Transforming regional economies
through collaboration

The MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP) enables regional champions and their teams to develop and implement a custom acceleration strategy to propel their region using innovation-driven entrepreneurship. This innovative 2-year program promotes economic development and prosperity in regions across the globe through team-based collaboration, education, and a data-driven approach.

MIT REAP cultivates global leaders for change

We bring the innovation of our region to yours by connecting data, globally recognized faculty, thought leaders and you - our champions. Through the unique structure of the MIT REAP program, members access frameworks, tools, and leading-edge research that empowers them to affect measurable change in their ecosystems.

MIT REAP takes participants from analysis to implementation, enabling regional teams to learn, collaborate, and catalyze their regions into successful innovation-driven entrepreneurial centers.

Interact with Our Philosophy diagram to reveal more about our thinking.

Case Study: New Zealand

next previous

Brett O'Riley and the NZ REAP Team ignited the regional economy with an ambitious strategy, an entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative programs inspired by MIT REAP.

Brett O'Riley, Deputy Chief, Ministry of Science and Innovation, set out to increase the entrepreneurial capacity of New Zealand and took on the role of MIT REAP Champion for NZ.

Following the team structure laid out by MIT REAP, key players were identified and assembled into an impressive team, each member committing to leadership of change in his/her individual sector.

Implementing MIT research on prize and competition design, New Zealand REAP reached a broader population for their Entrepreneur Development Program (EDP), increasing applications by >300%.

The new Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct's in-progress design and execution was transformed through MIT REAP's approach to geographic colocation, deep-dive sessions on ecosystem catalysts that bring the region to life, and immersion tours of international ecosystems.

Focused analysis of the NZ Ecosystem provided greater understanding and applicable international context of New Zealand’s entrepreneurial community and its untapped opportunities.

Strategy, programs, and member perspectives were informed by participation in this community of intellectual honesty that enabled the free exchange of lessons learned and the opportunity to see one's own region through the lens of international peers.

Meet the NZ team

Identify your role in MIT REAP

Teams are built by the focused drive of people like you who are committed to furthering the prosperity of their regional ecosystems. Champions, Team Members, and Advocates make a difference in the communities they care about. To see where you fit in, choose a role.

Are you a Champion?

Your job description gives you accountability for transforming your regional economy and stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation. You're a senior-level decision-maker with the network to assemble and lead a regional team capable of driving the execution of a custom MIT REAP strategy.

Are you a Sector Chief?

You are a senior-level stakeholder from one of the following distinct sectors: government, entrepreneur, risk capital, corporate, academia. You have a deep understanding of and experience with your sector's role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. You can engage your network to inform strategy discussions and drive execution of proposed programs and policies in your sector.

Are you an Advocate?

You care about the prosperity of a particular geographic region. You have connections and knowledge of key players to help shape the formation of a regional team.

An Open Call for Change Agents

Explore initiatives and connect with regional ecosystem leaders in your region and across the globe.

icon

Promote

icon

Connect

icon

Mobilize

icon

Join



The MIT REAP Map allows you to promote initiatives and people that foster innovation-driven entrepreneurial activity in your region. Participate in this hub of conversation-- connect with peers addressing similar challenges across the globe. Build bridges across stakeholder groups and begin to mobilize a team to drive regional impact. Highlight regional key-players and apply to join the next MIT REAP cohort.

Next Steps:

Learn More About MIT REAP

» About MIT REAP

Apply for the Next Cohort

» Apply Now

Add your own initiative to the map

» Map