From June 22 to June 30, CIS University hosted the first edition of AI Applied to Entrepreneurship in Miami, a program designed to help students understand how artificial intelligence is transforming the way new business ideas are created, validated, and developed.
Organized by CIS University in collaboration with Miami Dade College, The Idea Center at Miami Dade College and The AI Center, the program combined hands-on training in AI for entrepreneurship, company visits, and real-world project development within one of the most dynamic innovation ecosystems in the United States.
Over the program of nine days, 21 students took part in an intensive learning experience that showed them how artificial intelligence can become a powerful ally for entrepreneurs, helping them work more efficiently and accelerate processes that, until recently, would have taken weeks or even months to complete.
Learning Artificial Intelligence Through Hands-On Experience
Artificial intelligence is transforming virtually every professional sector. In this new reality, universities have a responsibility to prepare students to use these technologies critically, ethically, and responsibly.
At CIS University, we believe the answer is not to discourage the use of artificial intelligence, but to teach students how to use it effectively.
Our goal has never been for AI to think on behalf of students or do their work for them. Instead, we want them to learn how to use it to automate repetitive tasks, save time, analyze information more efficiently, and dedicate more effort to what truly creates value: thinking critically, questioning, creating, and making informed decisions.
Artificial intelligence does not think the way people do. It cannot distinguish between what is true and what is false, nor can it replace human judgment. Instead, it identifies patterns and predicts the most likely responses based on the data it has been trained on. That is why developing critical thinking skills remains just as important as learning how to use these new technologies.
Throughout the program, students worked with a wide range of AI platforms and applications for entrepreneurship, learning how to use them to identify business opportunities, validate ideas, develop strategies, create content, automate processes, design brands, and build digital solutions.
From an Idea to a Prototype
The program concluded with the Capstone Project, during which every team presented a navigable app prototype developed using artificial intelligence tools and AI-assisted coding techniques.
Beyond the final product, the real learning took place throughout the process. In just a few days, students were able to develop an idea—whether it was a solution to an existing problem or an entirely new concept—validate it, and transform it into a prototype ready to be presented before a review panel.
The day concluded with the presentation of all projects and a technology demonstration that allowed students to interact with a robot, bringing them one step closer to the kinds of technologies they might encounter throughout their professional careers.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of the program’s greatest strengths was the opportunity to experience Miami’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem firsthand.
Students visited organizations such as The LAB Miami, one of the city’s leading innovation hubs, as well as The Hub, Telefónica Tech, Mana Tech, XRF.ai and Hiberus. These visits allowed them to explore different business models, meet industry professionals, and see how artificial intelligence has already become part of the day-to-day operations of organizations across a wide range of industries.
These experiences helped students connect what they learned in the classroom with real-world applications, reinforcing that innovation depends not only on technology but also on the ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and adapt to a constantly evolving environment.
A Learning Experience That Continues Beyond Miami
The program did not end with the Capstone Project. During their time in Miami, participants began the Google AI Professional Certificate, a credential they will be able to continue after the program, allowing them to further develop their AI knowledge from wherever they are.
At the closing ceremony, students also received certificates from both CIS University and Miami Dade College in recognition of the work they completed and the skills they developed throughout the nine-day experience.
Our goal was for the learning experience to extend well beyond the trip itself, providing students with practical tools they can continue using throughout their academic journey and future professional projects.
Looking Ahead
The success of this first edition reinforces CIS University’s commitment to an educational model built on experiential learning, innovation, and strong connections with the professional world.
After completing the program, most participants agreed that one of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the hands-on approach to learning artificial intelligence. Their feedback shows that they not only discovered new AI tools but also learned how to apply them with a clear purpose. Many highlighted learning how to use AI for entrepreneurship, save time on tasks that previously required significant effort, and leverage technology to develop ideas more quickly. Others emphasized the value of experiencing a different entrepreneurial culture, working in an international environment, expanding their perspectives, and building relationships with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
These reflections reinforce the philosophy behind the program from the very beginning: to provide a practical, international learning experience focused on developing the skills that will become increasingly valuable in tomorrow’s job market.
Artificial intelligence will continue transforming the way we work, innovate, and solve problems. As a result, universities must play an active role in preparing students not only to use these technologies, but also to analyze them critically, question their outputs, and apply them responsibly.
This program also represents another important milestone in the growing collaboration between CIS University and Miami Dade College, a partnership that will continue creating new international opportunities for our students while connecting our university community with some of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Following the success of this first edition, CIS University is already working on the next edition of AI Applied to Entrepreneurship for the upcoming academic year, along with new initiatives that will continue positioning artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship as key pillars of our students’ education.