Green Innovations

Developing renewable and clean technology companies in New York

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tech Garden launches Student Sandbox as national model for launching student enterprises


The Syracuse-based Tech Garden has launched an innovative Student Sandbox program designed to become a national model for capturing talent and launching new enterprises by the best and brightest students at world-class regional colleges and universities. The goal of the program is to identify student entrepreneurs and provide them with a structured assistance program to nurture new business ideas under the supervision of business and community leaders, along with seasoned entrepreneurs who are committed to retaining talent in Upstate New York. Studies show that 84% of incubated businesses remain within the region where they were incubated. The represents an enormous pipeline in the Central Upstate New York region which boasts 38 colleges and universities and 138,000 students.

The Sandbox’s objective is to accelerate the process of ideation, development and deployment through mentoring and coaching, with an end-goal of producing student businesses capable of seeking growth capital from angel, venture or traditional financial sources. The project is a collaboration between The Tech Garden, and Kaufmann Foundation Enitiative schools (Syracuse University, LeMoyne College, Cayuga Community College, Onondaga Community College, Morrisville State College and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry). Student teams from each of the Enitiative Schools are eligible to apply.  E-mail for more information.