Meet The Team
The Blackstone LaunchPad and Techstars program at Syracuse University is supported by professional staff, as well as a talented team of student entrepreneurs who serve as mentors and subject matter experts.
The Dean of SU Libraries is the academic champion for the Blackstone LaunchPad and Techstars program at Syracuse University. It is led by an Executive Director who is a seasoned professional, with a background in innovation and development, and the program is supported by an independent consultant in a project management role who is graduate of the LaunchPad program and a venture founder.
The student team includes Global Fellows, Rubin Family Innovation Mentors, Orange Ambassadors, Todd B. Rubin Diversity and Inclusion Scholars, Hunter Brooks Watson Scholars and a Syracuse University Hult Prize Campus Ambassador.
Together, the LaunchPad team provides multi-disciplinary skill sets and expansive services to help all members of the Syracuse University community explore innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, and build professional and personal skill sets to succeed.
Executive Staff
Global Fellows
LaunchPad Global Fellows are subject matter experts in various disciplines such as engineering, software and data management, industrial and interaction design and product development, graphic design, web design, UX-UI, all forms of digital media and content development, as well as marketing, sales and finance.
The Rubin Family Innovation Mentors
Rubin Family Innovation Mentors serve as peer advisors to a portfolio of student startups, coaching them on strategy and venture development.
Hunter Brooks Watson Scholar
Hunter Brooks Watson Scholars are supported through a generous gift from the Hunter Watson Memorial Fund. It is Inspired by Syracuse University’s Remembrance Scholar program, and was established as a way to honor the life and entrepreneurial spirit of Hunter Brooks Watson, a Syracuse University student who passed away after injuries suffered in a tragic 2016 distracted driving car accident. The Syracuse University Hunter Brooks Watson Scholar peer mentors students and builds the pipeline of innovative students who exemplify the "spirit of entrepreneurship."
Hult Prize Syracuse University Campus Ambassador
The Syracuse University Hult Prize Campus Ambassador helps organize the campus Hult Prize competition at Syracuse University. It is part of a global competition that is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize” of student impact entrepreneurship.
Former Team Members
Learn more about the Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars global network at blackstonelaunchpad.org.