The Laboratory for Imaginative Prototyping with AI

Innovation is a Bargain

We believe concrete prototypes—not hypothetical scenarios—are the most powerful way to shape AI's future. We operate on the principle of the Innovation Bargain.

Freeing

Passive

Passively
Freeing

You'll no longer have to...

Technology removes existing obligations. Automation that frees time and energy.

Actively
Freeing

Now you can...

Technology enables new capabilities through active engagement and skill development.

Passively
Limiting

You'll no longer be able to...

Technology eliminates existing abilities. Skills and options passively taken away.

Actively
Limiting

Now you'll have to...

Technology creates new obligations. Required tasks and responsibilities emerge.

Active

Limiting

Spring 2026 Launch

The Fellowship Program

Work on small teams building imaginative AI applications.

Mentorship

Guidance through the entire prototype design process, from ideation to technical execution.

Community

Be part of a collaborative community with regular feedback sessions to learn from each other.

Resources

Tools you need to build prototypes like subscriptions to AI tools and API credits.

Spring 2026 Cohort

Meet Our Fellows

Students exploring AI's promise and peril through imaginative prototypes.

Aditi Gargeshwari

IPAI Fellow

Harvey Mudd College

Cooper Giles

IPAI Fellow

Harvey Mudd College

Felix Peng

IPAI Fellow

Harvey Mudd College

Leena Ansari

IPAI Fellow

Harvey Mudd College

Luke Morgan

IPAI Fellow

Harvey Mudd College

Tyler Holman

IPAI Fellow

Harvey Mudd College

Exploration Questions

How might we use AI to solve human problems?

AI & Education

"How might AI support learning without undermining student-faculty relationships?"

Work & Connection

"How might AI help make our work more meaningful?"

Creative Struggle

"How might AI assist writing without sacrificing the productive struggle?"

Rapid Prototyping

"How can AI enable rapid STEM prototyping?"

Project Deliverables

Concrete outcomes for industry and academia.

Documentation

Blog posts detailing the prototype architecture and lessons from critically interrogating its societal impacts.

Presentation Days

Poster presentations and live demos at Harvey Mudd's annual Presentation Days in early May, showcasing work to the broader community.

Industry Partnerships

Joint projects with industry partners and summer internship opportunities for fellows.

About the Director

Prof. Josh Brake

Lab Lead

Josh Brake is an Associate Professor of Engineering at Harvey Mudd and is the lead for the Lab for Imaginative Prototyping with AI. Josh brings expertise in engineering, AI, and a passion for understanding how emerging technologies reshape the way we work, create, and solve problems. He is excited to partner with students in the IPAI lab, to build imaginative prototypes that probe AI's promise and peril. More about Josh and his work can be found on his Substack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IPAI Fellowship?

The IPAI Fellowship is a program where students work in small teams to build imaginative AI applications that explore both the promise and peril of emerging technologies. Fellows receive mentorship, resources, and community support throughout the semester.

Who are the fellows?

Our Spring 2026 cohort includes students from the Claremont Colleges who are passionate about exploring AI's impact through hands-on prototyping. Each fellow brings unique perspectives and skills to their projects.

How can I stay updated?

Sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page to receive updates about the lab, fellow projects, and future application cycles.