David B. Balkin and Rosalind & Chester Barnow Endowed Innovative Teaching Award
Recognizing work that helps students use AI, low-code development, and automation to address consequential human and organizational challenges.
building ethics & empathy into innovation
AI & Mobility for Tomorrow’s Societies
"Build in Japan", an experiential learning program
This interdisciplinary course prepares students for leadership in AI-driven global entrepreneurship and provides real-world startup experience in an international setting via a global intensive program.
curriculum developed by
Matthew John Brady, Entrepreneur & Educator
in partnership with Ludus Labs
offered to students currently enrolled at the
University of Colorado – Leeds School of Business
and students currently enrolled at
Nagoya University



✨ Micro-credentials ✨
validate your skills by learning & earning these endorsements
Issuer: CU Boulder Innovation & Entrepreneurship program Platform: Credly
Issuer: Ludus Labs, experts in Japan-centric innovation Platform: LinkedIn
Collaborative Design Sprint
CU & NU students form teams, identify a societal challenge, and develop an initial tech startup concept using design thinking methodology.
Problem Statement
Strategy & Priorities
Technology Capabilities
Product Ideation
Global Test Market
Students travel to Japan to test their startup ideas in real-world conditions, conduct user research, and refine their solutions based on market insights.
Strengths & Opportunities
Weaknesses & Threats
Iterative Refinement
Lean Startup Pitch
Teams present their AI-driven startup solutions to a panel of professors, industry professionals, media, and program mentors at Nagoya University.
Business Model Viability
Go-to-Market Planning
Profit & Sustainability
Interested?
get your name on the list
Course Synopsis
This experiential learning program challenges students to build tech-driven startups that address the complex impacts of a shrinking global population. You will work as international teams within the cohort to design and launch ventures that leverage AI, automation, advanced mobility, and other next-generation technologies.
Through a hands-on curriculum using lean canvas planning, design thinking, and primary market research, you will develop a complete business proposal from concept to execution. The program culminates in a final pitch competition in Japan, where you will present your innovative solution to a panel of experts in business and healthcare entrepreneurship.
The course focuses on creating viable, technology-driven solutions for critical challenges facing eastern and western societies, including: