formula SAE students work on their dyno, Fall 2014

In 2000, the program scaled up, welcoming more students and expanding the number of teams. Just a year later, the Formula SAE team achieved a significant milestone by placing 20th out of 123 universities in an international competition. This was only the beginning of many future competitive successes.

By 2002-2003, the program introduced a 20-credit Enterprise minor, further enriching students’ academic experience by allowing them to dive deeper into the intersection of theory and practice. During this period, the program worked to expand its team offerings to be interdisciplinary, providing a comprehensive platform for students to thrive.

Over the years, Enterprise teams have tackled everything from environmental challenges to space exploration. The Aerospace Enterprise stood out by winning the prestigious University Nanosat 6 competition, and in 2019, they successfully launched the Oculus-ASR satellite into orbit, marking a monumental achievement for the university. And that is just a tiny sample of the dynamic history of the Enterprise Program.

Key Milestones in the 25-Year History of the Enterprise Program

Date Milestone
October 1, 1998 Three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant EEC-9872533 (submitted under the Action Agenda for Systemic Engineering Education Reform) for $749,976 awarded to Michigan Tech. The proposal was titled “Redesigning Engineering Education with Active Learning and Integration Through the Engineering Enterprise (REEALITEE).”
1999 The Pilot Year – 3 teams are created to test the Enterprise concept. The first teams are Program in Integrated Sustainable Manufacturing (PrISM), Resource Engineering Associates (REA), and Wireless Communication Enterprise (WCE)—which is still operating today!
2000 Official Enterprise Program launch and scale-up from the successful pilot year—200 enrolled Enterprise students, 11 Enterprise teams, and 19 majors represented
2000 Blizzard Baja joins the Enterprise Program
2000 Clean Snowmobile, Consumer Product Manufacturing, Formula SAE, and ITOxygen are formed
2001 Robotics Systems Enterprise and Automotive Systems Enterprise (later renamed Supermileage Systems Enterprise in 2008) are formed
2001 Formula SAE places 20th (out of 123 universities) and is runner-up for the Mechanical Dynamics Functional Digital Car Award and 3rd Plade in the TRC Safety and Crash Worthiness Award
2002 Aerospace Enterprise is formed
2002 – 2003 New 20-credit Enterprise minor is offered. The Enterprise Program grows to 17 Enterprises, 400 students, and 19 disciplines—76% of teams supported by industries
2004 Blue Marble Security Enterprise forms as a Wireless Communications spinoff to engage students in homeland security innovations
2004 International Business Ventures is formed—revisioned into the Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise in 2015
2005 Husky Game Development and STC Arts Enterprise (later rebranded as CinOptic Enterprise) are formed
2006 The new Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies expands Enterprise accessibility to students from all majors—Institute Associate Director Mary Raber, critical to Enterprise growth since its inception, serves as the program’s director
2006 BoardSport Technologies Enterprise is formed
2009 Advanced Metalworks Enterprise is formed with the merger of ICE and PrISM, and Green Campus Enterprise and Velovations are formed
2011 Humane Interface Design Enterprise is formed
2011 Husky Game Development launches Arcane Brawlers on Xbox Live
2012 The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) included Enterprise as one of only 29 programs selected nationally in their publication “Infusing Real World Experiences into Engineering Education”
2012 Nanotechnology Innovation Enterprise wins patent disclosure competitions sponsored by MTU’s Institute for Leadership and Innovation
2012 Open Source Hardware Enterprise is formed
2013 Alternative Energy Enterprise is formed
2014 Enterprise program expands to include graduate students in the program
2015 General and Expedition Adventure Research (GEAR) is formed
2015 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) is formed (originally named the Mining Innovation Enterprise)
2016 The Enterprise Manufacturing Initiative, sponsored by the GM Foundation is started—It is a cross Enterprise, collaborative group of students interested in learning more about manufacturing while enhancing the manufacturability of a project within their Enterprise team
2016 Strategic Education through Naval Systems Experiences (SENSE) is formed
2017 Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program was selected by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Engineering Education Awards Committee for the Donald N. Zwiep Innovation in Education Award
2017 Supermileage Systems wins a technical innovation award at Shell Eco-Marathon Americas
2018 Robotic Systems Enterprise wins 2nd place Concept Design Event in the SAE Auto Drive Challenge competition
2019 Built World Enterprise (BWE) is formed
2019 The first satellite built by Aerospace Enterprise is launched by SpaceX at Cape Canaveral as part of the Department of Defense STP-2 mission
2019 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) decided to form a team to participate in the NASA Lunabotics Competition
2019 H-STEM Enterprise is formed
2020 HotForest Solutions Enterprise is formed—rebranded into Circular Solutions Enterprise in 2024
2020 Clean Snowmobile Challenge celebrates 20 years; it’s one of five Enterprise teams involved in the SAE International Collegiate Design Program that impacts more than 10,000 students annually
2020 Blizzard Baja hosts the 40th annual Winter Baja event at Michigan Tech
2020 Robotic Systems Enterprise wins 2nd place in the overall SAE Auto Drive Challenge competition. It also wins 2nd place in Social Responsibility Event, 23rd place in Concept Design Event
2020 BWE participates in the ACRP Student Design Competition and receives First Place for “Runway Intersection Marking” in the Runway Safety/Runway Incursions/Runway Excursions Challenge
2021 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) competes virtually in the NASA Lunabotics Competition
2022 Blizzard Baja sweeps the competition at the Backwoods Baja event at UW Stout
2022 Innovative Global Solutions (IGS) makes historic trip to Kenya (Africa) to improve the aquaponics system
2023 Robotic Systems Enterprise wins 2nd place Concept Design Event in the SAE Auto Drive Challenge competition
2023 BWE’s Timber Strong Team participates in its first competition and wins 3rd place at the Indiana-Kentucky Symposium, setting an ASCE build time record of around 39 minutes
2023 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) team’s ARES robot wins the judge’s innovation award as well as the 6th place Caterpillar Autonomy Award in NASA Lunabotics Competition
2024 The Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise (MINE) team’s STELLAR robot qualified to go to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center for the finals, where it excavated and deposited the third-largest berm
2024 BWE’s Timber Strong Team participates in 2nd competition at Akron, Ohio, and places 1st overall. The team reset the ASCE national build time record with a time of just over 14 minutes

