CEN: Cornell Entrepreneur Network

As an entrepreneur or business leader, do you sometimes feel like you live on that slick edge between huge risk and unlimited potential? CEN gives you stories to refer to in uncertain moments, the inside scoop on extraordinary successes, and real examples of how it’s done. Best of all, CEN puts you in the same room with Cornellians at all stages of the game. Soak up our presentations and make priceless connections in dozens of cities around the country and globe, as well as online. Wow us with your elevator speech in our open mic segment. Grab a drink, ask questions, and add us to your favorites. You can thank us at your IPO.

Amanda Hatcher

Senior Associate Director

607-254-7111

amc392@cornell.edu

Casey Phifer

Program Associate

607.253.2097

cmp267@cornell.edu

Learn more about CEN

Upcoming Events

Cornell Forbes 30 Under 30

February 9, 2023 | 12 – 1 p.m. ET | Online

Forbes regards them as “revolutionaries” and seven of the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 are Cornellians. Stay tuned for an upcoming opportunity to join us online at this link for an interactive Q&A with the list makers hosted by Sarah Spain ’02.

Cornell Reception in Austin, TX

March 11, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. CST | Austin, TX

Join us for a Big Red gathering in Austin to network with Cornellians visiting for SXSW and local to Austin! We’ll cheers those presenting and speaking at the conference and celebrate being together in Austin.

Entrepreneurship at Cornell Celebration

April 13-14, 2023 | Ithaca, NY

Join us for the Entrepreneurship at Cornell Celebration! This 2-day entrepreneurship conference is held on Cornell’s Ithaca campus every spring to bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community participants.

CEN on-demand

Eclectic Convergence: Cornell Entrepreneurship Summit

Did you attend our annual Eclectic Convergence: Cornell Entrepreneurship Summit at Cornell Tech? If not, stream our annual conference, brimming with inspiring entrepreneurs as both speakers and attendees. Be sure to join us in NYC next fall for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, network, and enjoy an eclectic mix of speakers, perspectives, and stories!

How US startups can crack the European market

Are you looking to expand your startup overseas or learn some key takeaways for working within the European market? This one’s for you! Stream our recent Cornell Entrepreneurship Conversation webinar with Zoltan Vardy ’92, startup mentor and founder of The Launch Code. Zoltan shared his expertise around breaking into Europe and tips on building a strong international expansion strategy.

Get to know the 2022 Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year, Tiffany Norwood '89

Tiffany Norwood '89, founder and CEO of Tribetan, and recently named the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year for Cornell University. Norwood is the first black woman to receive this lifetime achievement award. Experience an interactive presentation highlighting her entrepreneurial journey.

What makes a Serial Entrepreneur?

Is the entrepreneurial path ever a smooth one? Not likely. Hear some great stories and lessons from serial entrepreneur and investor, John Noe ’99. Learn how he went from architect, to design agency, to running Yobu Soju- a Korean Vodka brand. He shares the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with being an entrepreneur and his journey resulting in a client roster that included Virgin America, JetBlue, the NBA, Nike, Time Warner, REI, Burberry, Coca Cola. You don’t want to miss this one!

Turning Biology into Billions. Twice!

From Cornell to Colorado to Cofounder to Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Leslie Leinwand '72 has a fascinating story that she'll share. Hear how this molecular, cellular, and developmental biologist founded multiple companies, two of which went public and were then acquired for billions (yea, with a "B") and more! She has mastered the intersection of biology, entrepreneurship and academia. And as a cardiovascular expert, Dr. Leinwand's advice and secrets will definitely get your heart racing!

Confidence in Commercial Real Estate Featuring Tammy Jones ’87,

Jones ’87 has built an impressive career in commercial real estate- from starting in this industry straight out of Cornell to co-founding her own investment group, this entrepreneur knows what it takes to succeed! Hear her thoughts on how the pandemic has impacted commercial real estate and her predictions for what the future holds.

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Connect to your network

Join alumni network on LinkedIn

Connect with more than 57,000 Cornellians and escape the pesky referral process. Plus, the Cornell logo will be added to your profile!

Cornell entrepreneurship listserv

Looking to connect with Cornell entrepreneurs? Join our Entrepreneurial Listserv and you'll be able to send and receive emails about all things eship-related to other Cornell alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and more. Emails are monitored to prevent spamming. To join, email Entrepreneurship-L-request@cornell.edu with the body of the email containing only the word "join."

Entrepreneurial resources

CEN is just one of many ways you can leverage Cornell to help you start or grow your business. From finding programs based in Silicon Valley to meeting your next mentor. The Cornell entrepreneurship ecosystem is always available to you.