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.
This year’s program will take place across two full-day, on-campus workshops.
Workshop 1 (January, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) will focus on entrepreneurial skill-building and fostering community within the cohort.
Workshop 2 (February, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) will guide participants through fundraising, operations, and preparing for next steps in their commercialization journey.
Participants come to the program eager to connect their science with real-world impact.
Savita Sastry, a Ph.D. student studying molecular nutrition, shared:
“I’m at a point where I want to explore how these ideas could evolve into tangible solutions, and I believe this program offers the structure, mentorship, and community to help me take that first step. Beyond gaining entrepreneurial skills, I’m eager to bring my own creative energy, interdisciplinary perspective, and collaborative spirit to the cohort.”
For many, the program also offers a chance to build readiness for the next stage of their careers.
Sandy Xie, a Ph.D. student studying City and Regional Planning, noted:
“This program represents a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills in innovation, leadership, and commercialization. As I will graduate in May 2026, the insights and experience from this program will immediately strengthen my professional readiness and support my future career development.”
Following the two workshops, selected participants will also have the opportunity to pitch virtually to the advisory board for the program.
Meet the 2026 Introduction to Entrepreneurship Cohort:
Alishahi, Mohsen – Fiber Science, Ph.D. ’27
Antoniades, William – Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cellular Biology, Ph.D. ’29
Bansal, Udita – Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Ph.D. ’27
D’Angelo, Keri – Computer Science, Ph.D. ’26
Deng, Xinyi – Psychology, Ph.D. ’29
Geldhof, Batist – Postdoctoral Researcher, Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems
He, Weilong – Agricultural Engineering, Ph.D. ’27
Hirsch, Maia – Robotics, Ph.D. ’29
Lee, Joseph – Biological and Environmental Engineering, Ph.D. ’27
Lujic, Jelena – Postdoctoral Researcher, Cohen Lab
Nagpal, Gauri – City and Regional Planning, Ph.D. ’28
Purello, Chloe – Molecular Nutrition, Ph.D. ’29
Rizal, Mochammad – International Nutrition, Ph.D. ’29
Robinson, Shiseido – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ph.D. ’29
Sastry, Savita – Molecular Nutrition, Ph.D. ’28
Suh, Han-Sok – Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ph.D. ’25
Tugoo, Midhat – Agronomy, Ph.D. ’32
Vadakumcherry, Francis – Operations Research and Information Engineering, M.Eng ’26
Xie, Sandy – Master of Regional Planning ’26
Xu, Doris – Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. ’27
Zhao, Fengyue (Lisa) – Linguistics, Ph.D. ’27
Stay up to date with the current cohort by following the Intro to Entrepreneurship news feed.
