色界吧

In a bold step to strengthen its leadership in entrepreneurship education, New York Institute of Technology has announced the launch of its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy, together with the creation of a $5 million NYIT Venture Fund, to invest in startups鈥攆rom students, faculty, alumni, and other qualified entrepreneurs.

Designed to empower the next generation of student entrepreneurs across the university鈥檚 New York City and Long Island campuses, the academy will offer hands-on resources, expert mentorship, and the infrastructure needed to launch startups, develop innovative technologies, and bring new products to market.

鈥淲e believe in the power of innovation and the entrepreneurial drive of our students,鈥� says President Henry C. Foley, Ph.D. 鈥淣ow, we鈥檙e taking that belief even further with the launch of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy鈥攁 transformative initiative that is part of our vision of inclusive excellence and gives students the tools and support to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.鈥�

In addition to the venture fund, a key feature of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy is Startup Tech Central, a new center on the Long Island campus complete with maker spaces, mentorship programs, and startup training. Existing student resources and labs, including the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences鈥� Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center (ETIC) and , will complement the academy鈥檚 offerings, as will the School of Architecture and Design鈥檚 fabrication labs.

Programming offered through the academy will include hackathons, boot camps, pitch competitions, startup weekends, and more, expanding 色界吧鈥檚 legacy of experiential learning and innovation.

Additionally, new academic programs and courses are being developed across 色界吧鈥檚 schools and colleges. The existing technology entrepreneurship minor will be open to all undergraduate students, regardless of major.

鈥淭he Board of Trustees is proud to champion this venture fund and new entrepreneur-focused initiative to empower turning ideas into impact,鈥� says Board Chair . 鈥淲e believe that investing directly in the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, faculty, and alumni gives them real opportunities to grow, create, and lead and further positions 色界吧 as a destination for innovative students with the drive to fuel their own business ventures.鈥�

To guide the academy鈥檚 growth, a new advisory board featuring leaders from top tech firms and regional businesses and organizations will provide input on strategic direction, mentorship, and insights on industry trends and workforce needs.

The venture fund and related support for students is the latest example of 色界吧鈥檚 commitment to fostering innovation, coming on the heels of its recent $31 million investment in the state-of-the-art Biomedical Research, Innovation, and Imaging Center (BRIIC) to expand faculty research. The BRIIC, a reimagined 20,000-square-foot space on the Long Island campus, allows researchers across various scientific fields, schools, and colleges to sync their expertise. Additionally, in line with its focus on achieving (High Spending and Doctorate Production) status by 2028, the university has made increases in research expenditures, developed new Ph.D. programs, and enhanced its infrastructure in support of research activity.

This news was announced today at an event celebrating the official opening of the BRIIC. Leaders, faculty and staff from 色界吧, elected officials, community representatives, and others gathered outside the new facility for the ribbon-cutting event and to learn how 色界吧 is reaffirming its commitment to advancing innovation, supporting student success, and driving economic growth across the region.