Dear NYU Incubator Community,

As we step into February, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our mentors, investors, and supporters who make this program truly special. Your dedication and insights are invaluable, and it's inspiring to see our cohort thriving, learning, and growing alongside their mentors. The connections being built now will last far beyond the incubator experience.

Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of events for the semester:

- Master Class with Melina Gerosa Bellows – Founder and President of Fun Factory Press, sharing insights in "Joy Ride: How Happiness Can Drive Success in Your Career and Life."
- Pitch Day at Google HQ – Our cohort will have the opportunity to present their ventures in a world-class setting. More details are available on our website.

February, the month of love, is a perfect reminder of the passion that drives innovation. Whether it’s the love of problem-solving, collaboration, or pushing boundaries, it’s what fuels great ideas.

As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions to continue improving the incubator. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!

Warmly,

Dr. K 

Join us for an engaging talk with Melina Gerosa Bellows, Founder and President of Fun Factory Press, a boutique publishing house based in Washington, DC. The session is titled "Joy Ride: How Happiness Can Drive Success in Your Career and Life." Based on Bellows' two-decade career at National Geographic, this master class will provide you with valuable insights into propelling your career and enhancing your life by integrating happiness and authenticity into your professional journey.

Key Takeaways from the Session:

Authenticity as a Success Driver: Gain inspiration and practical advice on how authenticity fuels professional and personal success.

Storytelling as a Branding Tool: Learn effective tactics to use storytelling to establish and promote your personal brand.

Career Reinvention Playbook: Acquire strategies for continuous personal and professional reinvention throughout your career.

About the Contest:

6 teams have prepared a presentation showcasing their ideas. This has culminated in the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality HI HUB Incubator Pitch Contest which is based on the Elevator Pitch concept, popular in the venture capital community. It is an extremely concise presentation of an entrepreneur's idea, business model, marketing strategy, competitive analysis, and financial plan, which is delivered to potential investors. The premise is that it could be made in a few minutes, should the entrepreneur spot a potential investor on an elevator and have the opportunity to pitch their idea during the brief ride

Each of the five finalists will have exactly 8 minutes to pitch their venture ideas in person or via Google Meet to a distinguished panel of judges in alphabetical order for companies’ names.

Date: Monday, April 21, 2025  

Time: 2pm-5pm EST

Location: Hybrid - via Google Meet or in person at Google HQ (111 8th Avenue, New York, NY)

Audience: All Entrepreneurs, Alumni, Investors, and Mentors 

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.

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Will legacy players adapt, or will agile startups redefine the industry? The stakes have never been higher. Dive in below.

Read the full article by PhocusWire

The International Hospitality Institute and Dr. Jeffrey O are excited to announce the publication of the January 2025 issue of the Global Hospitality Magazine, the influential and most widely read magazine in the global hospitality industry.

The January 2025 issue, available in print and digital editions, celebrates the 50 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality.

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Richie Karaburun on this fantastic achievement!

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about shaping the future. University incubators are proving to be powerful launchpads for the next generation of founders, blending innovation with impact. From sustainability-driven startups to disruptive new ventures, today’s student entrepreneurs are redefining success by balancing purpose and profit.

At our incubator, we know that supporting bold ideas means creating real-world change. How are business schools fostering this new wave of ethical entrepreneurship? Explore the insights below.

Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. Passion fuels innovation, but resilience and emotional intelligence turn obstacles into opportunities. The key isn’t avoiding failure—it’s learning, adapting, and pushing forward.

Read the full article below to explore how embracing the journey and the emotions that come with it drives success.