Turn Curiosity into Creation. A first-of-its-kind innovation lab where high school students turn real-world challenges into AI-powered solutions. From idea to prototype to pitch, this program bridges high school curriculum and college readiness in the areas of AI and Innovation
💡 Why IMPACT Labs: NextGen Innovators?
Are you a high school student who wants to
- Build your first AI-powered prototype for a real-world problem?
- Get a taste of entrepreneurship and innovative thinking?
- Stand out in college applications, internships, and competitions?
If YES, this 4-week live online bootcamp is your launchpad. You’ll learn to think like a real-world innovator, build a prototype using our proven framework, and pitch your idea with confidence.
🎯 Program Outcomes
🗂️ Curriculum Overview
👩🏫 Know your Mentor
Led by Dr. Vinitha Subbhuraam – a global leader in AI innovation with 15+ years of experience building AI-powered medtech products, raising millions in funding, and publishing over 100 peer-reviewed papers and two books – this interactive innovation studio offers you:
- Real insider knowledge from someone who’s built multiple industry-first tech products
- Mentorship rooted in actual startup lived experience
- Hands-on, project-based learning using a proven AI Innovation framework designed to help you build a portfolio worthy of college applications and internships
To know more about Dr. V, click the button below.
💬 Testimonials
“Thank you for being such a great mentor the past year and for teaching me so much. I truly don’t think I could have such an amazing opportunity for my future if it wasn’t for your help.”
— Aspiring Biomedical Engineer | Incoming Georgia Tech CS Freshman
“You have been a great and encouraging mentor and I don’t think I would have asked for a better first experience (in AI research). I’ve learned a lot from you and hope to get the opportunity to continue to learn.”
— Future Physician | First-Year at St. George’s University
“Thank you so much. It really gives a vision of what courses I can take related to science.”
— Aspiring Innovator in Genetics|High School Junior, Chicago
📌 Program and Application Information
📌 FAQ
1. Program Value
How is the program different from existing ones?
This isn’t a pre-recorded class or a generic STEM camp. It’s a live, interactive experience led by Dr. Vinitha, a biomedical data scientist and innovation leader with 15+ years of experience building real-world AI products.
Unlike other programs that focus solely on coding or provide a surface-level introduction to AI, this boot camp combines AI and innovation through a structured CONNECT-IL framework. You will identify a real-world challenge, explore solutions using lateral thinking and interdisciplinary innovation, build a prototype, and pitch it (something along the lines of the Stanford Biodesign approach plus more) – all under the guidance of a real industry expert.
Anyone can learn to code. But this program goes deeper: “Can you identify a real problem worth solving — and build something meaningful around it and communicate that effectively (think an elevator pitch)?” We’ll help you do just that. By the end of four weeks, you’ll walk away with a portfolio-worthy project, a stronger sense of purpose, and the option to continue your journey through the IMPACT Labs Fellowship program. Although coder-friendly, the program’s primary focus is on the innovation process. You’ll learn how to think like a future-ready problem solver -and not just a student who followed instructions.
In their high school experience, what sets students apart is the ability to conduct independent research or complete innovation projects that demonstrate initiative, strong leadership, effective communication skills, and confidence in presenting their ideas. This boot camp offers all of that in four weeks.
How is this program different from high school curriculum?
Most school systems don’t teach students how to apply their knowledge to real-world innovation. Here’s what’s missing—and what we bring:
- 🚫 Limited Real-World AI Applications: Students may learn algebra or biology, but rarely learn how AI helps with early disease detection, crop health monitoring, or traffic prediction.
☑️ This program focuses on how to build AI solutions for real-world challenges. - 🔄 Lack of Interdisciplinary Thinking: Subjects are generally taught in silos – no one shows how knowledge from different disciplines + coding + ethics + design = innovation. Real innovation lives at the intersections.
☑️ This program teaches students to connect disciplines like engineers, designers, and innovators do. - 🛠️ Lack of Innovation and Design Skills: There is little opportunity to brainstorm, test, and build things that matter.
