Martina Pablo Pablo.

Hospitality student markets coffee from her rural Guatemalan village

Cornell’s expertise in research, technology and business education translates into meaningful impacts in communities around the world. Our mission extends beyond the classroom, helping entrepreneurs access the research and mentorship they need to start and grow successful businesses.

Commitment to Economic Impact & Entrepreneurship

Research and engagement

Haiar Isliamov.

Displaced by war, Ukrainian student and aid worker begins at Cornell

A student at the Dyson School plans to use his business studies to continue his humanitarian efforts and effect positive change in Ukraine.

Milk puffs.

Healthful milk protein puffs are an easy snack to swallow

Cornell food scientists have created a nutritious snack made from milk proteins for people with dysphagia and lactose intolerance.
Money.

Small firms may offer higher pay due to a lack of market power

Cornell researchers found that small companies may attract better talent with higher wages for entry level positions than large companies.
A business meeting.

How gender biases shape investor response to shareholder activism

New research indicates male and female leaders were rated negatively when their behavior deviated from investors’ gender-based expectations.

FOCUS ON: ALUMNI ENTREPRENEURS

Dan Cane.

Dan Cane ’98 makes it his business to improve lives
Tim Chi.

Engagement is the heart of Tim Chi’s ‘98 success
Dan Sommer.

Dan Sommer ’97 leveraged higher ed to teach workers valuable skills
Jake Reisch.

Jake Reisch ’15 makes headphones that improve seniors’ lives
JanenFisher and Jenna Kerner.

Jenna Kerner ’11 is on the cusp of change in the bra industry
Steve Hindy.

Steve Hindy ’71, MAT ’75, put Brooklyn beer on the map
Susan Danziger.

Susan Danziger ’86 creates video tools to connect people
Divya Gugnani.

Divya Gugnani ’98 creates beauty essentials for busy lifestyles

More articles

Thought Leaders in Economic Impact & Entrepreneurship

Chloe Ahmann

Industrialism and Environmental Justice

Historical and environmental anthropologist Chloe Ahmann’s work offers insight in response to Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

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Desirée LeClercq

Labor and trade law

Desirée LeClercq explores incoherence between international labor law and U.S. trade law and constitutional law.

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Patricia Campos-Medina

Workplace and labor issues

Patricia Campos-Medina focuses on the intersection of race, immigration status and worker’s rights.

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Miguel I. Gómez

Food Marketing and Distribution

Miguel I. Gómez is an expert in global food supply chains and food value chains.

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Deborah Estrin

Health tech

MacArthur fellow Deborah Estrin is trailblazing the use of mobile devices and data to address social challenges.

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Sarah Kreps

Emerging Technology

Sarah Kreps’ teaching and research focus on the intersection of international politics, technology and national security.

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Jawad Addoum

Climate change

Behavioral economist Jawad Addoum is uncovering the effect of extreme temperatures on company earnings.

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Vanessa Bohns

Social Influence

Vanessa Bohns studies help-seeking, social influence, compliance, consent and why it’s so hard to say no.

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Mani Sethuraman

Corporate Disclosures

Mani Sethuraman studies the effects of corporate disclosures on capital markets.

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Cornell’s Local Economic Impact

Cornell’s dedication to the local community, demonstrated through engagement and contribution of resources, is one reason Ithaca is consistently ranked among the top small cities in the nation.


  • $4.9M
    Property taxes paid
  • $147M
    Purchasing in Tompkins and adjacent counties
  • $7M
    Local contributions to governments, Ithaca City School District, non-profit organizations, and public transit support
  • $388M
    External federal, state and corporate research funding spent locally

Learn how we're innovating and solving problems

Explore our contribution to a buzzing entrepreneurial ecosystem