The NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality recently launched a Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub) and has just begun their Incubator Program for the Fall 2021 term - the first program of its kind at NYU. The HI Hub is designed to promote creativity and offer diverse practical knowledge in areas ranging from virtual reality to the actual logistics of starting and growing a business within the hospitality, travel, tourism, or events industries. The space will also involve NYU alumni and community members to encourage collaboration, networking, and connection.
The new Incubator Program builds off this foundation and further provides selected NYU hospitality, tourism, or event start-ups guidance and integral resources to help establish their business. Participating companies will receive tailored assistance through the various stages of business development - with the four core services being
The Incubator Program’s inaugural fall 2021 cohort will consist of six companies, each being matched with mentors best suited for their specific business models. There are a total of 29 mentors and investors who will offer expertise and assist this semester’s inaugural cohort in business development and strategy. The companies’ work over the course of the semester will culminate in a competition, with first-place receiving $10,000 funding, and second place receiving $5,000. Moving forward, the HI Hub will have two cohorts in a year, one in the fall semester and one in the spring, and affiliates across all NYU schools and colleges are encouraged to participate.
The HI Hub will also periodically host ‘Master Classes’ and invite industry professionals to speak on a variety of topics. Most recently, the October 5 Master Class, "How to work with Venture Capitals(VC) and get your first funding for your startups”, featured Kunal Lunawat, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Agya Ventures - a venture capital firm with an emphasis in property or real estate technology and hospitality. The Tisch Center’s HI Hub Master Classes are open to the public and are available in a hybrid format for all entrepreneurs to attend.
The Hospitality Innovation Hub parallels its visitors as it continues to grow and expand its offerings. Features on the selected companies and their journey through the Incubator Program will be provided as the competition unfolds.