Capstone Sponsorship

Capstone Projects

Capstones invite industry organizations to partner with MIT CTL by sponsoring a significant supply chain challenge for our master’s students to investigate. These collaborations connect sponsors with MIT expertise - engaging student teams and faculty in rigorous analysis, innovative problem-solving, and research-driven insights.

Over a 10-month engagement, student teams work closely with the sponsor to frame the problem, analyze data, test solution approaches, and deliver recommendations that can be implemented in practice.

How Capstone Projects Work

Each project is designed around a problem identified by an industry organization. Students engage in:

✔ Fresh, objective analysis

Teams approach the challenge with academic rigor, independent thinking, and advanced modeling techniques—often uncovering insights that internal teams may overlook.

✔ Data-backed recommendations

Students apply optimization, simulation, AI/ML techniques, and systems thinking frameworks to produce detailed analyses and practical recommendations.

✔ Professional deliverables

Every engagement culminates in:

1. A comprehensive written report
2. Analytical models or prototypes
3. Visualizations and decision-support tools
4. An executive-level final presentation

✔ Close collaboration and mentorship

Throughout the project, teams are supported by MIT CTL faculty and research advisors who guide methodology, ensure academic rigor, and help translate research into actionable outcomes.

Why Capstones Matter

For MIT SCM students:

1. They serve as the academic centerpiece of the program, integrating coursework in analytics, operations, systems thinking, and leadership.
2. Students gain experience working directly with industry stakeholders, preparing them for high-impact roles after graduation.

For participating organizations:

1. Capstones provide exposure to innovative ideas, data-driven methods, and new approaches emerging from MIT’s research ecosystem.
2. Many companies use capstone engagements to explore emerging technologies, test hypotheses, validate models, or pilot concepts before scaling internally.
3. Organizations get an early look at exceptional talent—many capstone students go on to internships or full-time roles with sponsor companies.

Sponsoring a Capstone Project

Organizations interested in becoming project sponsors can propose a challenge aligned with the academic timeline. CTL’s capstone team works with sponsors to scope the problem, establish expectations, and ensure strong collaboration throughout the engagement.

Ideal project types include:

1. Network design and optimization
2. Inventory or forecasting challenges
3. Digital transformation or analytics initiatives
4. Sustainability and Scope 3 modeling
5. Transportation, routing, or freight strategy
6. Risk and resilience analysis