From 16 to 18 June, Mandoulides Schools – Duke’s Education hosted the AI Startup Sprint & Innovation Program, organized by Harvard Women in Computer Science in collaboration with Learn with Leaders. The three-day program brought together 41 students aged 11 to 16, who worked in teams under the guidance of three Harvard University students.
Throughout the program, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, innovation, and Design Thinking. Working collaboratively, they developed original ideas aimed at addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges.
Students also explored the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence by using cutting-edge AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Base44, to transform their ideas into well-developed business concepts and digital prototypes. Each team prepared and delivered a final presentation, strengthening essential 21st-century skills such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and public speaking.
Over the course of three inspiring and dynamic days, students gained valuable insights into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence while developing practical skills and hands-on experience that will support their future academic and professional journeys.
The program concluded with the presentation of the students’ projects and the awarding of certificates of participation to all participants.
