Stanford University

Where Stanford innovation meets real-world industry challenges

The Industry Innovation Lab acts as a bridge between the exploration and innovation that uniquely happens in the Stanford University setting and real‑world industry challenges and opportunities.

What is the IIL?

A living laboratory for the future of software


Motivated by the always-evolving software landscape, the Industry Innovation Lab connects member companies with Stanford student teams and faculty to test emerging techniques on real projects. Members may seed loosely defined challenges from their R&D labs; students innovate to build compelling software solutions — and both sides gain insight.

For Companies

Join as a member to propose projects, engage with student teams and experience software prototypes.

Membership benefits →

For Students

Gain real-world software development experience through CS210 with a budget, advisors, and travel to partner headquarters or through a family of connected project & reserach courses.

Explore the courses →

Software Fair

Each June, 30+ student and student team projects are displayed in a trade-show-style celebration of creative work — open to all IIL members.

About the fair →
30+
Projects at the annual Software Fair
2
Quarters in the flagship CS210 sequence
5
Connected Stanford courses
3
Membership levels for industry partners
Get involved

A bi-directional dialogue with industry


The IIL prioritizes project opportunities where software development best practices can be tested and applied to real-world challenges that come from our membership. Student teams work directly with corporate liaisons — and often travel to partner headquarters around the world.

Become a member

Students collaborating in the Industry Innovation Lab