The RLCIE Fellows designation is awarded to students at the 5Cs who engage with one or more of the RLCIE's experiential programs in a substantial way during their studies. The opportunities we sponsor complement the other experiences students have at the college, with the goal of advancing our mission: to help prepare students to be thoughtful, productive, and responsible business leaders and innovators.

All paths to the RLCIE Fellows designation begin with the Innovation Sprint. Any 5C student can sign up for the Fellows Program by filling out THIS FORM by 11:55 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. Contact RLCIE Executive Director Ron LaPierre at rlapierre@cmc.edu if you have any questions.

Learn more at an upcoming info session:

• Thursday, September 3, 5–6pm at Roberts North 15
• Friday, September 4, 2–3pm at Roberts North 15
• Thursday, September 10, 12–1pm on Zoom
• Friday, September 11, 4–5pm on Zoom

BUILD A STARTUP IN 10 DAYS
The Challenge: Validate a real problem. Build a solution. Pitch to judges.
Compete for cash prizes and unlock access to RLCIE programs.
 

• DAY 1: PROBLEM – Friday 9/18, 4–7pm
  - Research & validate your problem
  - Create customer personas
  - Build interview guides
• DAY 2: SOLUTION – Saturday 9/19, 9am–1pm
  - Generate 20+ ideas using SCAMPER
  - Pick ONE to build
  - Create prototype with AI tools
• DAY 3: BUSINESS – Friday 9/25, 4–7pm
  - Define business model & pricing
  - Plan go-to-market
  - Build pitch deck
• DAY 4: PITCH! – Saturday 9/26, 9am–12pm
  - Present to alumni judges
  - Compete for prizes
  - Unlock RLCIE programs

What You'll Build:

• Validated problem
• Working prototype
• Business model
• 5-minute pitch
• 20+ customer interviews
• Real startup skills

What You Need:

• Curiosity about startups
• Willingness to talk to customers
• Commitment to all 4 sessions
• 10–15 hours over 10 days
• No experience needed!

AI Tools You'll Use:

• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Perplexity
• Gamma
• Figma
• Canva
  (All free with .edu email address)

Prizes & Benefits:

• Prizes:
  - 1st – $1,000
  - 2nd – $500
  - 3rd – $250
• Access to:
  - Career Paths program
  - Alumni mentors
  - RLCIE Fellow designation
• Improve your preparation for: CA Studio, Claremont Accelerator, Graphite Group, Product Space, RLCIE Venture Capital Program

READY TO BUILD?
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026, 11:55 p.m.
CLICK HERE to register
Questions? Email Ron LaPierre at rlapierre@cmc.edu