The Lally School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has introduced the Lally AI Academy, a dynamic 30-day experiential program. This initiative empowers student teams from various disciplines to design, construct, and launch fully functional AI-driven products, with no prior coding or computer science background required.
Open to students across all five schools at RPI, the Academy offers access to industry-standard AI tools, cloud computing resources, and hands-on mentorship. Each participating team also receives up to $500 in resources, including access to makerspaces, to facilitate the journey from concept to deployment.
The program is organized as a concentrated, repeatable 30-day sprint. Throughout this period, student teams oversee all aspects of their project, from ideation and planning to execution and launch. Along the way, they acquire valuable skills in resource management, technical communication, teamwork, leadership, design thinking, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Students are encouraged to adapt their ideas into practical products, honing their abilities to lead and execute in a tech-driven environment.
The Lally AI Academy epitomizes Lally’s dedication to fusing business and technology, equipping students to spearhead innovation across various sectors. The initiative also aims to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration at RPI.
Professor Saggi Nevo, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Information Systems at the Lally School of Management, spearheads this initiative.
“The Lally AI Academy exemplifies the hands-on learning approach we prioritize,” Nevo stated. “Our goal is to broaden access to cutting-edge AI tools, complement them with makerspace facilities, and enable students from all fields to develop real products. Hands-on experience helps students gain confidence, enhances their entrepreneurial mindset, sharpens their problem-solving skills, and enriches their portfolios.”
Lally Dean Liad Wagman, Ph.D., emphasized that the Academy has notably lowered entry barriers to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“We established the Lally AI Academy to ensure that every student can engage with real-world challenges,” Wagman noted. “Deep technical expertise is not a prerequisite for addressing problems and innovating. Our Academy provides a scalable structure, tools, and support to transform challenges into tangible products.”
“This program promotes collaboration rather than competition,” Wagman continued. “Students learn to build under time and resource constraints, enhancing their teamwork, critical thinking, and soft skills, thus better preparing them for leadership roles.”
The Lally AI Academy is supported by a generous donation from an RPI alumnus, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to interdisciplinary education, responsible AI practices, and entrepreneurial readiness. Each cohort concludes with demonstrations, where student teams showcase their live products, share insights, and discuss the challenges they have faced.
The first sprint is set to commence on April 1, 2026. Interested teams can find more information on Lally’s website, apply to participate, or reach out via email at LallyData@rpi.edu for further inquiries.
About the RPI Lally School of Management
The Lally School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute prepares students to lead at the intersection of technology and business. Through rigorous academic programs, real-world projects, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, Lally equips future leaders with the analytical, strategic, and ethical skills essential for success in a rapidly changing global economy.
In conclusion, the Lally AI Academy stands as a pioneering initiative that blends innovation with practical learning experiences. It fosters an environment where students from diverse disciplines can collaborate, think critically, and grow their entrepreneurial skills, ultimately preparing them for the future of work.
