The Introduction to Entrepreneurship program, formerly known as W.E. Cornell, teaches doctoral students and postdocs how to translate their research into real-world solutions while navigating the challenges of leading a technology-based venture. Designed for STEM innovators, the program blends a proven entrepreneurship curriculum with leadership development and a strong emphasis on empowerment.
On-Campus Entrepreneurship Programs
Our on-campus entrepreneurship programs provide the tools for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to take their entrepreneurial ideas to the next level. From mentorship and relationship building, webinars and business accelerators, to co-working spaces and competitions, we support and amplify all entrepreneurship activity across Cornell’s campuses.
Big Red Ventures Investor Network
Connects early stage investors to an array of New York State and Cornell affiliated startups
eLab: Cornell’s Student Accelerator
A collaboration of Student Agencies Foundation and Entrepreneurship at Cornell
Engineering Entrepreneurs in Residence
Partnering experienced entrepreneurs with Ph.D. candidates, postdocs, and faculty members
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshop Series
Exploring the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to operation
Johnson Entrepreneurship Track
Building on the MBA curriculum to support students in development of their business ideas
Introduction to Entrepreneurship for Ph.D.s and Postdocs
Helping STEM PhDs and postdocs commercialize their innovations
Impact
Our programs bring entrepreneurs together in a community of innovation.
Over 300 students have participated in our entrepreneurial programs
Over 75 entrepreneurs-in-residence have mentored our on-campus entrepreneurial community
Over 100 student startups have gone from ideation to operation after completing our programs
Campus Connections
We collaborate with the entrepreneurial community across Cornell University’s campus to amplify the opportunities and resources in our innovation network.
News in Accelerators & Incubators
Introducing the 2026 Introduction to Entrepreneurship Cohort
15 Teams Advance to eLab Spring Cohort
33 startups were accepted for the eLab student startup accelerator fall cohort, and 15 will advance to the spring cohort. These startups have made significant progress and identified a viable pathway to a scalable business.
Introducing the 6th Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator Cohort
Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is excited to announce the 20 startups making up the sixth Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator cohort. The accelerator helps teams turn their advanced prototypes into manufactured products. Participants gain access to business mentorship, connections to local manufacturers, and introductions to investors.
Jiang Fellows rolls out new cohort
The Jiang Fellows program recently welcomed 27 students to its 2026 cohort in its second year of operation. This spring, fellows will sharpen their entrepreneurial skills while preparing for a fully funded summer internship at a startup of their choice.
Brekland wins $1 million Grow-NY prize at Canandaigua summit
Brekland, a Brooklyn-based startup building a biodegradable foam coating for crop protection, was awarded the $1 million grand prize in the 2025 Grow-NY Food and Agriculture business competition. The company is among seven winners splitting a total of $3 million in prize money.
Grow-NY Summit to Award $3 Million to Global Startups Redefining Food, Agriculture and Sustainability
Grow-NY, the largest global food and agriculture business competition, will host its annual Food & Ag Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 13 in Canandaigua, New York.
eLab accepts record number of student startups to fall cohort
Cornell’s student startup accelerator, eLab, is proud to announce the 33 student teams selected for its Fall 2025 cohort!
Rev Welcomes Largest Protofacturing Accelerator Cohort to Date
Consisting of 28 teams and over 50 individuals, this cohort brings together inventors and entrepreneurs from a wide variety of industries, from pet health to urban hydroponic agriculture.
Introducing the Fourth Cohort of Life Sciences Innovation Fellows
Thirty-eight Cornell MBA students in the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, together with PhD candidates from across Cornell University and postdoctoral fellows from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, have joined the fourth cohort of Cornell’s Life Sciences Technology Innovation Fellows program.