Anderson Innovation Academy hosts 2026 Entrepreneurship Workshop Week

The Anderson Innovation Academy hosted its 2026 Entrepreneurship Workshop Week in February, welcoming business students and faculty from Japan for an immersive program centered on U.S. entrepreneurship, innovation, and entrepreneurial pitch strategy. The week provided hands-on learning opportunities and concluded with a business pitch competition that highlighted students' growth and creativity.

During the week of Feb. 9-13, undergraduate students participated in workshops and lectures led by Anderson faculty, and Innovation Academy alumni entrepreneurs, where experiential learning was at the forefront of each session. Through interactive lessons and applied activities, students engaged directly with entrepreneurial concepts and real-world business practices.

This year, Innovation Academy welcomed 12 students - 11 from Yamanashi Gakuin University (YGU) and one from Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) - along with YGU and OMU faculty members.

YGU Professor Kunio Kono remarked on how each session benefits students by building their confidence.

"By connecting with an overseas university, students are able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world, practical settings and develop those experiences into lasting skills," said Kono. "Rather than simply memorizing the 'right answers,' the focus is on learning, which encourages students to think for themselves, take action, and communicate their ideas - without fear of failure."

Kono also noted that while students spend the week developing entrepreneurial strategies, they naturally strengthen their intercultural communication skills in the process.

"As future entrepreneurs and leaders, they practice listening carefully to others, understanding different perspectives, and expressing their own ideas in a clear and respectful way. A key focus is putting 'why' into words, thinking about 'Why you do what you do', and using that reflection to learn, improve, and take the next step. This mindset of learning through action and growth is one of the workshop's greatest features," said Kono.

In addition to their time at UNM, the group embraced opportunities to experience New Mexico's unique culture throughout the week. Students were able to visit Old Town and ride the Sandia Peak Tramway.

"We have loved the chance to discover things that are not so familiar in Japan. Learning more about Native American culture and history, and trying New Mexican food, has been a wonderful experience. Being able to see, taste, and experience these traditions directly, not just read about them, has made the visit both educational and memorable for all of us," said Kono.

Now in its fifth year, the workshop reflects Anderson's longstanding partnership with YGU and OMU. Kono shared that one of their favorite aspects of visiting each year is connecting with the faculty and staff at Innovation Academy.

"Their kindness, and the way they truly value people in their approach to education, have made a strong impression. It has been especially meaningful to see our students experience this firsthand, feeling welcomed and supported, and learning what it means to grow in an environment where people and relationships really matter."

The weeklong program is coordinated by Tiffini Porter and Rebecca Rodriguez from Anderson's Corporate and Community Engagement Office.

"My favorite part of the UNM Entrepreneurship Workshop is witnessing the personal and professional growth the students experience," said Rodriguez. "They consistently push beyond their comfort zones, building confidence and resilience that will serve them well long after the program ends. Watching that transformation unfold is truly inspiring."

Porter and Rodriguez work closely with faculty, staff, and alumni to organize the workshops, lectures, and site visits - a significant undertaking that ensures the program's continued success each year.

"A week like this may look seamless on the surface, but it represents months of thoughtful planning and collaboration behind the scenes. We're intentional about every detail. We spend time coordinating faculty lectures, engaging our mentors and judges, designing team-building moments, and intentionally weaving in cultural experiences throughout the week. Our goal is to create an environment that feels welcoming and supportive, but also challenges students to think bigger, take risks, and fully step into the entrepreneurial mindset," said Porter.

"Overall, the [workshop] shows that international business education is moving toward learning that is global, practical, and deeply connected to people. It offers students a warm and encouraging space to grow, try, learn, and take their next step forward," said Kono.

Anderson is proud to host YGU and OMU students and faculty each year, encouraging meaningful intercultural connections that span the globe.