At the Disruption Lab, students from across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus come together to address complex problems using emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, extended reality, and more. Supported by Gies College of Business, the Lab connects students, faculty, and industry professionals to provide hands-on experiences that go beyond classroom learning to develop solutions for real-world business challenges.

By working on projects for real companies, the Disruption Lab encourages growth for students interested in business strategy and technology. The Lab consists of several subgroups, and includes students from computer science and engineering, as well as Gies Business. One such group is the Strategy Lab (StratLab), where students focus on applying AI and blockchain strategies in business decision-making.

"Leading these projects has strengthened my technical knowledge while also helping me develop leadership skills," said Ryan Thrush, a senior majoring in finance + data science (FIN+DS) and the Lab’s Director of Strategy.

Another subgroup is the Tech Lab, a team that applies the technical expertise of students from computer science and engineering to develop practical solutions using emerging technologies. The team builds infrastructure and technical frameworks that support real-world applications of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other advanced tools.

The Business Operations team at the Disruption Lab ensures that projects run efficiently. This group focuses on project logistics, client outreach, and social media promotions. They work closely with both technical and strategy teams to align the Lab’s operations with business objectives, making sure resources are used effectively and projects stay on schedule.

One thing that sets the Disruption Lab apart is its partnerships with industry leaders like OSF Healthcare, Compeer Financial, and EY. These collaborations provide students with real-world projects and challenges that require balancing technological innovation with concerns such as data privacy. Through their work on projects with these companies, the Disruption Lab is sure to incorporate education around ethical considerations. Projects involving blockchain-based medical data management and AI-driven greenwashing detection encourage discussions about privacy, transparency, and bias.

"Understanding the ethical aspects of AI and blockchain has changed the way I think about technology," says Thrush.

A key aspect of the Disruption Lab is its commitment to offering leadership opportunities to students. Student members take on essential roles within projects, guiding their teams through business challenges presented by companies who partner with the Lab. By managing cross-functional teams, making strategic decisions, and working directly with industry partners, students can gain valuable leadership and relevant industry experience.