Jayakumar is a first-year master’s student at Indiana University’s Rudy School of Informatics and Computing Engineering in Indianapolis, where he studies human-computer interaction. As 16 Tech’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Intern, she will engage with local entrepreneurs and business leaders and play a pivotal role in helping the organization position Downtown Indianapolis as an innovation ecosystem.
“In this role, I strive to better leverage 16 Tech’s technology,” Jayakumar said. “In terms of innovation, I am learning operations and understanding what people need for a better ecosystem.”
Jayakumar’s internship is just one example of an existing collaboration between IU Indianapolis and 16 Tech, and one of the many ways both schools are leveraging Indianapolis’ urban research and budding economic development.
16 Tech is already very close to IU Indianapolis, but it will soon be easier to travel between the two locations. At the end of the summer, 16 Tech will complete construction of his 16 Tech Bridge. The bridge will connect the Innovation District to the research and medical corridor in downtown Indianapolis, including IU Health and the IU Indianapolis campus. JagLine, the campus’ student transportation shuttle service, also includes a stop at 16 Tech for students who wish to access workshops.
Additionally, AnalytiXIN, a Central Indiana corporate partnership program based at 16 Tech, announced program partnerships with IU, other universities and local businesses to reduce energy and carbon footprints for Indiana manufacturers. did. IU Research’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization is also located in the Innovation District and works with faculty to explore commercialization options related to research.
Mr. Jayakumar will work with 16 Tech’s Chief Innovation Officer and Experience Manager to identify opportunities to grow membership, support tenants, and minimize pain points in engaging the community. Jayakumar leverages research and data to help local entrepreneurs envision themselves in the field and leverage its infrastructure. Jayakumar is a role that requires him to wear several hats, but that’s what excites her, she said.
“No two days are alike,” Jayakumar said. “You get to see new faces, new problems, and you get a chance to find new solutions.”
She said her major will help her succeed in this role. Human-computer interaction research focuses on designing better ways to improve the user experience and enable people to participate in new systems and technologies. Jayakumar said he is constantly able to push the boundaries of design systems to create a better customer-centric experience for 16 Tech members.
The Luddy School’s Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction program is immersive and project-based. Its programs provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with industry on real-world projects to design effective, accessible, and human-centered systems.
After completing his master’s degree, Jayakumar plans to combine his undergraduate architecture experience with his computing knowledge to create sustainable physical and digital spaces. But when the time is right, she hopes to embrace disruption again by founding her own startup or agency.
“I’m looking forward to building my own identity,” Jayakumar said. “I think the internship at 16 Tech is the perfect opportunity to start everything I aspire to.”