☑️ This program helps students identify real problems, prototype, and pitch ideas—just like startups do. - 👀 Limited Career Path Visibility: Schools focus on doctors, engineers, or lawyers—but not on biomedical AI, digital health, or impact startups.
☑️ The program spotlights emerging careers where tech meets various disciplines: like biomedical data scientists, medical device design engineers, data scientists in climate tech, or founders using AI to change the world.
This program fills in these critical gaps and empowers students with the mindset and skills they need to thrive in college – and beyond.
2. Application, Pre-requisites, Pricing
Is this course open to beginners?
Yes, it is open to all high school students, although it is more suited for those with a curiosity to explore the intersection of AI and Innovation.
Should I know coding?
No prior coding experience required, but an interest in AI is a great place to start. If you know coding and want to build a tech product, we can offer the required guidance so you get the maximum value out of the four weeks.
When will I hear back about my application?
We usually take 1 week to process applications. We will then email accepted students the details on how to make the payment. After payment, onboarding instructions will be sent via email.
I do not reside in the U.S. Can I still participate?
You may be able to. Please email contact@impactlabsacademy.com to express your interest, and we will get back to you.
3. Curriculum
What is included in my tuition?
- Hands-on, project-based learning based on a structured Innovation Framework designed to identify a real-world challenge that can be solved with AI and go from 0 (just an idea) to 1 (a prototype and a real pitch).
- Build a solution for a real-world problem that is worthy of college/internship applications.
- Develop the 0 to 1 mindset that powers research labs, startups, and top colleges and universities
- Access curated knowledge in four weeks to get a head-start on future high school and college projects.
- Mentorship rooted in actual startup lived experience
- Learn to research effectively and take the first steps towards your own scientific publication.
- Join a network of ambitious and passionate students interested in AI and Innovation. Who knows, you might find your co-founder and team here!
- Earn a digital certificate.
How is the curriculum structured?
The curriculum is built around two powerful pillars: AI and Innovation.
In Weeks 1 and 2, you’ll dive into the first half of the CONNECT-IL framework, which guides you to identify a meaningful real-world challenge, explore its broader ecosystem, generate cross-disciplinary ideas (interdisciplinary innovation), and choose a solution worth building. At the same time, you’ll learn the fundamentals of AI — what it is, how it works, and how to apply a step-by-step model-building framework using a healthtech case study. If you’re curious about coding, you’ll also have the chance to explore hands-on Python modeling.
In Weeks 3 and 4, you’ll uncover the second half of the CONNECT-IL framework, which focuses on bringing your ideas to life. You’ll build a prototype — either through no-code/low-code tools or by coding an AI-powered solution, depending on your experience and interest. You’ll also master the art of pitching and explore what it takes to move your idea forward — through publication, continued innovation, or even a future IMPACT Labs Fellowship.
The program culminates in Demo Day, where you’ll present your prototype to friends, family, and invited guests. You’ll receive feedback, graduate with a certificate, and walk away with a portfolio-ready project that reflects not just what you’ve learned — but what you’ve created.
4. Post-program Details
Are course materials accessible after the program?
Yes, you will have access to Google Classroom for three months after the program. You will have lifetime access to any PDFs and reading materials provided via Google Drive, allowing you to refer to them at any time after the program.
Are there any follow-up programs for those who completed the NextGen Innovation bootcamp?
Yes, if you wish to continue building your AI portfolio independently or work on challenging new projects in-depth and require mentorship, you can enroll in the IMPACT Labs Fellowship program, which offers a 1:1 mentorship. For more details and to express interest, please email contact@impactlabsacademy.com.
Will I receive a letter of recommendation after this program?
You will not receive a college recommendation letter after this program. However, if you continue with the IMPACT Labs Fellowship program, after completing it, your mentor may write a letter of recommendation at their discretion.
IMPACT Labs Academy 