The Innovation Lab at MDC
Driving a Culture of Innovation
The Innovation Lab at MDC is an initiative designed to harness the creativity and problem-solving of our employees. This dynamic space is open to full-time staff with an idea to solve a problem or implement a solution that make Miami Dade College a more efficient, forward-thinking institution.
By fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving, the Innovation Lab at MDC aims to empower the college community to take ownership of their ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned innovator or someone with a fresh perspective, the Innovation Lab welcomes your contributions to making our institution a more efficient and effective place to learn, work, and grow.
Innovation Lab Cohort 2
From Idea to Implementation – Scaling AI Innovation Across MDC
The Innovation Lab Cohort 2, taking place in the 2026-27 academic year, is about turning ideas into working AI solutions. Whether it’s reducing manual work, improving response times, or making information easier to find, the Innovation Lab’s Cohort 2 is the place to explore how AI can solve real challenges in your area.
Selected participants for Cohort 2 will take part in a six-month training and mentorship program, from November 2026 through May 2027, to develop and implement AI solutions within their own areas. Teams will engage in in-person sessions, virtual training, one-on-one mentoring, and group office hours, culminating in a project showcase for College leadership.
Innovation Lab Details
We’re looking for projects you can build yourself with AI (we give you the training and tools to do it) and put into practice within six months with support from your supervisor. Projects should not require IT to build for you. Strong projects are small enough to build and big enough to matter: automating a manual step, routing requests that get lost, a new solution that improves efficiency within your department, or making information easier to find.
- Attend our info session on September 9, 2026 to learn more about the opportunity. You can register for the info session here.
- Apply by September 30, 2026 at 11:59pm. You don’t need to attend the info session to apply. You can apply here.
- Applications must be submitted with your supervisor’s approval, confirming their support for implementing the project in your area.
- Applications may be submitted by an individual or team of up to three people — one project lead plus up to two additional team members.
- Up to 10 teams will be selected. Selected participants will be notified on October 21, 2026.
- Teams build and implement their projects from November 2026 through May 2027. Plan for about three hours per week, including required attendance at all program sessions and ongoing work on your project. Because projects address processes participants already work with, their work on the projects aims to improve their day-to-day operations.
- Teams will present their results to senior College leaders at a final showcase in May 2027, where projects with collegewide potential will be identified for broader implementation.
- Still have questions? Reach out to the team via email at ideacenter@mdc.edu
Innovation Starts With You—Bring Your Idea to Life
Information Session
We will hold an info session on September 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Register below.
Application
The application will close on September 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Be sure to apply before then.