Celebrating the First MBAxMS Cohort

Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School celebrated a milestone May 6 with the first-ever MBAxMS Capstone Showcase. The event featured members of the inaugural MBAxMS cohort — the class of 2025 — who presented capstone projects developed over the course of their 20-month dual-degree program. These students arrived on campus in the fall of 2023. 

Designed to synthesize lessons from both business and engineering coursework, the capstone projects reflected each student’s personal interests and career goals, ranging from launching startups to building AI-powered tools to conducting applied research. Attendees explored tabletop demonstrations and connected with students tackling challenges across a wide range of industries, including climate tech, digital health, logistics, and more.

Projects included a monitoring device for dementia patients, a custom clothing rental startup, and AI applications for sectors including fitness, wearable analytics, and shipping logistics. Several students launched businesses as part of their capstone work, while others pursued research ranging from therapeutic drug development to the effects of climate change on global supply chains.

The showcase offered a glimpse into the future of entrepreneurial leadership, as these students prepare to graduate with expertise in both business strategy and technological innovation.

Lead Photo Caption: The inaugural graduating class from the MBAxMS dual degree program