HUB XC475 / CFA AR675: Spark! Technology Innovation Fellowship Course

Applications are OPEN for Spring 2027 | Mondays 2:30–5:15 PM, including required events outside of class time*

Transform your project from idea to working prototype in one semester. Whether you have an idea you’d like to explore or want to join a student-driven innovation project, XC475 connects you with Spark!’s structured product innovation process, technical support from Spark! experts, and industry mentors. Application and assessment required for all prospective students.

Taught by Ziba Cranmer (director of Spark!), James Grady (associate professor of graphic design), and Asad Malik (software engineer, Hariri Institute for Computing).

Your Role

All students apply as either a Technical Teammate or a Design Teammate. Choose the path that best fits your skills:

Graduate-level design students will be enrolled in CFA AR675 instead of XC475.

We invite everyone to see themselves as innovators — students can bring their own project ideas for a team to work on throughout the semester. All students apply as Technical or Design, and anyone can propose a project idea. See “Bringing Your Own Idea?” below.

Mandatory Dates

All of the following dates are required attendance if you are accepted into the course for Spring 2027:

Weekly Class Commitment: Mondays 2:30–5:15 PM for the entire semester

Before You Apply

Check that you meet these requirements:

• Proficiency in a major programming language (Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, C, etc.), design software (Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, etc.), or experience with UX research and/or design methods
• Prior project experience through classes, internships, hackathons, or personal projects
• Ability to commit to Mondays 2:30–5:15 PM for the full semester
• Availability for all mandatory dates listed above

CS Majors: Get approval from your CS advisor before enrolling. This course no longer automatically fulfills Group D CS requirements.

Application Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — see the timeline below for specific decision dates. Early applicants receive priority consideration.

For Spring Semester: Due to the short turnaround for Spring cohorts, we encourage early applications and will make decisions quickly. Waitlist spots may open as the semester begins.

Juniors and seniors receive priority enrollment. Register for a backup class while you wait to hear back.

*Some applicants may receive a final decision at an earlier stage; others will be notified by the Final Decisions date.

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit your application →

Step 2: Complete your assessment based on your role:

Technical Teammate

Complete one of the following:

• Preferred: Coding exercise → [Take Tech Assessment | tinyurl.com/xc475assessment]
• Alternative: 30-min interview with Asad Malik → [Schedule on Calendly | calendly.com/am5815]

Design Teammate – Graphic/Visual Design

Complete the Figma design assessment → [Take UX Design Assessment | tinyurl.com/XC475-Design-Assessment]

You can submit your application and complete the assessment in either order, but your application will not be reviewed until both are submitted.

Design Teammate – UX Research & Design

Your assessment is built into the application — the UX experience questions you answered are how we evaluate your background. Nothing additional to submit.

Not sure if you’re Graphic/Visual Design or UX Research?

If you have skills in both areas, complete the Figma assessment and answer the UX research questions in the application. Both are required before your application will be reviewed.

• [Take UX Design Assessment | tinyurl.com/XC475-Design-Assessment]

Thinking About Proposing a Project Idea?

You don’t need a fully formed idea to get started. IdeaJam is designed for students at any stage — whether you have a rough concept, a question you want to explore, or you’re still brainstorming. Come share what you’re thinking, hear from other students, and get input from Spark! staff. It’s a great way to build confidence and sharpen your idea before submitting it.

Before submitting your project idea, you must first share it with the Spark! team through one of the options below. Ideas submitted without prior review may not be considered.

• Attend an IdeaJam — next one: November 4, 4–6 PM @ Spark! (great for early-stage ideas too)
• Present at Code & Tell — next one: November 4, 6–7:30 PM
• Schedule a conversation with Ziba Cranmer — via Alicia Day at aday1@bu.edu, or drop by Tech Innovation Hours (Wednesdays, 4–6 PM in CDS 206)

Once your idea has been reviewed by the Spark! team, submit it here: [Submit Your Project Idea | airtable.com/appmNVchy3yVV1ZLx/shrdrLh5LGVVip2PI]

Important: Register for Additional Classes

Register for all classes and credits you need for Spring 2027 while your application is being reviewed. You can adjust your schedule once you hear back about your XC475 acceptance.

What Happens Next?

Once you submit all required materials, our team will review your application. Refer to the Application Timeline above for specific decision dates. If you’re accepted, we’ll ask you to confirm your seat and register you for the course.

Enrollment & Registration

• Receive acceptance notification
• Confirm your acceptance via email
• Add XC475 to Class Scheduler (requires Department Permission; you cannot self-register)
• Spark! processes your registration through XCC

Course Credit

This course fulfills one unit in each Hub area: Creativity/Innovation, Teamwork/Collaboration, Oral and Signed Communication, and Research and Information Literacy. It also counts toward Innovate@BU’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship minor and the College of Engineering’s Technology Innovation Concentration.

Not accepted this semester? We encourage you to reapply next semester or connect with us through monthly Spark! events and our newsletter.

Need Help?

Join us for Tech Innovation Hours every Wednesday, 4–6 PM in the Spark! Space (CDS 206) to work on your assessment with Spark! staff guidance, talk through your project ideas, or learn more about the course.

Have questions? Email us at kpalos@bu.edu and we’ll connect you with a team member.