A collaborative initiative to explore AI in real estate

The AI in Real Estate Lab is an applied learning and innovation program that pairs Marquette University students with leading real estate companies to explore and implement artificial intelligence solutions. Unlike a class or internship, this is a real-world lab environment where students serve as embedded innovation partners, and companies act as both mentors and co-creators.

We envision a future where AI is not just a buzzword, but a practical tool embedded across the real estate lifecycle, from deal sourcing and underwriting to asset management and investor relations.

Mission & Vision

  • Bridging innovation and industry
  • A smarter, more connected real estate ecosystem

This initiative aims to:

  • Equip students with hands-on experience in AI strategy and implementation
  • Help companies identify and test scalable AI use cases
  • Foster a culture of experimentation, reflection, and continuous learning
  • Build a collaborative ecosystem where academia and industry co-create solutions that are both innovative and implementable.

Founding Partners

This initiative was launched through the leadership of:

  • Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership – Andy Hunt
  • Cobalt Partners – Scott Yauck, Jamie Stefan
  • MLG Capital – David Binder

Participating Companies

  • Cobalt Partners (Development) – Scott Yauck, Jamie Stefan
  • MLG Capital (Investment Management) – David Binder, Nathan Groppe
  • Harmooniq & Inland (Property Management/Brokerage) – Maggie Blair, Nathan Winkel
  • CG Schmidt (Construction) – Mark Lillesand, Charlie Haas
  • RINKA (Design/Engineering) – Matt Rinka, Steve Morales, Devan Whitehead
  • Husch Blackwell (Legal) – Brad Dallet, Grace D'Souza, Haley Stepanek
  • Kapur (Engineering) – Ramesh Kapur, Ryan Birschbach

Student Participants

Seven Marquette students were selected to participate, representing a diverse mix of disciplines:
 • 5 Business students
 • 1 Law student
 • 1 Engineering student

Charlie Clark Aidan Frazier Erica Kohls Ella Reimer
Charlie Clark, Business (real estate) Aidan Frazier, Law Erica Kohls, Engineering (construction) Ella Reimer, Business (real estate)
Alix Win Williams PJ Wisniewski  
Alix Ritchie, Business (real estate) Charles "Win" Williams, Business (real estate) PJ Wisniewski, Business (real estate)  

Kickoff event photos

Kickoff Event

On September 12th, the AI Real Estate Lab launched with a literature review and student presentations.

 

 

 

 

 

For more Information


Marquette University Leaders:
Andy Hunt – Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership andrew.hunt@marquette.edu
Dr. George Cashman – Marquette University george.cashman@marquette.edu

Company Leaders:
Scott Yauck – Cobalt Partners
David Binder – MLG Capital
Jamie Stefan – Cobalt Partners