Hello Incubator Family,

As we conclude another exciting academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum, innovation, and community that continued to define the Hi-Hub Incubator this semester. It has been inspiring to watch our students transform ideas into action, embrace collaboration, and further develop the entrepreneurial mindset that makes this community so special. From engaging workshops and mentorship opportunities to venture development and networking events, this semester was filled with meaningful growth and accomplishments.

One of the semester’s standout moments was Pitch Day, where we had the opportunity to witness the passion, creativity, and hard work of our student entrepreneurs on full display. Congratulations once again to Clairdoc for earning this semester’s top honor. Their success is a testament not only to the strength of their idea, but also to the dedication and perseverance that entrepreneurship requires. Seeing ventures like Clairdoc thrive reinforces the purpose of the Hi Hub Incubator: creating a space where innovation can flourish and students feel empowered to bring their ideas to life.

What continues to excite me most is the growing enthusiasm surrounding entrepreneurship across the NYU SPS community. Each semester, more students are stepping forward with new ideas, taking risks, and building connections that extend far beyond the classroom. The future of entrepreneurship at the Hi-Hub Incubator is incredibly bright, and I am proud of all that this community has accomplished together this year.

Thank you to our students, mentors, faculty, alumni, and supporters for making this another successful and memorable semester. I look forward to seeing what our talented entrepreneurs achieve next.

With appreciation,
Dr. K.

Last month, the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality's HI Hub Incubator hosted the Pitch Day Round Table: Beyond the Blank Page. The event featured industry veterans Carly Chase, Bruce Rosard, and John Williams, who shared valuable insights regarding alternative paths to entrepreneurship, the importance of soft skills, and navigating the early stages of building a business.

Moderated by Dr. Richie Karaburun, Executive Director of the HI Hub Incubator, the panel discussed the realities of becoming a founder, emphasizing that the journey is rarely a straight line. Following the insightful panel discussion and an interactive Q&A, the event concluded with a structured networking session for professionals and peers.

The Tisch Center students remained fully engaged, asking sharp questions about mentorship, raising capital, and overcoming failure. The panelists responded with candor, vision, and encouragement, sharing personal lessons learned from their own non-linear career paths. Their raw, real-world advice regarding the mindset of an entrepreneur was extremely valuable.

A special thank you to our esteemed speakers from U.S. News & World Report, Arival, and American Guest for making this day a success. Events like these help bring experiential learning to life, bridging the classroom with real-world exposure and professional networking.

On April 21, 2026, the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality's HI HUB Incubator hosted the "Pitch Your Passion & Seal the Deal" pitch contest. Our Fall 2025 cohort of entrepreneurs took the floor to deliver concise, elevator-style pitches outlining their business models, marketing strategies, and financial plans to a hybrid panel of in-person and virtual investors.

We are thrilled to announce that Baloch Bakhtawer took home the win for Clairdoc! Clairdoc is building the future of medical billing with AI. The platform acts as a denial-prevention copilot for outpatient clinics, automatically scanning claims to catch and correct issues before submission. By transforming complex billing data into clear, actionable insights, Clairdoc helps clinics reduce denials, recover revenue, and focus on delivering care.

Following the high-stakes presentations and the awards announcement, attendees, founders, and judges transitioned into a dynamic networking session to exchange feedback and connect.

Congratulations to Clairdoc and to all of the brilliant founders from Altura Lacrosse Series, Breadcrumb, CareMetric Hub, REACHHH, We.Tour LLC, and Yasha’s Breakfast Sandwiches who put their passion on the line to make this event a success!

On April 27, 2026, the NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, in partnership with Bloom Consulting, hosted a dynamic panel and book launch for Nation and Place Branding: How Cities and Nations Compete for Talent, Tourism, and Investment.

The panel brought together industry leaders from organizations including NYC Tourism + Conventions, Destination Cleveland, Visit Philadelphia, and Tulsa Regional Tourism to explore how destinations define their identity, align stakeholders, and shape global perception. Speakers shared insights on the critical distinction between branding and marketing, emphasizing that a strong, authentic brand serves as the foundation for all successful destination strategies.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors, the evolving role of AI and digital platforms in shaping destination perception, and how major events can serve as catalysts for long-term impact and community pride. From defining a destination’s “central idea” to measuring success beyond traditional KPIs, the conversation offered a comprehensive look at the complexity and creativity behind place branding.

Students remained highly engaged throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions and gaining valuable insight into the intersection of tourism, economic development, and storytelling. Events like this continue to bring industry perspectives into the classroom, reinforcing the Tisch Center’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders.

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