The ESTEEM Graduate Program is renowned for its commitment to fostering innovation and leadership among its students. Central to this mission are the capstone projects, which provide students with invaluable real-world experience and the opportunity to impact various fields significantly. These projects are made possible through partnerships with diverse industries and companies.
Through the 11-month capstone project, ESTEEM graduate students translate classroom learning into fundamental go-to-market commercialization strategies across key industries:
Health Care
CergenX is an exemplary partner in the healthcare sector. CergenX, an Irish-based startup, is developing AI-powered newborn brain screening solutions. These collaborations enable students to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in medical technology and patient care.
Education Technology
Ascend Learning is at the forefront of education technology, exploring the convergence of mixed reality and generative AI. Their projects allow students to delve into the innovative use of technology to enhance learning experiences, preparing them to lead future educational transformations.
Information Technology and Software
Companies like Intuit are well-represented in the IT and software industry. Capstone projects in this sector enable students to work on integrating artificial intelligence into business processes, fostering a deeper understanding of AI's potential to revolutionize industries.
Environmental and Sustainable Solutions
Sustainability is a key focus area, with partners like Marmon Water, part of Marmon Holdings, a Berkshire Hathaway Company. These companies work on projects to scale sustainable solutions and develop strategies for reducing environmental impact. Students gain hands-on experience in creating and implementing green technologies.
Manufacturing and Engineering
Companies like Coast Southwest and Johnson Controls provide manufacturing and engineering opportunities. Projects range from market identification to developing innovative products and sustainability strategies, allowing students to contribute to advancements in manufacturing efficiency and product design.
Non-Profit and Social Impact
The ESTEEM program also partners with non-profit organizations such as Pawsperity. These partnerships focus on social impact projects, like business replication and expansion, providing students with the chance to apply their skills in ways that benefit society and address pressing social issues.
Technology and Consumer Electronics
Leading technology companies, including Lenovo, collaborate with ESTEEM on projects that explore the integration of XR into design and optimizing supply chain logistics. These partnerships allow students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and develop solutions that enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.
Aerospace and Defense
SpaceX (Starlink) represents the aerospace and defense sector, offering projects that involve the expansion of satellite internet services. Students working with SpaceX gain insights into the complexities of aerospace technology and its applications in global connectivity.
As we celebrate the achievements of the University of Notre Dame ESTEEM Graduate Program Class of 2024, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible organizations that partnered with us. Your support and collaboration have given our students real-world experiences and the opportunity to drive innovation:
Amicus Therapeutics, Ascend Learning, BI/ GEO Group and BI Incorporated, CergenX, Coast Southwest, Code Your Dreams, Drone Response, EcoWater Systems, Electric Outdoors, Energy Vault, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, Flagship Management, Forever Analytics Services (FAS), General Genomics Inc., Get Joy, Glen Dimplex, GlyphX, Goshen Stamping, Hurricane Capital, Ideal Tridon Group, INDustry Labs, Intuit Inc., Inveniam, ITility Research and Engineering Activity, Johnson Controls, Kupros Inc., Kylemore Abbey and Gardens Ltd., Lakril Technologies, Lenovo, Liquidity Services Inc., Marmon Foodservice Technologies Inc., Marmon Rail, Marmon Water, Nymbl Systems, Paper Analytics, Pawsperity, Privé International, Scientist.com, Sloan Valve Company, SpaceX (Starlink), Sprintax, Tessellated Inc., THOR Industries, Valid8Me, Vital View Technologies, Whirlpool Corporation, and WowYow AI
For her capstone, Andrea Palomo Saavedra M.S. ‘24 partnered with Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, a worldwide known center of excellence for Bioelectronic Medicine. This project aims to assess the market opportunity for StrokeFighter; a novel bioelectronic therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). To accomplish this objective, Andrea conducted an extensive technology review, market analysis, IP analysis, development of a regulatory plan for approval, go-to-market commercial strategy, P&L statement, and a financial plan.
“I really enjoy my capstone because I get to work on something that affects a lot of people in the world,” Andrea explained. “I’m able to work with a group of researchers that spend their time in the lab, have spent over five years doing preclinical research, and now we’re translating these findings into something that people can benefit from.”
The ESTEEM Graduate Program's diverse range of industry partnerships underscores its commitment to providing students with comprehensive, real-world learning experiences. From healthcare and education technology to sustainability and aerospace, these collaborations offer students the opportunity to work on innovative projects that span multiple sectors. As the program grows, so does the breadth and depth of its industry partnerships, preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. By fostering these invaluable connections, the ESTEEM program ensures that its students are well-equipped to drive innovation and make a lasting impact in their chosen fields.