AI Skunkworks
A distinctive experiential learning community at Northeastern University that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application in artificial intelligence. Through our "Learn AI by Doing AI" philosophy, students develop real-world AI expertise while building impressive portfolios before graduation.
About AI Skunkworks
AI Skunkworks at Northeastern University is a distinctive experiential learning community that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application in artificial intelligence. Unlike Humanitarians AI which works with graduates, AI Skunkworks enables current students to "Code for a Cause" and "Learn AI by Doing AI" through extracurricular and summer work on real-world projects.
Rather than waiting until graduation to develop professional skills, AI Skunkworks participants work on the same impactful projects like Mycroft, Madison, and Popper during their academic years, utilizing Northeastern's commitment to Experiential AI education to build impressive portfolios before entering the workforce.
Core Principles
Our three core principles create a safe space for experimentation, innovation, and productive failure that traditional academic environments often cannot provide:
Learning by Doing
Students gain expertise by working on authentic AI projects with real-world applications rather than just theoretical exercises.
Trust but Verify
We encourage critical thinking and rigorous validation of AI solutions through systematic testing and evaluation.
Try It
We create a safe space for experimentation, innovation, and productive failure where students can learn from both successes and mistakes.
What Makes Us Unique
Cross-Disciplinary Integration
We bring together students from Computer Science, Arts, Business, Life Sciences, and Humanities to tackle meaningful challenges across domains.
Project-Based Approach
Unlike general programming or entrepreneurial organizations, we focus specifically on applied AI projects with real-world impact.
Mentorship Pipeline
Faculty mentor advanced students, who in turn guide newcomers, creating a sustainable ecosystem of knowledge transfer and growth.
Portfolio Development
We emphasize building substantive portfolios that demonstrate students' AI capabilities to future employers and graduate programs.
By filling the critical gap between classroom theory and industry expectations, AI Skunkworks prepares students to become transformative leaders in artificial intelligence. Our structured pathway connects coursework to career through portfolio development, emphasizes ethical and responsible AI alongside technical capabilities, and builds direct connections to faculty research and industry partnerships.
Current Projects
Madison: Marketing Intelligence
An open-source, agent-based AI marketing intelligence framework designed to transform branding, marketing, and advertising through collaborative agent systems.
Learn more about Madison →Mycroft: Investment Intelligence
An open-source educational experiment in AI-powered investment intelligence, exploring how specialized agents work together to analyze the AI sector while implementing disciplined investment strategies.
Learn more about Mycroft →Popper: AI Validation
An open-source framework for computational skepticism and AI validation, applying Karl Popper's scientific philosophy to rigorously examine evidence both for and against AI systems.
Learn more about Popper →Educational AI Assistants
A suite of educational chatbots (Ada, Newton, Grace) that enhance learning experiences across various STEM disciplines at Northeastern University.
Learn more about Educational AI →The AI Skunkworks Difference
Learn AI by Doing AI
While traditional courses teach theory, AI Skunkworks provides hands-on experience with real-world AI projects during your academic years, not after graduation.
Portfolio-Focused Development
Build a substantial portfolio of AI projects that demonstrates your capabilities to employers and graduate programs before you even graduate.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Work with students from diverse disciplines to develop AI solutions that address complex, multifaceted challenges across domains.
Continuous Mentorship
Benefit from a sustainable ecosystem where faculty mentor advanced students, who then guide newcomers, creating a pipeline of knowledge transfer.
How It Works
The AI Skunkworks Path
- Join as a Student: Current Northeastern students from any discipline can join AI Skunkworks.
- Choose a Project: Select from ongoing projects like Madison, Mycroft, Popper, or Educational AI Assistants.
- Learn by Doing: Work on real projects during academic terms and over summers, building your skills and portfolio.
- Receive Mentorship: Get guidance from faculty and advanced students as you progress.
- Build Your Portfolio: Create substantial, documented work that demonstrates your AI capabilities.
- Mentor Others: As you advance, help guide newer participants in the community.
- Graduate with Experience: Enter the workforce or graduate programs with impressive real-world AI experience.
- Continue with Humanitarians AI: Many graduates transition to our sister organization to continue making an impact.
Get Involved
AI Skunkworks welcomes Northeastern University students from all disciplines who are interested in gaining hands-on experience with AI technologies. Join our community to build your skills, expand your portfolio, and make a real impact through collaborative projects.