ST. GEORGE — Continuing to strengthen its polytechnic approach to education, Utah Tech has been selected to participate in the pilot launch of the Sandbox Entrepreneurship Program.
The program allows business, engineering, and design students to participate in an 18-credit hour capstone program designed to build a fully functional technology company under the guidance of experienced mentors and industry experts. Masu.
Chris Crittenden, who founded Sandbox three years ago at Brigham Young University, said: “It's spread over two semesters and they (students) form teams of two to four people to launch a startup company. It's all software.” “We have received support from eight venture companies with a total valuation of more than $60 million.”
He said he believes Sandbox is the “world's best preparation” for a career in the tech industry, adding that students entering the tech workforce earn about 25% more starting salaries than their peers. .
Enrolled students only attend classes twice a week, giving them more time to devote to building their startups.
Unlike traditional startup incubators, Sandbox does not receive equity in exchange for support. This program is funded solely by Utah Tech University and course fees paid by students.
“I think the valuable part of the sandbox is that it gives students real-world experience,” says Sam Clark, assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Utah Tech. “What the sandbox gives us is allowing students to put themselves in a real economy, solving real problems, and perhaps not only reap real benefits, but also be able to make a difference.” It changes the incentive structure of the university a little bit. It's a feeling that you're making a real difference in the community you live in.”
Utah Tech's motto is “active learning, active living,” said Aaron Davis, associate dean of Utah Tech's College of Science and Engineering, adding that the Sandbox program perfectly encapsulates that.
“That's the definition of polytechnic: it's applied, it's job-ready skills, it's about acquiring knowledge and doing something practical with it,” Davis said. “(Students) will have access to our expert mentor network, behind-the-scenes opportunities with our preferred recruitment partners, and the opportunity to pitch their startups to real investors at Demo Day.”
Other Utah higher education institutions using the sandbox program include BYU, Utah State University, and Utah Valley University.
“If you look at the long-term impact of a program like this, 20 years from now, in 2024, we'll see new companies starting in the sandbox,” Davis said.
This is the definition of polytechnic. It's applied, it's a job-ready skill, it's about acquiring knowledge and doing something practical with it.
–Aaron Davis, Utah Tech School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
This program will also be an important addition to the City of St. George and its growing technology sector.
“We need entrepreneurship. We need to start new companies. So this platform will not only benefit our students, but also give us the opportunity to provide new opportunities to the community. Hopefully It provides high-income opportunities for community members,” Clark said. He said. “I think St. George has a big social impact and it’s definitely needed. We need these to fill the gap as we move from a snowbird-type community to a robust economy. I need a startup.”
To learn more about sandboxing and how to apply it, visit sandbox.ing.
“The sandbox is available to everyone, but it's not available to everyone,” Crittenden said. “It all depends on how much you want it. We encourage our students to seize this opportunity and embark on a transformative journey towards entrepreneurship.”
