As we conclude another phenomenal year of the Perot Jain TechLab (PJTL) series, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our three exceptional student cohorts: PJTL @ Mcity, PJTL Climate Change, and the inaugural class of PJTL Electrification. These students immersed themselves in transformative learning experiences and built meaningful connections within our dynamic Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) community.
The PJTL series offers unparalleled training, mentorship, and hands-on experiences tailored for entrepreneurial students. By exploring the pivotal role of a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) within a startup, participants gained firsthand experience with cutting-edge technologies, collaborated with industry experts, and built lasting connections that will significantly impact their careers.
2024 Highlights
Each PJTL cohort worked in teams of four, diving into hands-on, real-world technical projects throughout the year. Students explored the core technological landscape, creating tailored technology roadmaps to address their sponsoring startups’ unique needs. Along the way, they developed critical skills in understanding technology value propositions and mastering effective project planning, making impactful contributions to real-world challenges.
During the final class sessions in early December, each team wowed judges with their capstone projects in 10-20 minute presentations, showcasing their hard work, creativity, and the practical impact of their efforts. These presentations highlighted the students’ ability to understand and apply their sponsoring startups’ core technologies, demonstrating their potential as future entrepreneurial leaders and innovators.
Acknowledgements
We are deeply grateful to the guest speakers and instructors who enriched this year’s PJTL experience with their expertise and dedication. Special thanks to Dr. Volker Sick, Ryan Waddington, Doug Moore, Eric Wingfield, Alisyn Malek, and Jay Ellis for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the startup companies that partnered with CFE to guide and mentor our student teams. We truly appreciate the collaboration from Biliti Electric, ElectricFish, Marel Power Solutions, InceptEV, Utilidata, Capoom, Fleet Lab, Flare, Gekot Robotics, Retrospect, Buyutech, Cowboy Clean Fuels, Flow Aluminum, Mission Zero Technologies, Paebbl, and SkyNano Technologies. Your insights and engagement have been instrumental in shaping the next generation of tech innovators and leaders.
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors—Perot Jain, Ford Motor Company, Ann Arbor SPARK, Mcity, and the State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification—whose support makes this program possible. Your generosity and partnership drive the mission of the PJTL series forward and empower our students to succeed.
To the 2024 PJTL cohorts, your passion, hard work, and creativity have laid a strong foundation for your future as leaders and innovators. We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will make in the tech industry and beyond.
Thank you for making this year a resounding success—here’s to continued innovation, leadership, and excellence!