Dear NYU SPS Incubator family,

As we conclude another incredible semester, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together. Our community continues to thrive, driven by the passion and determination of our student entrepreneurs who are not only developing groundbreaking ideas but also learning to navigate the complex world of startup development.

I am immensely grateful to our mentors, who generously share their expertise, guiding our students through challenges and helping them refine their visions. Our investors and industry partners have also played a pivotal role, offering invaluable insights and resources that bring our entrepreneurs’ projects to life. And to the students themselves, your commitment, creativity, and resilience have been nothing short of inspiring. You are the heartbeat of this program, and it’s been a privilege to watch your progress.

I am also deeply honored to have received the NYU Distinguished Research Award, which reflects the collective spirit of innovation and hard work within our community. I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to RTN for being named the winner of this year's cohort—a truly well-deserved achievement!

As we look ahead to the next cohort, I encourage all aspiring entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity to join a network of innovators, creators, and changemakers. Applications for the next semester are open, and we’re eager to welcome a new group of visionaries ready to take their ideas to the next level.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this semester’s success – let’s keep building, learning, and growing together.

Dr. K.

We sincerely apologize for canceling the Mark Cuban session this spring due to unforeseen circumstances. We know many of you were looking forward to it. The good news is that Mr. Cuban will be joining us this fall for a rescheduled event, and we’re committed to making it even more impactful. Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to welcome him to NYU! 

On Monday, April 21st, the HI-Hub Incubator hosted its highly anticipated “Pitch Your Passion & Seal the Deal” event at Google HQ and online via Google Meet. Four entrepreneurial teams presented innovative business concepts to a panel of judges, each vying for the $20,000 grand prize.

This year’s winner, Rural Tourism Network (RTN), captivated the audience with their mission to revitalize rural America through sustainable tourism and economic development. Led by Briana Konecke, RTN impressed judges with their compelling pitch, solid business model, and commitment to community impact.

A huge congratulations to RTN and all participating teams for their incredible presentations and inspiring ideas. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to foster the next wave of innovators with our Incubator program!

We’re excited to share that we recently hosted a Gen Z Traveler Hackathon as part of a research project in partnership with HotelBeds, one of our HI-Hub Incubator partners. Look forward to hearing the results and more about our research in the Fall—we can’t wait to share the findings!

Are you ready to take your idea to the next level? The HI Hub Incubator is now accepting applications for its 2025 Cohort. This program offers a unique opportunity for mentorship, resources, and support as you grow your venture. Don't miss your chance to be part of this dynamic initiative. Apply today! A maximum of six teams will be invited to participate in the program.

Calling all entrepreneurs! Looking to sharpen your skills, grow your network, or find the right tools to level up your venture? We’ve compiled a robust list of top books, podcasts, tools, newsletters, LinkedIn groups, and more - all curated specifically for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, there’s something here for you.

Check out the HI-Hub Incubator Entrepreneur Resources on our website and get inspired to build, learn, and grow.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Richie Karaburun on winning the 2024-2025 University Distinguished Teaching Award! The Distinguished Teaching Award highlights New York University's commitment to teaching excellence and is given annually to selected outstanding faculty members. This well-deserved recognition celebrates Dr. K.’s dedication to inspiring and empowering his students every day.

If you are interested in building connections with NYC agencies or learning about their research priorities, please register for the Pilot Pitchfest, which will take place at NYU on May 22. You will have the opportunity to be matched with the City agencies and to apply for an $80K award. 

In addition to the NYC agencies and Social Science Research Council, several private foundations are involved: Sloan Foundation, Arnold Ventures, Open Philanthropy, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. 

A new initiative led by Atento Capital is convincing Latin American startups to relocate to Tulsa with a $100,000 relocation package aimed at diversifying the city’s economy through hard sciences and life sciences companies. Learn how this program, backed by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, is helping to reshape Tulsa’s startup landscape while navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration policy.

Read the full article by Fortune

GuestOS is revolutionizing guest communication in the hospitality and tourism sectors with its AI-powered concierge, providing 24/7 multilingual support through a single phone number. Learn how this San Francisco-based startup is addressing common travel pain points, expanding its market reach, and positioning itself for long-term impact. 

Read the full article by Phocuswright