Disruption Lab
Redefining the Future of Business
The future demands leaders with the agility and creativity to navigate change, as global challenges disrupt industries at unprecedented speeds. As a crucial component of Gies College of Business’ commitment to innovation, the Disruption Lab is here to develop the leaders of tomorrow.
At the Disruption Lab, students, faculty, and industry partners collaborate to confront disruptive forces in business, applying innovative thinking and emerging technologies to forge new paths. Our partnership with Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) empowers students to challenge the status quo and thrive amid industry disruption, aligning with EY’s mission to build a better working world.
"At the Disruption Lab we are purpose-driven in our approach to emerging technologies. Unlike traditional engineering labs that often create solutions in search of problems, we begin with real-world business challenges and seek innovative solutions that directly address those needs. This methodology ensures that our work is not only technically sound but also strategically aligned with industry demands.
This approach closely aligns with the Gies College of Business mission to shape purposeful leaders through life-changing access to education, research, and innovation. By focusing on business problems first, we ensure that our technological advancements serve a greater purpose and drive real impact. This mission is the foundation of everything we do at Gies and it fuels the work we do at the Disruption Lab as we explore the intersection of business and technology."
- Sam Chen, Director of Disruption Lab
Past Projects
At the Disruption Lab, we've led a variety of cutting-edge projects in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and immersive technologies, working with both academia and industry partners.
AI Projects
In 2023-2024, we have leveraged our partnership with A*STAR, where we’re leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) to detect greenwashing in financial disclosures from major institutions. We're also working with Jinship, a startup focused on streamlining access to governmental assistance by analyzing university fund data to guide philanthropic giving. Additionally, we've deployed AI-driven tools like the Yield Protocol Web3 chatbot.
Blockchain Projects
We've been deeply involved in developing decentralized systems and exploring blockchain’s transformative potential. For OSF Healthcare, we’re creating a full-stack application that uses differential privacy and blockchain, empowering patients to control their medical data. We’re also assisting the State of Illinois in transitioning to a blockchain-based infrastructure by integrating NFTs for access control in cannabis data management. Our earlier work on iBlock, a private Ethereum blockchain network for Gies School of Business, created a decentralized platform where students could earn NFTs as credentials for skills, paving the way for future blockchain applications in academia.
AR/VR Projects
We’ve ventured into augmented and virtual reality with a collaborative project alongside Gies AR/VR to enhance the online student experience through an immersive metaverse platform. This initiative fosters social and educational engagement, offering interactive learning opportunities within a virtual reality environment.
Our diverse efforts also include partnering with the State of Illinois to develop a robust RDBMS system for monitoring and tracking cannabis sales, offering valuable insights to policymakers and researchers. Our collaboration with Compeer Financial led to the creation of a dynamic financial dashboard using PowerBI, streamlining data visualization and decision-making processes for agricultural clients. Additionally, we contributed to a crypto trading strategy with CryptoInvest, building a data-driven platform that tracks whale transactions in cryptocurrency markets.
These projects highlight our ability to apply disruptive technologies to solve real-world problems and drive innovation across industries.
Past Clients
- AMD
- EY
- A*STAR
- Jinship
- Data Science and Research Institute (DSRS)
- Yield Protocol
- OSF Healthcare
- RSM
- Rockshare
- State of Illinois
- Compeer Financial
- 1Qbi
Accelerating the Learning Curve
Disruption is not just a challenge; it's a catalyst for innovation in business. Emerging technologies, social activism, political shifts, health crises, and natural disasters all upend the status quo, making it essential for business leaders to embrace disruption as a driver of progress. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, leaders must cultivate innovative thinking that turns disruption into opportunity.
At the Disruption Lab, we immerse students in breakthrough technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, blockchain, and more. Through hands-on Lab projects, students collaborate across disciplines to create viable products with real-world applications, adding an entrepreneurial edge to their innovation journey.
Creating Impact through Collaboration and Innovation
In today’s data-driven world, the wealth of information available has revolutionized how we approach business challenges. Our commitment to groundbreaking research, led by our exceptional Disruption Lab Fellows, positions us to drive innovation in business education. We empower students to generate fresh ideas that address critical societal challenges.
The Disruption Lab provides a unique opportunity for companies to collaborate with some of the brightest minds at the University of Illinois, across several majors including Business, Computer Science, and Engineering. This partnership fosters innovative thinking, enabling students to address the real-world issues that will shape the future of business.
By connecting industry leaders with forward-thinking students, the Lab creates a dynamic
environment where expertise meets fresh perspectives. Companies benefit from new insights into
the disruptive forces transforming their industries, while students gain invaluable real-world
experience, preparing them to lead in an ever-changing business landscape. As part of the Gies
College of Business commitment to innovation, the Lab is ready to partner with organizations
eager to stay ahead of the curve. We invite you to connect with us, explore new possibilities, and
be a part of the exciting innovations that will shape the future of business.
Are you a company looking for unique solutions? Partner with the Disruption Lab!
Disruption in Real Time Podcast
A collaboration with Gies College of Business and the Siebel Center for Design
"Disruption in Real Time" is an exciting new podcast series that brings you to the cutting edge of innovation and transformation across industries. Produced through a dynamic collaboration between the Disruption Lab at Gies College of Business and the Siebel Center for Design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this podcast offers listeners a front-row seat to the forces reshaping our world.
Each episode dives deep into real-time disruptions unfolding in finance, technology, healthcare, and beyond. You'll hear from industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and revolutionary business models.
Episode One: Disrupting the Emergency Response Industry
Tune in to the premiere episode of "Disruption in Real Time," featuring Revathi Pillai, Senior Vice President and Chief Engineering Officer at Mutualink. With 25 years of experience in the tech industry, Revathi offers invaluable insights into how AI and IoT are revolutionizing public safety and smart cities.
Disruption Lab Faculty and Staff
Disruption Lab Senior Leadership Team
- Shreya Pullabhotla – Director, Operations
- Nihal Saxena – Director, Technology
- Vidya Bhardwaj – Engineering Manager
- Maanav Agrawal – Engineering Manager
- Riya Jain – Engineering Manager
- Manan Jain – Head of Technology
- Kunal Daftari – Engineering Manager
- Dhruv Raval – Head of Technology
- Kevin Xu – Head of Technology
- Ryan Thrush – Director, Strategy
