SHIFT Retail Lab named winner
The next generation of entrepreneurs won’t be stuck in the classroom.
Virginia Commonwealth University reimagines entrepreneurship training with its Shift Retail Lab, a winner of 2023’s Innovation By Design Awards.
We empower students to learn their own way.
The da Vinci Center for Innovation is prototyping the future of higher education through cross-disciplinary academic, experiential, and experimental learning opportunities designed for creative thinkers and doers from a wide range of backgrounds. While students in our programs may come with design, engineering, psychology, business, and even social sciences and the arts, they all share common traits of unconventional thinking, a track record of producing highly creative work, and a collaborative and optimistic spirit.
Inside the Mind of a da Vinci Student
30%
Empathy
We believe that innovative solutions are born out of a deep sense of empathy towards the people they are designed for.
28%
Communication
Being able to communicate is one of the most essential skills in life and can take a lifetime to master.
21%
Collaboration
One of our favorite parts of collaboration is that it brings people together. Also, it’s always nice to have a team!
21%
Design Thinking
Design thinking is more than a process, it is a human-centered mindset that can be applied in virtually any situation.
How can I engage with da Vinci Center?
Events & Info Sessions
Join our students and staff to learn more about da Vinci!
Graduate Degrees
Our graduate programs leverage tools from entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, design thinking, and innovation.
Undergraduate Certificates
An undergraduate certificate is our version of a minor. These courses are meant to broaden skills in a specific area of interest in addition to a major.
Academic Classes
The da Vinci Center for Innovation offers courses for ALL students at VCU, all levels of experience are welcome.
Asynchronous Micro-Credentials
Complete our micro-credential courses to earn Credly badges and share on your LinkedIn profile!
Corporate & Continuing Education
The da Vinci Center for Innovation offers highly customizable workshops for corporate, community, and campus partners.
Shift Retail Lab
Check out a new space the da Vinci Center has built for student innovators and entrepreneurs! Shift Retail Lab, has been selected as an honorable mention in the Urban Design category as part of the 2022 World Changing Ideas Awards for Fast Company.
Facilities
All of our spaces support both digital and analog design practices including computers, multipurpose classrooms and rooms, a prototyping workshop, and retail space. We aim to provide our students with all of the tools and toys necessary to stay creative and curious.