Project Title: Optimizing Influencer Campaigns with AI

Iconically

Details
Project Title Optimizing Influencer Campaigns with AI
Project Topics Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Customer Service & Account Management Data Management Digital Marketing Entrepreneurship Growth Strategy Information Technology (IT) Innovation Market Research Marketing Mergers & Acquisitions Operations Product Design & Development Quality Control Research & Development Research, Analysis, Evaluation Sales & Business Development Software Design & Development Talent Management Technology Commercialization Training & Development UX/UI & Human-Centered Design
Skills & Expertise C++ Data Collection Engineering Analysis Python Rapid Prototyping Statistics
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Iconically stands out as a pioneering Black-owned influencer marketing tech platform that champions creators, especially Black and Brown influencers, by eliminating traditional gatekeeping in brand collaborations. This innovative approach allows influencers to negotiate better deals and secure meaningful opportunities. However, the company faces a significant challenge in optimizing the visibility and effectiveness of influencer-generated content. Currently, with an influx of content from numerous creators, it becomes difficult for brands and influencers to identify the most impactful pieces to promote, leading to missed opportunities and suboptimal ROI.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  1. Students will engage in a series of key activities to develop the Content Boosting and Campaign Optimization Engine.
  2. Initial phases will include extensive research on influencer performance metrics and brand engagement signals, utilizing historical data to identify patterns.
  3. Students will employ data analysis techniques, including regression analysis and clustering, to develop predictive models that recommend which influencer content to promote.
  4. They will also utilize Agile methodologies, conducting regular sprints to iterate on their solutions and receive feedback from industry partners.
  5. Deliverables will include a prototype of the optimization engine, documentation on the algorithms developed, and a final presentation showcasing their findings and recommendations.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • The expected outcomes of this project include the successful development of a machine learning-based Content Boosting and Campaign Optimization Engine, which will provide actionable insights for brands and influencers.
  • Students will enhance their skills in AI, machine learning, and data analysis, gaining practical experience that aligns with industry requirements.
  • SMART goals for the project include completing initial research and data collection by the end of month one, developing predictive models by month two, and delivering a fully functional prototype by the end of the capstone.
  • Ultimately, this project will deliver significant business value to Iconically by enhancing the effectiveness of influencer marketing campaigns and improving ROI for both creators and brands.

Project Timeline

Iconically - Optimizing Influencer Campaigns with AI
Due Date
Activities
Deliverables
Status
Action
Thu, 08/28/25
12:00 AM UTC
Student Teams Finalized
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location: In Person
Thu, 09/04/25
12:00 AM UTC
Students Select Project Preferences
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location: In Person
Wed, 09/17/25
12:00 AM UTC
Students Introduced to Industry Partners to Schedule Kickoff Meeting for Next Week
Required Deliverable
We'll find time for each partner to meet with their team
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Guiding Questions:
We'll find time for each partner to meet with their team
Location: In Person
Tue, 09/23/25
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Project Charter (For Industry Approval)
Required Deliverable
This is the second draft of the project charter.  Teams will make edits to the first draft based on instructor feedback before seeking approval and signatures from the project sponsor.  This document includes information on the scope of work, budget, schedule, resources, and planning for the project.
Upload your project charter and share it with your project sponsor.
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Guiding Questions:
This is the second draft of the project charter.  Teams will make edits to the first draft based on instructor feedback before seeking approval and signatures from the project sponsor.  This document includes information on the scope of work, budget, schedule, resources, and planning for the project.
Upload your project charter and share it with your project sponsor.
Location: In Person
Tue, 09/23/25
12:00 AM UTC
Negotiate and Sign NDA if required
Required Deliverable
Teams and sponsors will complete a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and sign it, if required by the sponsor.  Please use the template provided in the resources area, unless the sponsor has a NDA agreement they want to use.
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Guiding Questions:
Teams and sponsors will complete a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and sign it, if required by the sponsor.  Please use the template provided in the resources area, unless the sponsor has a NDA agreement they want to use.
Location: In Person
Fri, 09/26/25
12:00 AM UTC
Industry Temperature Check 1/3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 09/26/25
12:00 AM UTC
Student Temperature Check 1/3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 10/31/25
12:00 AM UTC
Student Temperature Check 2/3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 10/31/25
12:00 AM UTC
Industry Temperature Check 2/3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 11/04/25
12:00 AM UTC
System Design Document
Required Deliverable
This is the plan of what to build the final product for the project sponsor.
Share system docs with your sponsor.
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Guiding Questions:
This is the plan of what to build the final product for the project sponsor.
Share system docs with your sponsor.
Location: In Person
Fri, 11/07/25
12:00 AM UTC
Agile Development Meetings with Project Sponsor
Team will start regular (weekly or every other week) development meetings with project sponsor to show their progress on the final product and make appropriate changes.
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
Team will start regular (weekly or every other week) development meetings with project sponsor to show their progress on the final product and make appropriate changes.
Location: In Person
Fri, 11/21/25
12:00 AM UTC
Student Temperature Check 3/3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 11/21/25
12:00 AM UTC
Industry Temperature Check 3/3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 12/05/25
12:00 AM UTC
Final Presentation
Required Deliverable
Students will present the project process and a draft of the final product to the sponsors on 12/5/25, These will be 30-minute presentations.  Teams have one more week to make any final changes before the product is handed off by 12/12/25
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Guiding Questions:
Students will present the project process and a draft of the final product to the sponsors on 12/5/25, These will be 30-minute presentations.  Teams have one more week to make any final changes before the product is handed off by 12/12/25
Location: In Person
Deliverable Instructions:
Please be sure to upload your final presentation to the system in advance of the presentation!
Fri, 12/12/25
12:00 AM UTC
Industry Project Feedback Form
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 12/12/25
12:00 AM UTC
Final Project Report and Hand-off
Teams will deliver a final project report and conduct a hand-off and training meeting with the project sponsor to complete the class portion of the project.
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
Teams will deliver a final project report and conduct a hand-off and training meeting with the project sponsor to complete the class portion of the project.
Location: In Person

Program Managers

Name Organization
Clayton Looney University of Montana