Shaping Innovators Through Robotics and Real-World Collaboration
Through a blend of industry relevance, interdisciplinary thinking, and mentorship, GIX faculty prepare the next generation of tech trailblazers.
At the University of Washington’s Global Innovation Exchange (GIX), students aren’t just taught technology; they’re empowered to innovate, collaborate, and lead. GIX’s flagship program, the Master of Science in Technology Innovation, has been shaped by faculty like John Raiti, whose research focuses on human-robot interaction.
With a passion for interdisciplinary education, Raiti is dedicated to preparing students for real-world challenges, and it shows. He specializes in human-robot interaction and hardware/software systems. He has taught project-based courses that challenge students to work across disciplines and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Building resilience in the classroom
GIX’s Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI) is an intensive program that blends engineering, business, and design, equipping students with the diverse skills needed to thrive in the tech industry.
Success in the program requires more than technical knowledge. According to Raiti, it requires resilience. “A student with a tech background might suddenly find themselves doing user research, while others might be presenting their ideas to a full room for the first time. By the end of the program, they’re confident, capable, and industry-ready.”
Faculty members motivate students to enhance their work through projects beyond the classroom. For example, Raiti advises them to submit their project findings as conference papers. As a result, several students have graduated not only with a master’s degree but also with peer-reviewed publications based on the research they conducted for courses.
GIX Robotics Lab
In the Master of Science in Technology Innovation Robotics Lab I & II (TECHIN 516/517), students explore the complexities of designing robots that collaborate with humans. Working in coordinated sub-teams, students emulate the experience of industry teams, approaching a single project from multiple angles.
These courses are part of the MSTI curriculum’s core technical foundation and help prepare students for the program’s culminating capstone project. Over two quarters, students develop the teamwork, design thinking, and technical problem-solving skills needed in the workplace.
For example, one recent project was inspired by a conversation with representatives from T-Mobile, which is headquartered nearby in Bellevue, WA. T-Mobile challenged students to imagine new applications for 5G technology, leading to the development of a delivery robot that meaningfully integrates physical AI.
“Having close partnerships with industry opens up real-world collaboration for students,” says Raiti. “It’s exciting for them to see how their work can immediately apply beyond the classroom.”
GIX Hardware/Software Lab
The challenge continues in Hardware/Software Lab I & II (TECHIN 514/515) but with a twist: each student team tackles a unique, independently scoped project. These courses help students gain practical experience working through the full hardware/software product lifecycle.
Hands-on lab courses feed directly into the program’s final capstone (TECHIN 540/542), where students apply everything they’ve learned to an interdisciplinary project. By that point, students are equipped with technical fluency and the real-world mindset needed to bring innovative solutions to life.
GIX faculty aspire for students to gain the technical skills of a program or product manager. “For those roles, students must learn how to interface with business teams, research teams, and engineers to launch a product,” Raiti explains. “GIX courses are designed with that interdisciplinary mindset in mind.”
Collaboration across disciplines
The interdisciplinary spirit of the Master of Science in Technology Innovation program is evident in faculty collaboration. GIX faculty often co-teach with colleagues from the University of Washington’s Department of Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) or the Foster School of Business. Together, they blend technical and user-centered perspectives in the classroom.
“Teaching alongside colleagues from other disciplines has expanded my own thinking,” Raiti shares. “We’re giving students a more nuanced, all-encompassing perspective by pulling from different disciplines.”
Beyond the classroom, Raiti supports students as a co-advisor to the Advanced Robotics at the University of Washington (ARUW) team and mentors students preparing for Ph.D. applications, capstone projects, and career transitions. “I’m always looking for ways to support students beyond their coursework. Helping them navigate the job market, refine their portfolios, and determine the best paths forward. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of this role.”
Empowering the next generation of innovators
At GIX, students come from diverse backgrounds, including designers, engineers, business, and early-career professionals. Together, they create something greater than the sum of their individual talents. Students learn from faculty and one another, combining their unique skills and perspectives in every project.
Graduates are skilled innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative problem-solvers ready to make a significant impact. This vision is realized through the dedication of GIX faculty members like John Raiti.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Technology Innovation program here.
