Evolving SVIA for 2017

Every year is an experiment, and the Silicon Valley Innovation Academy for 2016 was no exception. The team made some big changes, some of which didn’t work well for a significant number of students. We’ve reviewed the feedback extensively and are going to make a lot of changes for 2017. Read through this and let us know what you think!

The Big Split

Students will now have the option of enrolling in a “lighter” version of the program called Explorer. This includes all the social events but not the workshops. These students will not be required to form teams and go through the entrepreneurial education portion of SVIA. For those who want the entire experience, there will be the Enterprise option.

Flipping the Classroom

We will be producing and/or curating online content for SVIAers to consume ahead of each workshop. This will allow to remove the “lecture” portion and go directly into team-based work. Included in these changes is a reduction in the amount of Business Model Canvas work, and the required publication of the teams’ weekly progress.

Consolidation

There won’t be an A/B split next year. Everyone will attend the same class, and it definitely will NOT be in Herrin Hall!

Flexible Teaming

SVIAers will be able to work in larger or smaller teams depending on their needs.

Sprinting Harder

For the students that attended, the sprint was the most transformative part of the program. We will offer two of them next year, and work with some of the local incubators (probably YC and/or 500 Startups) to source interesting problems that the entire group can work on.

Friendlier

We will add another industry lunch so students are able to network more, both with each other and folks who work in Silicon Valley. We are also adding a third site visit to give added flexibility for schedules and offer a greater range of companies.

Student Mentors

Finally, for those of you who expressed interest in staying involved in SVIA, we want to offer the chance to remotely advise the 2017 teams! We’ll be reaching out to everyone who provided their emails when filling out the feedback form. If you didn’t fill out the form but want to be considered for a mentorship position, please contact Ryan Mayfield.

Thanks again to the entire class of SVIA 2016! We want you to know that we listened to your feedback, and that your comments — positive and negative — are going to make a difference for students who choose to be a part of the community in 2017.

Onward!