What does it take to turn an idea into something real? For many students, the answer starts with a team, a challenge and the chance to think beyond the classroom.
As a UMass Lowell student, you have that opportunity this summer through the Global Entrepreneurship Exchange (GE2). Offered through the Manning School of Business, GE2 provides an immersive entrepreneurship experience. The 2026 GE2 Workshop is scheduled to take place at UMass Lowell, giving you the chance to earn 3 credits in 3 weeks while building entrepreneurial skills and working with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
The workshop includes virtual sessions on July 7 and 9, a student welcome event on July 12, on-campus housing, breakfast, dinner and special events from July 13-24.
A Hands-On Experience with a Global Mindset
2025 GE2
Interested in starting a business someday? GE2 offers a structured and hands-on way to explore that goal. During the workshop, you’ll work in diverse teams to identify opportunities, shape business ideas, test concepts and prepare a final pitch.
That global element is one of the workshop’s biggest strengths, with partner institutions in countries including India, Thailand, China, Guyana, Taiwan, Cambodia and Kenya. Not only will you learn how to pitch an idea, but you will also learn how different perspectives often shape ideas for the better. Working with peers from different academic, professional and cultural backgrounds encourages broad thinking and creative solutions.
Upon completion, you will have a stronger understanding of how to recognize opportunities, develop ideas, communicate value and work effectively with people who may approach problems differently than you do. Qualified participants also earn a Certificate of Completion.
Past GE2 Experiences
In 2025, GE2 returned to an on-campus format and brought students from around the world to campus for an intensive entrepreneurship challenge. Instead of working on a hypothetical start-up, students explored how to commercialize “Chickadee,” a nanosatellite developed by UMass Lowell Physics Professor Supriya Chakrabarti. Teams researched the market, developed business strategies and presented their ideas.
For students balancing work, family or online course work, short-term global learning opportunities can be a practical way to build community and add something distinctive to their academic journey.
Make This the Summer You Build Something
College is a time to try new things, build confidence and discover where your interests can lead. GE2 gives you a way to do that in a focused, memorable format.