This May, 27 undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Notre Dame were accepted into the inaugural cohort of iNDustry Labs’ “AI Leaders of Tomorrow” program (AILOT). For two weeks, these students received intensive hands-on AI training and were introduced to companies in the South Bend-Elkhart Region, with whom they will continue to work throughout the summer on applications using AI.
Each day, students in the program participated in interactive sessions at the University’s Innovation Park with guest speakers and experts, learning how to connect AI technologies to business processes and operations challenges. As a part of AILOT, the cohort had educational demonstrations, were presented with company case studies, and collaborated with Notre Dame staff and faculty from iNDustry Labs, the Center for Research Computing, the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, and UiPath. The cohort also visited area companies participating in the students’ learning and summer assignments, bringing the business and manufacturing scenarios to life.
After completing the on-site, two-week intensive, students ended their residency and were assigned group projects paired with companies in the area. The companies and student groups will work remotely together to use AI technologies to solve real-world problems throughout the rest of the summer.
“The information presented is incredible. This program is a fantastic resource for students to learn about and quickly implement using these skills in their work – from engineering to business – as they prepare to enter the workforce. The ability to work with companies in our region to solve modern problems and build professional relationships is a great opportunity for students and professionals to learn from one another,” said Ed Kinzel, Viola D. Hank Collegiate Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
This program is led by iNDustry Labs’ Alex Topalovic, director, AI & digital transformation, and Dave Hemler, senior director of experiential learning and economic engagement.
AILOT partners and collaborators throughout the week, included:
- Charles Vardeman, assistant research professor, computational scientist, Center for Research Computing, College of Engineering
- Ramandeep Makhija, lead data scientist, Applied Analytics & Emerging Technology Lab, (AETL), Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society
- Bradley Sandberg, software development manager, Center for Research Computing
- Shaun Whitfield, research programmer, Center for Research Computing
- General Stamping & Metalworks
- Edgewater Automation
- Thor Motor Coach
- UiPath
- Vista Manufacturing
Learn more about how iNDustry Labs is bringing together students and regional companies to provide experiential education and fresh perspectives to the region here:
Originally published by Christina Clark at industrylabs.nd.edu on May 28, 2026.
About iNDustry Labs
iNDustry Labs at the University of Notre Dame helps companies unlock a competitive advantage for the South Bend – Elkhart Region. iNDustry Labs forms long-term partnerships with regional companies that drive innovation, economic resilience, and real-world impact for both industry and University.
Learn more by visiting industrylabs.nd.edu.
Contact: Christina Clark, Research Communications Specialist
iNDustry Labs | Notre Dame Research | University of Notre Dame
cclark26@nd.edu | 574.631.2665