FORGE: Network for Collaborative Intelligence - Northwestern University
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FORGE is NNCI’s emerging hub for applied, hands-on experimentation and collaboration, where data science, artificial intelligence, and domain expertise come together to address real-world challenges. Bringing together students, faculty, staff, and industry partners who are exploring, experimenting, or ready to build, FORGE is designed to support work across all disciplines and levels of experience. 

The Forge fills an important gap between theory and practice by offering:

  • Physical and digital space for collaboration
  • Access to enterprise‑grade tools and infrastructure
  • Mentorship from faculty and industry experts
  • Programmatic pathways for building, testing, and iterating
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We have this groundswell of innovators. They're called students.”

Abel Kho, Co-Director of NNCI

Multi‑Audience and Interdisciplinary

FORGE cohorts bring together teams of 3–6 students to tackle faculty- and industry-guided challenges over an 8–10 week engagement. Working at the intersection of experimentation and real-world problem solving, students develop prototypes, analytical models, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and exploratory research findings. Each cohort culminates in a final poster session and celebration, where teams share their work with the broader NNCI and Northwestern community.

students in class

Students

  • Gain hands‑on experience beyond coursework
  • Work in teams on meaningful problems
  • Build portfolios and mentor relationships
  • Connect with industry partners and infrastructure

GET INVOLVED IN A COHORT OR WORKSHOPS
Faculty and staff at an event

Faculty & Staff

  • Pilot ideas or explore applied extensions of research
  • Engage students in project-based collaboration
  • Connect with industry partners and infrastructure

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT
Students speaking with a recruiter at an event

Industry & External Partners

  • Engage with interdisciplinary student teams
  • Shape problem areas aligned with real‑world needs
  • Build early talent pipelines
  • Support workforce development and innovation

INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT & SPONSORSHIP INQUIRY

Summer Programming

Programming will begin in June, with offerings that include:

Structured student cohorts, workshops, and technical deep dives. It will also include open hours for exploration and support, along with industry talks, mentorship lunches, and panel discussions. Additional highlights include prototype demos, poster sessions, and showcases.

Stay Connected

The Forge is evolving, and the best way to stay informed is to stay connected.