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.

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.

Apply to be an IPAI Fellow

Applications are due at 11:59 pm on December 1st, 2025. You can find more info on how to apply on Harvey Mudd's Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO) portal. Show us how you think by building, reflecting, and connecting ideas to consequences.

01

Tell Us Your Story

Written responses

The Spark (200 words)

What's one way AI has surprised, delighted, or troubled you recently? What questions did it raise?

The Vision (300 words)

Pitch us a prototype you'd love to build. What problem does it address? Who would use it? What could go right? What could go wrong?

The Team (150 words)

What kind of person would you like to build alongside? What kind of collaborator would complement your skills?

The Innovation Bargain (250 words)

Every technology bundles freedom with limitation. Pick any AI tool you use regularly—what freedoms does it grant? What limitations does it impose? What trade-offs are you making?

The Why (150 words)

Why this lab? Why now? Why you?

02

The Prototype Challenge

Show us how you think by building

Your Mission:

• Choose an AI tool (ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Lovable, Replit Agent, etc.)
• Build something small that addresses a real problem
• Create a 3-minute Loom lightning talk

In Your Video:

→ Demo what you built
→ Explain your process and the AI's role
→ Apply the Innovation Bargain: What freedoms and limitations?
→ Identify one unintended consequence if 1,000 people used this

Note: We're not looking for polish—we want to see the seed of your idea and your thought process. Show your work: how/why you landed on this idea, how you built it, what surprised you.

Apply Now

Applications Due December 1st, 2025

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

Who can apply?

The fellowship is open to all students at the Claremont Colleges.

Where can I apply?

Applications are due at 11:59 pm on December 1st, 2025. You can find the link to apply on Harvey Mudd's Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO) portal.