Inside The LaunchPad
The Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University connects the campus innovation ecosystem with a global network that provides support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The LaunchPad is supported through seed funding from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, and is part of a global network located at 32 universities around the world. The versatile LaunchPad “glass cube” is located on the main floor of Bird Library. Its flex space can be used for ideation workshops, team and mentor meetings, co-working, networking events, coaching and training sessions, venture demos and product launches, as well as other collaborative activities. The LaunchPad program can be applied to for-profit and non-profit enterprises, and can be used to facilitate innovation within existing organizations, as well as new venture development.
Competitions
Campus challenges, as well as national, state and regional business plan competitions that provide opportunities for students from across the network to connect and innovate. See more.
Coworking
Campus-wide accessibility to open coworking space, specialized applications and tools to help get startups off the ground and scale, with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship.
Workshops
Workshops and technical assistance programs that build competence through experiential learning, and referral to highly ranked Syracuse University entrepreneurship education programs.
Networking
Networking events that build university-wide innovation infrastructure and bring together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and funders, as well as technical service providers.
Mentors
One-on-one mentoring that cultivates entrepreneurial thinking and problem solving for both non-profit and for-profit businesses of any size and industry. Learn more.
Connections
Regional, national and global connections to university programs and venture leaders to share best practices, engage with successful entrepreneurs, and find partners.
Team Building
Interdisciplinary team-building that fosters a team approach and utilizes collaboration as a tool for innovation.
Resources
One-stop connections to the university’s robust network of entrepreneurial resources, programs and activities. See more.
Events
Access to world-class content, experts and global events through the Blackstone Charitable Foundation. Find events here.
Our Core Values
Valuing diversity and inclusion in words and actions
The LaunchPad supports Syracuse University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The LaunchPad reflects the rich diversity of the global world. We are a place that promotes perspectives and solutions from our members who represent different national origins, languages, races, colors, disabilities, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and family structures.
An organization is defined not just by how we talk about these principles, but by how we live them. The LaunchPad’s bedrock values are how we transcend differences, find common ground, and give voice and power to all. You will see those beliefs represented in the faces, voices and the empowerment of all who are part of the LaunchPad community. We are a living, breathing, diverse and inclusive community that encourages collaboration, respect and equity.
Take some time to read our Startup Spotlights, featuring students from varied backgrounds who are innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives. We encourage you to learn their stories and hear their voices.
The LaunchPad is a global village. We value conversations around larger social, economic, cultural and global challenges, and our individual and collective roles in solving them. We believe in the power of being a safe place where all are welcomed and fully embraced with love, respect and dignity.
The world is better if we all embrace that kind of thinking -- in both words and actions.
"How Do I Get Started?"
The LaunchPad at Bird Library is an innovation hub connecting Syracuse University’s ecosystem with a global network that provides support for aspiring innovators, inventors and creators.
Come to Events
Come to an event. There are numerous opportunities to connect at events we hold each month. The event calendar is on this website.
Follow Us
LinkedIn
Email Us
Meet the Mentors
This website was designed by LaunchPad alumna Geena Matuson G'19.