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Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
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September 2026
Greetings Incubator Family,
Welcome to the start of a new semester!
We are excited to begin the school year with renewed energy, creativity, and new experiences. There are many new exciting opportunities ahead that we look forward to sharing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
At the HI Hub Incubator, that spirit of entrepreneurship is at the core of everything we do. Throughout the summer, many students took a necessary break to recharge. At the same time, many of you expanded your experiences, knowledge, and skills whether that was through traveling, internships, or networking opportunities. That willingness to experiment, adapt, and grow is what defines this community.
Over the next month, we're excited to bring that energy to life through new experiential learning opportunities and industry experiences:
Most notably, we are accepting applications for the 2026 HI Hub Incubator Cohort, and this remains the core of our program! The culmination of months of hard work, creativity, and persistence leads to Pitch Day with the chance to win $20,000! Through 6-months of mentorship, masterclasses, feedback, and growth, you have the chance to develop early-stage ideas into thoughtful, developed concepts. Take a chance on yourself, and challenge yourself through the procress of building something meaningful.
I look forward to the energy, curiosity, and dedication you will bring to the HI Hub in this new academic year. This community thrives because of your willingness to engage, support one another, and embrace the entrepreneurial mindset. Cheers to the new semester!
With appreciation and excitement,
Dr. K.
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Event Recap: MS in Entrepreneurship Panel at NYU Leslie eLab
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Dr. K joined fellow Incubator executives and Prof. Noa Gafni for an engaging panel introducing our Incubator to the inaugural cohort of the MS in Entrepreneurship and Management program. The session provided an opportunity to connect with the students, learn more about their entrepreneurial interests, and hear about the exciting venture ideas they are developing at different stages. It was a highly engaging discussion, and we look forward to continuing to support and collaborate with this talented first cohort as they advance their ventures.
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Cash Prize of $20,000 for winning startup!
Attention ALL NYU students or alumni! Entrepreneurs across all schools, disciplines, and industries are welcome to apply with an early-stage, mid-stage, or late-stage startup idea.
The six-month program provides participating startups with
- Individual mentorship and advisory support
- Industry connections and networking opportunities
- Boot camps and master classes
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Apply to be a Student Ambassador at the 2026 Arival 360 Conference in Spokane, Washington!
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We are seeking four ambitious and organized student ambassadors. The Student Ambassador program is a unique opportunity for students to work at the Destination Experience industry’s premier conference, collaborating with hundreds of creators of tours, activities, attractions & experiences. You will contribute as an enthusiastic, all-hands-on-deck volunteer working closely with the Arival team to ensure a successful event.
Accommodation will be provided for 5 nights, October 11th-16th. However, you are responsible for your own transportation and meals (that aren't included with the event). Dr. Richie Karaburun will also attend the Arival 360 Conference with the Student Ambassadors, and participate as a speaker.
Student Ambassadors will be paid $20/hour for their work at the Arival 360 Conference, and therefore must be eligible to work in the United States.
Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
To apply, please use this Application Form, and attach your resume and cover letter to the Google Form.
(Note: Please do not email Dr. K your application materials so we can keep track of all applications.)
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Apply to be a Student Ambassador at the 2026 Phocuswright Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida!
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Ten student ambassadors will have the unique opportunity for students to work at the travel industry’s premier conference. You will be a part of the team that produces the top events in travel, tourism, hospitality, and technology.
Phocuswright's objective goes beyond simply covering positions, they are passionate about providing students with an opportunity for education and growth. Spend time in the theatre, participate in breakout sessions and receptions when not covering a shift.
Accommodation will be provided for 3 nights, November 16th-19th. However, you are responsible for your own transportation and meals (that aren't included with the event). Dr. Richie Karaburun will also attend the Phocuswright Conference with the Student Ambassadors, and participate as a speaker.
Student Ambassadors will be paid $20/hour for their work at the Phocuswright Conference. Students will be required to be onboarded by Phocuswright's Human Resources Manager. This will involve providing a valid ID and address for sending payment. International Students will need CPT/OPT authorization to work the event.
Deadline: Monday, October 7th at 11:59 PM EST
Application Questions: Email Gene Ko ( Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Phocuswright) eko@phocuswright.com
To apply, please use Phocuswright's application link. Please note that they will be reviewing all applications that need to include a resume, and answer to the short response.
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Feeling Alone as a Founder? These Communities Can Help
Key Takeaways:
- Audit your current network to see if your business requires the structured skill-building of a peer advisory network or the infrastructure of an incubator.
- Join a specialized incubator to share high-end equipment, saving your early-stage capital from heavy upfront machinery costs.
- Launch a niche podcast or targeted online articles to build a dedicated digital community centered around a personal passion.
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How to Take Control of Your Brand's Reputation in the AI Era
Key Takeaways:
- AI now creates the first impression of your brand. Customers, investors, employees and partners are turning to AI before they schedule a meeting, apply for a job or make a purchase.
- Generative models synthesize signals from across the digital ecosystem: news coverage, analyst reports, reviews, social media, Wikipedia and countless other third-party sources.
- Old stories can continue influencing AI long after people have stopped talking about it. Without deliberate intervention, yesterday’s controversy can quietly become tomorrow’s first impression.
- Reputation management must become proactive. Priority number one is investing in and expanding your brand-owned digital assets.
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Soft Skills: The Most Critical Skills To Teach In The Age Of AI
At a time when AI is redefining roles and reshaping industries, it’s not just technical fluency that will set organizations apart—it’s human fluency. The ability to lead with empathy, communicate with clarity and adapt with resilience will be the true competitive edge. By investing in soft skill development today, leaders aren’t just preparing their people for the future, they’re shaping a workforce that’s agile, engaged and equipped to thrive in whatever comes next. That’s not just a win for employees—it’s a strategic imperative for the business.
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Quote of the Month
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.”
- Albert Einstein
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