Mobile News Incubator Fellowships

Do you have an idea for a mobile app that will change the business of news? 

Do you want to put it into action?

The MOBILE NEWS INCUBATOR FELLOWSHIPS are an exciting opportunity for USC students to invent the future of news. Bringing together elite students from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism, Marshall School of Business and Viterbi School of Engineering, the fellowships give exceptional students the chance to pitch their revolutionary ideas to media, technology and venture capital executives.

The Challenge
Working in small groups over nine days, interdisciplinary teams of students will develop innovative news and information services for mobile devices. Using the resources of faculty members, fantastic mobile guru mentors and students’ own innovative thinking, teams will integrate solutions from communication, journalism, business and engineering to craft economically viable design concepts. At the official product pitch meeting on May 26, each team will present their ideas to venture funding professionals, news organization executives and faculty.

The Teams
Teams will consist of four students coming from USC Annenberg, USC Marshall and USC Viterbi. One student in each team will be appointed the team leader and each team will get hands-on coaching from mentors and faculty. Students must be recommended by a faculty member to apply. At least 12 students will be selected. Each selected student will receive a $1,000 stipend for their participation. Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Students must be current majors in good academic standing or Spring 2011 graduates. Alumni and current minors will be considered if space allows.

Project Timeline
  • April 15
    Deadline for online applications

  • April 25
    Project teams announced

  • May 18-23
    Fellows meet daily, attending workshops and brainstorming sessions

  • May 24-25
    Fellows prepare presentations for proposals, guided by mentors

  • May 26
    Product pitch meeting
To Apply
Download and complete the application and e-mail it to Nonny de la Peña (nonny.delapena@usc.edu) or Erin Reilly (ereilly@usc.edu)
For more information, contact:
Nonny de la Peña (nonny.delapena@usc.edu)
Erin Reilly (ereilly@usc.edu)

This program is generously funded by a grant to the School of Journalism at the USC Annenberg School of Communication & Journalism, Geneva Overholser, director