IE University Students Dive into Berkeley’s Innovation Ecosystem During Immersion Week 2025
Earlier this month, a cohort of Data Science and Business graduate students from IE University
in Spain, arrived at UC Berkeley for a transformative week of innovation, hands-on learning, and
Silicon Valley exploration as part of the 2025 Immersion Week.
Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, the five-day
program combined academic sessions, company visits, and interactive workshops—immersing
students in the heart of the Bay Area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This week wasn’t just about learning concepts; it was about experiencing the mindset
behind some of the world’s most impactful innovations,” said SCET’s Global Programs
Manager.
From disruption to application: A full spectrum learning experience
The program kicked off with a campus welcome and keynote by Ken Singer, SCET’s Managing
Director, who introduced students to the power of innovation through disruption. The week’s
sessions tackled some of the most pressing themes in entrepreneurship and technology, including
the rise of platform businesses, the globalization of cognitive economies, and value creation in
the age of AI.
Industry leaders such as Naeem Zafar (Telesense), Olaf Groth (UC Berkeley & Cambrian
Futures), and Khalil Fuller (Pear VC) brought real-world perspective to the academic content,
challenging students to think critically about emerging technologies and their broader
implications.
Real-world exposure in the Valley
Beyond the classroom, students gained direct exposure to industry innovation through site visits
to four iconic institutions:
- Tesla, where they explored the future of clean energy and manufacturing innovation.
- The Computer History Museum, highlighting the evolution of computing and its role in the information age.
- Plug and Play Tech Center, a hub for early-stage startups and venture capital.
- ServiceNow, a global leader in enterprise cloud computing, where students engaged with executives on platform solutions and product vision.
- Teamwork, storytelling, and professional growth
The program also emphasized interpersonal growth, with sessions on consulting, storytelling,
and personal branding. Workshops led by SCET instructors and professional consultants guided
students through case study methods, customer acquisition strategies, and how to pitch
themselves and their ideas with clarity and confidence.
A collective thanks
SCET extends its gratitude to all the participating speakers, the IE University team, and the SCET Global Academics Team for making the 2025 Immersion Week a success.
Earlier this month, a cohort of Data Science and Business graduate students from IE University
in Spain, arrived at UC Berkeley for a transformative week of innovation, hands-on learning, and
Silicon Valley exploration as part of the 2025 Immersion Week.
Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, the five-day
program combined academic sessions, company visits, and interactive workshops—immersing
students in the heart of the Bay Area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This week wasn’t just about learning concepts; it was about experiencing the mindset
behind some of the world’s most impactful innovations,” said SCET’s Global Programs
Manager.
From disruption to application: A full spectrum learning experience
The program kicked off with a campus welcome and keynote by Ken Singer, SCET’s Managing
Director, who introduced students to the power of innovation through disruption. The week’s
sessions tackled some of the most pressing themes in entrepreneurship and technology, including
the rise of platform businesses, the globalization of cognitive economies, and value creation in
the age of AI.
Industry leaders such as Naeem Zafar (Telesense), Olaf Groth (UC Berkeley & Cambrian
Futures), and Khalil Fuller (Pear VC) brought real-world perspective to the academic content,
challenging students to think critically about emerging technologies and their broader
implications.
Real-world exposure in the Valley
Beyond the classroom, students gained direct exposure to industry innovation through site visits
to four iconic institutions:
- Tesla, where they explored the future of clean energy and manufacturing innovation.
- The Computer History Museum, highlighting the evolution of computing and its role in the information age.
- Plug and Play Tech Center, a hub for early-stage startups and venture capital.
- ServiceNow, a global leader in enterprise cloud computing, where students engaged with executives on platform solutions and product vision.
- Teamwork, storytelling, and professional growth
The program also emphasized interpersonal growth, with sessions on consulting, storytelling,
and personal branding. Workshops led by SCET instructors and professional consultants guided
students through case study methods, customer acquisition strategies, and how to pitch
themselves and their ideas with clarity and confidence.
A collective thanks
SCET extends its gratitude to all the participating speakers, the IE University team, and the SCET Global Academics Team for making the 2025 Immersion Week a success.