Catalyzing Technology Products, Innovators, and Founders

If you are a student interested in building tech products or a founder/partner looking for student support on a project, we’d love to connect!

Our Approach

The Christensen Family Center for Innovation (CFCI) supports the next generation of technology product leaders by equipping Duke students and alumni with the skills, experiences, and mentorship needed to build impactful ventures.

Through immersive programs, hands-on courses, and founder-focused initiatives, the Center helps engineering and business students — including recent Pratt graduates — learn how to identify customer needs, design innovative solutions, and bring new products to market.

By connecting technical training with entrepreneurial practice, the Christensen Center fosters a community where aspiring product leaders and engineering founders can grow from idea to execution.

Vision

The Christensen Center is a nationally recognized leader in venture development by cultivating the talent that transforms bold ideas and deep technology into ventures that advance the public good.

Mission

We invest in entrepreneurial product talent to catalyze Duke’s technology venture pipeline.

Values

Joy – We believe opportunities to innovate come when we embrace creativity and approach challenges with excitement and enthusiasm.

Intentionality – We believe in choosing your path deliberately, establishing perspective, then staying open to what the journey requires.

Character – We believe that developing exceptional product leaders and founders means developing whole people. Innovation demands character, not just capability.

News

Catch up on what’s happening around CFCI.

Jessie Chan headshot
10/15 CFCI

Alumni Spotlight: Jessie Chan

Jessie Chan discovered product management through the Christensen Family Center for Innovation, gained hands-on experience co-leading a startup project and mentoring Product Lab teams, and now works in product at FOX in New York City.

Andrew Dawson
10/8 CFCI

Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Dawson

Andrew Dawson discovered product management through Product Lab, gained hands-on experience building technology with industry partners, and now applies those skills as a Product Manager at Appian while continuing to develop a fantasy sports platform.

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