Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators through Real World Challenges
The University of Oregon's School of Journalism & Communications' Media Innovation Lab, powered by Enliven Digital, connects forward thinking companies with fresh Gen Z perspectives, audiences, cutting edge strategies, access to and creation of critical research and analysis and more.
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The University of Oregon's School of Journalism & Communications' Media Innovation Lab is a dynamic environment designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping companies gain fresh, alternative perspectives on their challenges while immersing students in real world problem solving. By tapping into the innovative mindset of Gen Z, the Lab offers companies access to bold, forward thinking approaches that align with today’s rapidly evolving market landscape. Throughout the Lab, students collaborate with experienced mentors to tackle real brand and business challenges, giving companies unique solutions that reflect the latest trends and values of the new generation.
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A collaboration is amplified by the expertise of Enliven Digital and Mushroom Media, who provide mentorship and professional guidance throughout the program. Mushroom Media brings in-depth knowledge of brand building and performance marketing, working alongside students to teach strategic thinking and data driven decision making essential for market impact. Enliven enhances this experience by guiding students through the complexities of operational growth and scaling strategies, offering an inside look at the realities of business expansion in a competitive landscape. Together, Enliven and Mushroom Media offer the mentorship and industry insights that equip students with practical skills and strategic acumen. This collaboration not only allows companies to benefit from fresh, Gen Z driven solutions, but also enables students to develop hands-on experience and critical-thinking capabilities for the professional world that awaits them.
Featured Case Studies
MusoLingo
A team of four students worked across multiple workstreams, including:
Brand identity
Logo development
Market Research
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I have worked over the Fall 2024 with Chris and the Innovation Lab to produce the brand and marketing strategy for Musolingo, a new AI Driven language learning app powered by popular music.
From the initial brief we created fortnightly task sprints across areas such as Audience & Insights, Competitor Landscape, Brand Personality and Tone of Voice, from which UO Teaching Assistants Audrey and Lauren helped to deliver a comprehensive marketing strategy for the brand’s launch alongside UO Interns Tony, Kayla and Lucy.
The Lab is an excellent environment for creativity and out of the box thinking, and the work the team produced was well above expectation. I am looking forward to continuing this work with them into the future!
Athlysium
A premium multi-sport destination and bespoke insights platform, purpose-built to improve the health and sport skills of mid-life athletes and foster an enriching community for them.
A team of four students tackled a variety of tasks for the company including:
Initial ideas, scripting and storyboards for introductory “teaser video”
Interviews of key personnel at the University of Oregon in the sports performance space
Man-on-the-Street interviews for initial concept validation
Branding, logo and design work
Merchandise mock-ups and designs
Website copy editing
Meet The Team
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Chris launched his career with Amazon where he led entertainment business development. He then worked with eBay's Jeff Skoll to build and run Participant Media, then helped to create and Produced UGC-reality TV show "Facebook Diaries," which launched video on the social network. He also worked in a business development and sponsorship acquisition capacity for Comcast.
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Ed Madison’s multifaceted career in media and journalism began as a high school intern at the Washington Post owned CBS television affiliate in Washington, D.C. during the height of Watergate.
He is an associate professor at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) and has affiliated faculty status with the College of Education (COE). Madison’s research centers on how journalistic learningmethods can enhance overall student achievement.
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Mushroom Media is a multi-disciplinary, independently owned Brand Performance agency with an in-house creative design studio.
Our work encompasses graphics and identity, digital strategy and positioning, products and packaging, web design and development, advertising and communications. Our senior team members are all accomplished designers and digital strategists and have worked across some of the largest global brands.
Partnership Opportunities
Partnering with The University of Oregon's School of Journalism & Communications' Media Innovation Lab means gaining access to bold solutions crafted by the next generation of leaders. From market strategy to creative campaigns, industry analysis and research, your business challenges will be tackled by innovative thinkers backed by experienced mentors.