The Keller Center at Princeton University creates societal impact through entrepreneurship, design and design thinking, and innovative education. Modelled after the PSIP program offered by the Keller Center, in New York City, Tel Aviv, and Shanghai, CGI plans to launch the program for the first time in India, in the city of Bengaluru. Bengaluru, commonly known as the Silicon Valley of India, has the best entrepreneurial ecosystem and financial environment making it a startup heaven. Students will have the opportunity to choose from a rich array of startups representing software (SaaS) and technology, marketing and advertising, healthcare, education, environment, and energy. Moreover, the metropolitan city will provide networking opportunities that foster the growth of startups in the area.

History of PSIP

Keller Center’s PSIP program gives undergraduate and graduate students a unique “learn by doing” internship experience while exposing them to the global nature of entrepreneurial activities. The program focuses on opportunities for individual students and on building community among the cohort of students who participate. Additionally, the program builds strong relationships with and among the participating internship providers, as well as an opportunity for students to have an immersive cultural experience.

PSIP is a ten-week summer program open to talented Princeton undergraduate and graduate students seeking real-world experience at emerging startups. Currently, the program is offered in New York City, USA (started in 2016), Tel Aviv, Israel, (started in 2017), and Shanghai, China (started in 2019). Many startups have founders or individuals in leadership positions that are Princeton alum. Other startups were referred by internship hosts already participating in PSIP. Attention was also paid to include industries of particular interest to students.

CGI Plans

In the summer of 2023, we envision launching our maiden venture with a cohort of 10 - 15 (ten-fifteen) students with the goal of growing it to a cohort of 25 (twenty-five) students by 2025. During the internship, students will work alongside key decision makers on impactful projects, participate in weekly curated entrepreneurship talks, hear from experienced entrepreneurs in an informal setting, and enjoy group cultural/social activities. The internship provides travel fare, paid accommodations, local excursions, and a living stipend. The cohort will be accompanied by a post-doc or graduate student who will serve as a liaison with the local administration and CGI.

Companies needed in areas representing:

• Block Chain
• Business support services
• Health tech
• Software Machine learning
• Finance / FinTech
• Aerospace Accelerator
• Venture Capital
• Advertising and Marketing
• Ed Tech
• Telemedicine
• Wearable technology

Our asks from the host company:

• The company is located in Bengaluru (size > 10 employees but not too big either)
• Willing to host one - two (1-2) interns
• The company is keen to provide mentorship and guidance to their intern with regular feedback and progress checkpoints
• Office space and physical work location to be provided
• Intern(s) must be assigned to projects that are meaningful and impactful toward the company’s product or services, and that have clear deliverables and milestones
• Intern(s) will work alongside key decision-makers on impactful projects
• Intern(s) will participate in weekly curated entrepreneurship talks where experienced entrepreneurs share real-life lessons in an informal setting

Allowances:

Companies can provide an allowance, but it is not mandated. The program will cover travel, accommodation, a living stipend, and extra-curricular activities.