Startup Tech Central
Where Student Ideas Become Real Companies
Startup Tech Central is New York Tech’s dedicated innovation hub—a purpose-built physical space for founders to work, collaborate, and create. We offer startup training, maker spaces, mentorship programs, workshops, and networking events—everything founders need to turn new ideas into companies.
By the Numbers
Measurable impact. Real results.
30+
Student-led startups launched in recent cohorts
40+
Student founders activated through Startup Tech Central.
95%
Founder continuation rate after initial cohort
Our Startups
Our student founders are building real companies that solve real problems—with measurable traction and industry validation.
Kreativio
An AI-driven app that designs 3-D prints with ease and ships them directly to the consumer.
Founder: Jaan Malik
VitaPath
Reducing hospital readmissions by analyzing patient health data to provide tailored healthcare recommendations.
Founders: Alisha Karim & Nicholas Stewart
LiveliHood
Helping students find reliable housing in New York City with help from locals who inspect properties.
Founder: Gunn Aggarwal
FortiFund
An alternative funding platform for underserved entrepreneurs.
($4M processed)
Founders: Aaron Ishal & John Saitram
Sustainable Buildings Group (SBG)
A full-service sustainability management service.
Founder: Alex Miller
Edvana
Real-time lecture transcription, AI-powered check-ins, and intelligent content generation to enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
(3 university partnerships)
Founders: Nigel Oommen & Johnathan Wheeler
VZgate
Scam-proof travel visa services marketplace connecting prospective international students with verified visa consultants, featuring milestone-based payments.
(450+ users onboarded)
Founder: Chigozie Henry Umeaku
CrodDock
End-to-end streamlined automation for merchant cash advance (MCA) workflows, from application intake to funding.
(1,000+ submissions processed)
Founder: Keerthi Kapavarapu
Pathway to Entrepreneurship
We’ve created a pathway to help you turn your idea into a company. Through hands-on mentorship and networking, we help you build an entrepreneurial mindset and explore strategies for success. You’ll also have the opportunity to showcase your ideas before industry judges, with the potential to earn incubation support and funding.
Are you interested in exploring what it takes to start your own business and become an entrepreneur? Our 3-credit ENGINNE course introduces foundational entrepreneurship concepts, fosters innovative thinking, and provides real-world insights into the entrepreneurial journey.
Learn how to turn your idea into a startup with this three-credit experiential learning course. We bring CEOs, principals from successful startups, and leaders in the field into the classroom for hands-on work to help bring your ideas, in whatever stage of maturity, towards your final goal of having your product, legal and business arrangements, and sales channels in place so you can launch your startup.
Participate in weekly Idea Central mentorship sessions. Receive advice from industry veterans, including members of our mentorship board as well as our entrepreneurs-in-residence—founders who have been there before and can offer hands-on guidance as you flesh out your startup.
At the end of the semester, startup teams pitch their companies to industry judges from across Long Island. The top teams earn dedicated tuition scholarships and incubator referrals, as well as access to Startup Bootcamp and an opportunity to participate in the New York Business Plan Competition for up to $100K in potential prizes.
Top NESTS graduates and FlyOff participants are eligible to participate in a two-day startup bootcamp to take their venture to the next level. Learn fundraising strategies, receive investor pitch training, and get assistance in due diligence preparation to help you raise $100K – $1M+.
The top six students earn eligibility to compete in the New York Business Plan Competition for up to $100K in potential prizes.
Startup Tech Fellowship
Get lifetime access to New York Tech’s startup ecosystem—a gateway to facilities, resources, mentorship, and industry events. Prototype, test, and grow your ideas, showcase your work, and connect with industry leaders as part of a community of ambitious builders pursuing success. The Fellowship is open to all current New York Tech students and alumni. Regional technology founders will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Fellowship Benefits
Facilities
Access to Startup Tech Central facilities, including physical space, prototyping resources, product development tools, and technical support.
Funding
Eligibility to pitch for funding from the $5M New York Tech Venture Fund.
Community
Membership in a builder community made up of ambitious students and alumni entrepreneurs. Enjoy regular meetups, workshops, and community gatherings.
Competitions
Showcase your startup at our internal FlyOff Day demo day, the Long Island Intercollegiate Startup Pitch-Off, the New York Business Plan Competition, and many others.
Networking
Make industry connections with direct access to mentors, investors, and industry leaders through invitation-only Founder Networking Events and other activities.