Teams work during the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture Hackathon on March 20.

Veterinarian helper wins digital ag hackathon

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

Emily Battey, Nicole Shulman, Elana Zingas, Helena Zimmerman and Morganne Farinha present at the inaugural Grand Challenges Pitch Competition.

Dyson students tackle societal issues at competition

Students working to support people and entrepreneurs in Uganda and Ithaca competed for a total of $7,500 in prize money.
Lyneese Straws works with a volunteer at the Beth-Hark Christian Counseling Center in New York City.

eCornell, nonprofit partners tackle economic mobility

Cornell’s Project Leadership certificate offers working adults from underserved communities free access to online courses and certificates.
A large crowd celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration last year at Hotel Ezra Cornell 97.

Hotel Ezra Cornell 98 to focus on equity and sustainability

Equity and sustainability will be front and center for the 98th annual Hotel Ezra Cornell, the student-run hospitality business conference.
Cornell's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem logo.

Entrepreneurship Programs Campus Map

Explore the abundant opportunities and resources that Cornell offers to support budding entrepreneurs.

FOCUS ON: ALUMNI ENTREPRENEURS

Euwyn Poon.

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

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Thought Leaders in Economic Impact & Entrepreneurship

Louis Hyman

The gig economy

Louis Hyman has written about the rise of consultants, temps, freelancers and day laborers.

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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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Ori Heffetz

Economic Behavior

Ori Heffetz is an expert on consumption and studies the psychological, social and cultural aspects of economic behavior.

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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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Karan Girotra

Transforming business

Karan Girotra collaborates with companies building new business models in the areas of urban living, smart transportation and e-commerce.

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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.


  • $4.7M
    Property taxes paid
  • $334M
    Purchasing in Tompkins and adjacent counties
  • $7.2M
    Local contributions to governments, Ithaca City School District, non-profit organizations, and public transit support
  • $357M
    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