Fowler’s DiLab Transforms Student Ideas into Practical Business Solutions
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SDSU’s Digital Innovation Laboratory (DiLab) empowers students through a hands-on innovative educational model designed to move technology ideas from research to reality.
Housed within SDSU’s Fowler College of Business, the DiLab was established in March 2019 by management information systems professor, Kaveh Abhari. Since then, Abhari estimates the lab has had over 300 undergraduate and 70 graduate participants representing at least 15 different majors within the university.
“This interdisciplinary mix reflects the nature of the DiLab’s work,” said Abhari. “Our projects are focused on practical solutions that combine business insight, human-centered design, and novel technologies.Whether it’s prototyping a new digital platform or developing AI assistants, students are not just learning — they’re solving real-world problems. And for those who are eligible, we offer the opportunity to earn academic credit, making their contributions both meaningful and academically recognized.”
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Abhari recently reimagined his approach to the lab to make it a more streamlined experience. Now, the heart of the DiLab are its four studios: DIVE, IDEA, LEAD and PATH:
DIVE Studio: Serves as the research arm of DiLab. Students work alongside faculty on research projects that explore the frontiers of digital innovation.
IDEA Studio: Serves as DiLab’s development hub. Student teams bring ideas to life through rapid prototyping and iterative design.
LEAD Studio: In partnership with SDSU’s ZIP Launchpad, it helps students refine their product ideas through design validation, user feedback, and early-stage market testing.
PATH Studio: Focuses on training the next generation of consultants. Students help local businesses discover practical ways technology can support their operations and growth. Students gain exposure to professional tools, industry challenges, and collaborative problem-solving, all while testing the practical value of emerging technologies.
One current SDSU student, Sam Skinner (Statistics and Data Science), credits his work with the DiLab as a steppingstone in the launch of his business, LayUp, in October 2024.
“Working with cross-functional teams in the DiLab served as a precursor of what it’s like to operate a company,” said Skinner, who was a DiLab product manager and consultant. “The supportive structure of the lab rewards self-starters and allows you to get hands-on experience with consulting, project management, and user experience research. The DiLab helped me to better understand how to utilize my professional interests and soft skills so that they align with long-term goals.”
Skinner is working on expanding LayUp’s commercial model, drawing on market research experience gained from DiLab projects with companies such as General Atomics.
Abhari noted that DiLab is now preparing to pilot test a new Center for Business Innovation and Transformation, which will further formalize its consulting services for the regional business community.
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“The center will allow us to engage more faculty and students in high-impact, real-world projects that test our technologies and help small businesses,” said Abhari. “The new center will ultimately expand our existing ability to provide students the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience, professional autonomy, and proven skills that far exceed the value of purely theoretical coursework.”
At the DiLab, we treat our students not as research assistants, but as colleagues, giving them the ownership of real challenges while expecting excellence in return.” he continued. “We believe education should not be about memorizing textbooks and acing exams, but about developing the competence and confidence to drive positive change — and that is what we choose to invest in at DiLab.”