And that is just a sample of the dynamic history that makes up the past 25 years of the Enterprise Program!

Alternative Energy Enterprise showcases their work at Design Expo, 2015
Alternative Energy Enterprise showcases their work at Design Expo, 2015

As we move forward, the Enterprise Program continues to grow, evolve, and offer invaluable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and prepare for successful careers in a variety of industries. This unique program remains a cornerstone of Michigan Tech’s commitment to experiential learning, and its legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of students to dream big and make an impact on the world.

As we celebrate 25 years of the Enterprise Program, it’s essential to acknowledge the remarkable experiences it has provided to thousands of students. Are you an Enterprise Program alumni? We would love to hear your story!

Join Us for Enterprise Day 2024!

This year, the Michigan Tech Enterprise Program is kicking off an exciting milestone—25 years of hands-on innovation and learning! What better way to celebrate than by attending Enterprise Day on October 1, from 6-8 p.m. at the Rozsa Center? Whether you’re new to Michigan Tech or looking to take the next step in your academic and professional journey by joining an Enterprise Team, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

For the past 25 years, the Enterprise Program has empowered students from all majors to solve real-world problems, collaborate with industry partners, and develop innovative solutions. Enterprise Day 2024 is your chance to explore over 20 Enterprise teams, talk to current students, and discover the amazing projects happening right here on campus.

Why Attend Enterprise Day?

  • Explore Your Options: Meet teams working in fields ranging from aerospace and robotics to sustainable energy and product design.
  • Meet the Teams: Hear directly from students about their work and learn what it’s like to be part of an Enterprise team.
  • Find Your Passion: Whether you’re a first-year student or ready to jump into a leadership role, there’s an Enterprise team that’s right for you!

As we celebrate 25 years of the Enterprise Program, we’re reflecting on the countless innovations, friendships, and career-launching experiences made possible through this unique hands-on learning opportunity. Enterprise Day is the perfect chance to get involved—whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a technical challenge, or a leadership experience, the Enterprise Program offers it all.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the teams you can connect with:

  • Blizzard Baja: Design and build off-road vehicles that compete nationwide.
  • Blue Marble Security: Work on cybersecurity and defense projects with real-world impact.
  • Formula SAE: Compete internationally by designing, building, and racing high-performance race cars.
  • Husky Game Development: Create innovative video games and explore the gaming industry.
  • Clean Snowmobile Challenge: Build cleaner, quieter snowmobiles and compete with schools nationwide.
  • And more: See the full list of teams.

Kick Off 25 Years of Innovation! As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Enterprise Program, we’re looking forward to welcoming a new generation of students who will carry on the legacy of creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge innovation. Whether you’re an engineer, artist, business major, or anything in between, you’ll find a home in one of our many Enterprise Teams.

No registration is required, and all students are welcome. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something bigger and make your mark in the next 25 years of Enterprise!

For more information about the teams, visit our Enterprise Day website.

Questions? Contact us at enterprise@mtu.edu. We look forward to seeing you at Enterprise Day and celebrating 25 incredible years of innovation together!