New York Tech is taking a bold step forward in entrepreneurship education with the launch of its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy. This groundbreaking initiative, backed by a $5 million venture fund, aims to transform how students, faculty, and alumni bring innovative ideas to market. The academy represents a significant investment in the future of technology entrepreneurship, providing comprehensive resources to nurture the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
Powering the Future of Innovation
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy serves as a comprehensive launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs across New York Tech’s New York City and Long Island campuses. With immersive, hands-on experiences, expert mentorship, and state-of-the-art resources, the academy equips participants with everything needed to transform bold ideas into real-world impact.
Dr. Hank Foley, President of New York Tech, emphasizes the academy’s significance: “This initiative represents our commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset across disciplines. By combining academic excellence with practical business acumen, we’re preparing our community to lead in tomorrow’s innovation economy.”
Key Features of the Academy
Startup Tech Central
A new center on the Long Island campus featuring maker spaces, mentorship programs, and startup training facilities. This hub serves as the physical heart of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy.
Experiential Programs
Hackathons, boot camps, pitch competitions, and startup weekends provide hands-on learning opportunities. These events allow participants to test ideas, build prototypes, and receive immediate feedback.
$5M Venture Fund
A dedicated investment fund to support promising startups from students, faculty, alumni, and partner entrepreneurs. The fund provides crucial early-stage capital to help ventures move from concept to market.
Empowering Startups Through Investment
The $5 million venture fund represents a significant commitment to supporting entrepreneurial success. Unlike traditional academic incubators, the academy’s fund provides real capital investment in promising ventures, helping bridge the gap between academic projects and commercially viable businesses.
“Our venture fund isn’t just about providing capital,” explains Dr. Babak Beheshti, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences. “It’s about creating a complete ecosystem where promising ideas receive the financial backing, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.”
Ready to Secure Funding?
Applications for the first round of venture funding open September 15, 2025. Startups at all stages are encouraged to apply.
Academic Programs and Resources
Technology Entrepreneurship Minor
This integrated program teaches students how to launch technology-based enterprises. Created jointly by the College of Engineering & Computing Sciences and the School of Management, it combines technical expertise with business acumen.
NESTS Program
The Necessary Eleven Steps to Tech Startup (NESTS) program is an experiential learning course where students from different disciplines collaborate to launch real startups. Industry CEOs and leaders provide hands-on guidance throughout the process.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center
An 8,000 sq. ft. business accelerator focusing on IT, cybersecurity, bioengineering, medical devices, and green technologies. The center provides specialized equipment and collaborative spaces.
Fabrication Labs
Advanced digital fabrication facilities equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers, and traditional woodshop machines. These labs enable the production of accurate physical prototypes and product models.
The HIVE
The Home for Innovation, Visualization, and Exploration lab supports creative problem-solving in virtual reality, augmented reality, game design, and human-computer interaction.
Expert Mentorship and Industry Connections
The academy connects entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors from various industries. This guidance helps navigate challenges in product development, market entry, fundraising, and scaling operations.
A distinguished advisory board featuring leaders from top tech firms and regional businesses provides strategic direction and ensures programs remain aligned with industry needs and trends.
“New York Tech was instrumental in connecting us to the right people in manufacturing, intellectual property, and so much more. The mentorship we received made all the difference in our startup journey.”
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
For Students
- Access to specialized courses and programs
- Hands-on experience through hackathons and competitions
- Potential funding through the venture fund
- Academic credit for startup development
- Networking with industry professionals
For Faculty and Alumni
- Support for commercializing research innovations
- Access to prototyping and testing facilities
- Investment opportunities through the venture fund
- Industry partnership connections
- Mentorship roles for experienced entrepreneurs
Join Our Information Session
Learn more about the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy at our upcoming virtual information session on August 15, 2025.
How to Apply
Academy Programs
Applications for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy’s inaugural cohort open on September 1, 2025. Current students, faculty, and alumni are eligible to apply. The application process includes submitting a brief proposal outlining your innovative idea or venture.
Venture Fund
Startups seeking investment from the $5 million venture fund must submit a comprehensive business plan, market analysis, and financial projections. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the investment advisory committee.
Key Dates:
- September 1, 2025: Applications open for academy programs
- September 15, 2025: First round of venture fund applications due
- October 10, 2025: Academy program selections announced
- November 1, 2025: Academy programs officially begin
Shaping the Future of Innovation
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy represents New York Tech’s commitment to fostering the next generation of technological innovators and business leaders. By combining academic excellence with practical entrepreneurship skills and financial support, the academy creates a powerful ecosystem for turning ideas into impactful ventures.
“We’re not just teaching entrepreneurship—we’re actively creating entrepreneurs,” says Dr. Jerry Balentine, Provost and Executive Vice President. “This academy will serve as a catalyst for innovation across our institution and beyond, generating economic growth and technological advancement for our entire region.”
Ready to Transform Your Ideas?
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy is accepting applications for its inaugural cohort starting September 1, 2025.
For partnership inquiries or more information, contact the academy at innovation@nyit.edu or call (516) 686-7777.
