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Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
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September 2025
Welcome back, NYU SPS Incubator family! We’re excited to kick off the Fall 2025 semester with fresh ideas, bold goals, and a new chapter of innovation. Each semester, we’re inspired by the energy our students and mentors bring to the I-Hub, and this one promises to be no different.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible mentors and investors who make this program possible. Your time, guidance, and commitment empower our founders to take their ideas to the next level.
Applications are now open for our 2025 Cohort, where up to six teams will have the chance to build, grow, and compete for $20,000 in funding. If you’re an NYU student with a big idea, this is your moment—apply today!
Stay tuned for upcoming events, success stories, and opportunities to connect with our community. We can’t wait to see what this semester brings.
— Dr. K.
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| Are you ready to take your idea to the next level? The I-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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The Power of Perseverance: 10 Principles to Transform Challenges into Triumphs
We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Richie Karaburun has released his latest book, The Power of Perseverance.
Blending personal journey with practical guidance, the book offers 10 proven principles on resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. Whether you’re a student preparing to launch your career or a professional seeking to strengthen your leadership skills, Dr. K’s insights are real, relatable, and ready to apply.
Congratulations to Dr. K on this exciting achievement!
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Hyper-personalization in Travel SurveyYou are invited to participate in a survey by NYU Tisch Center of Hospitality professors Dr. Recep Karaburun (aka Dr. K.) and Dr. Olena Ciftci.
You will be asked about your experience planning your trips and the effect of personalized travel recommendations you may receive from different online channels (e.g., emails, social media, and others) on your travel decisions. You should be at least 18 years old, Generation Z (born 1997–2007), and have planned at least one trip in the past 12 months, to participate in this survey.
It will take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete this survey. The summary of the results will be published in industry reports and presented at industry conferences.
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Where Are They Now?Are you curious about past Incubator cohort members? You'll feel more inspired than ever as they share their takeaways and how they have grown since joining the Incubator!
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Martins Udotai - Dinesurf (Fall 2021 Cohort)How did the Incubator Program help your startup grow and develop?
"Helped me with capital to support my MVP and land my first paying customers, as well as mentorship in the early stages."
How has your startup developed or changed since the Incubator Program?
"Since then, we have gone to expand to 4 countries within Africa and now some African restaurants here in the US."
Do you have any additional news or achievements since the Incubator Program?
"We are in partnership with Mastercard to provide dining and nightlife benefits to their cardholder with cards issued from Nigeria or Ghana, We've also been featured on CNBC Africa, Vanguard and The Guardian Nigeria."
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Apply to Become a Student Ambassador at Arival 360 Conference 2025
Attention all Tisch Center students! Arival 360 is seeking four ambitious and organized student ambassadors for The Arival 360 Conference 2025 in Washington, DC, September 30th to October 3rd, 2025.
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 work directly with the Arival 360 team in various conference organization tasks while gaining exposure to a network of the biggest names in destination experiences including operators, tech, distribution and more.
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 at the host hotel, the Gaylord National Hotel, for 4 nights, September 29th-October 3rd. However, you are responsible for your own transportation and meals (that aren't included with the event).
How to Apply:
Please fill out the Google Form below, and attach your CV and Cover Letter addressed to Dr. Richie Karaburun (rk104@nyu.edu) by Monday, September 15th at 11:59 PM EST.
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.
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| Get to Know Your Mentors and Investors!
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José María Pestaña
Did you have a mentor who helped you get to where you are now? If so, what would you say is the most important thing you learned from your mentor?
"Yes, I’ve been lucky to have several mentors throughout my career — each meaningful at a different moment, and each one leaves a lasting impression. What they all had in common connects with one of my favorite quotes, from Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
The best mentors didn’t just give advice — they listened, challenged me with empathy, and created the space for me to grow. They taught me that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about impact — and impact always starts with how you treat people."
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This Is How Senior Leaders Are Using AI at Work, According to a Google Survey
Wondering where AI is really delivering results in business? A new Google Cloud survey of 3,500 executives reveals how senior leaders are using AI to drive impact in marketing, strengthen cybersecurity, and elevate customer experience. While revenue growth remains mixed, most leaders say AI is boosting productivity and shifting the conversation from hype to real value.
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OTAs' high hopes for social, AI channels as Q2 marketing spend hits $5B
Online travel giants are ramping up their marketing bets, with Airbnb, Booking Holdings, Expedia Group, and Trip.com pouring a combined $5.2 billion into Q2 campaigns. From TikTok partnerships to AI-powered travel planning tools, OTAs are shifting away from traditional ads and leaning heavily into social media and generative AI to win travelers’ attention. Leaders say these moves are already driving more qualified traffic, stronger bookings, and long-term brand growth.
Read more if you want to see how OTAs are reshaping travel marketing with AI and social.
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How generative AI is changing entrepreneurship
Generative AI isn’t just another tool—it may be the next co-founder. In a conversation hosted by MIT’s Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship, UPenn professor Ethan Mollick shared how AI is reshaping startups: from handling time-consuming tasks and guiding next steps to compressing timelines for launching new businesses. With global access leveling the playing field, entrepreneurship is entering a new era of experimentation, speed, and competition.
Read this article if you want to see how AI is redefining what it means to start and scale a business.
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Quote of the Month
"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great."
- John D. Rockefeller
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