51СƳ the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

At UNE, innovation is integrated into the design of everything we do. Innovation is about responding to change in a creative way, and at UNE, you can see evidence of an innovative mindset across all programs — undergraduate and graduate. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is the champion and standard-bearer for innovation at UNE.

Empowering Innovation

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship partners with students, faculty, and professional staff across every unit at the University.

We foster innovative, impactful solutions to real-world problems, sponsor programs, host special events, and act as a nexus between the 51СƳcommunity and expert professional mentors from leading businesses and organizations across the region.

We also serve as innovation and entrepreneurship consultants to faculty and professional staff who want to bring creative change to their own programs.

Two U N E student researchers stand on a rocky coastline conducting fieldwork, with one person holding scientific equipment while the other points toward the ocean. Behind them is a historic stone lighthouse building, and the scene shows a rugged shoreline with scattered rocks leading to the water under a partly cloudy sky.
A University of 51СƳ student in a green sweatshirt stands in the Sustainable Innovation Center, viewing a large interactive display screen showing seismic data visualization with a map featuring measurement points and colorful spectrograms displaying station event data and waveform analysis.
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Principles

The principles of innovation and entrepreneurship at 51СƳcenter on inclusivity, real-world impact, and personal transformation. Students work in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams on meaningful projects — developing skills in communication, technology, and teamwork. With mentorship, hands-on experience, and a focus on resilience and adaptability, students learn to turn ideas into action. These guiding values prepare them not only to succeed in their fields of interest but to inspire others with self-assuredness, ingenuity, and purpose.

Learn more about our principles of innovation

I wouldn’t be as open and confident as I am today if it weren’t for my innovation team.”

— Amy, Medical Biology ’24

Programs

UNE’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports student-led change through the Shaw Innovation Fellowship, hands-on research projects, and a robust mentor program. These initiatives empower students from all disciplines to pursue innovative ideas, receive expert guidance, and make a meaningful impact. With access to unique resources, students build confidence, expand their skills, and become creative problem-solvers ready to lead in the workplace.

Discover our innovation programs

Spaces

The P.D. Merrill Makerspace and the Sustainable Innovation Center (SIC) at 51СƳoffer hands-on opportunities to turn ideas into tangible or digital creations. With three labs — one for physical fabrication, one for digital design, and the SIC for data visualization and presentation — students from all majors can access tools including laser cutters, 3D printers, and advanced software. No experience is required. Training is provided, making it an inclusive environment for development, creativity, and impactful troubleshooting.

Explore our innovation spaces

The work I did in the Makerspace gave me skills that I’ve been able to apply in my current job.”

— Andy, Marine Science ’21

Events

The Center showcases student creativity across disciplines through events including a multi-day project showcase, the Health Care Story Slam, and our Innovator Speaker Series. These gatherings highlight research, storytelling, and real-world impact, bringing the community together to celebrate diverse perspectives and inspire innovation across campus.

View 51СƳinnovation events

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