Saunders College of Business relaunches student incubator program

A generous donation is giving RIT students the opportunity to explore more pathways in entrepreneurship and innovation. The Bernard Kozel Startup Program @ Saunders College of Business will provide entrepreneurial-minded students with the resources, mentorship, and funding necessary to bring their innovative ideas to life.

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Startup program namesake Bernard Kozel, pictured here in 1980, was a longtime innovator and entrepreneur, as he emphasized guiding and investing in emerging entrepreneurs.

Formerly known as the RIT Student Accelerator, the Bernard Kozel Startup Program @ Saunders aims to empower students across all majors at RIT by offering hands-on learning experiences, networking opportunities, and strategic mentorship from RIT advisers, industry experts, and investors. Eligibility is limited to student teams, and they will receive a stipend for the summer, culminating in a Demo Night where each team will have an opportunity to pitch their business to a group of real investors.

The effort is made possible by support from RIT’s Bernard Kozel Endowed Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Kozel was well respected for his roles as a businessman and entrepreneur, innovator, investor, and connector. Kozel’s entrepreneurial journey began post-World War II, when he successfully established various companies dedicated to structural steel, semiconductors and high-tech electronics. Central to his accomplishments was a deep belief in mentoring, evident through his co-founding of KG Capital Associates and his emphasis on guiding and investing in emerging entrepreneurs.

Barbara Kozel, longtime donor and daughter of the late Bernard Kozel is the fund’s creator, and a dedicated supporter of RIT and its entrepreneurial initiatives. She established the fund to continue her father’s legacy of commitment to the success of emerging business owners in the Rochester region.

“I was looking for a place and a process where I could honor my father’s memory and keep his impact on the community alive,” Kozel said. “After getting to know the Accelerator program, I saw many aspects of my father’s vision in its design. At several Demo Nights I witnessed the quality, detail and originality presented by entrepreneurial-minded students.”

Kozel also said that she was impressed by the students’ commitment and enthusiasm, and the opportunities they had to pursue their own businesses or work with another team member on their businesses.

“Seeing the collective dedication to encouraging students’ success was powerful,” she added. “It affirmed what a fantastic fit the Accelerator program was to carry on my father’s focus on investing in people first, through networking, coaching and trusting the potential of budding business owners and leaders to contribute to the well-being of the Rochester region.”

Jacqueline Mozrall, dean of the Saunders College of Business, expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Kozel family.

“We are deeply grateful by Barbara’s generosity and her on-going commitment to foster innovation at Saunders,” said Mozrall. “The Bernard Kozel Startup Program @ Saunders will serve as a catalyst for creativity and innovation, providing students with critical resources and mentorship to ultimately transform their ideas into business ventures.”

Anthony Testa, director, Commercialization Training Programs at RIT’s Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the program’s significance in shaping future business leaders.

“The Bernard Kozel Startup Program is an incredible opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in launching their own ventures,” said Testa. “Having access to mentorship and funding at such a critical stage can make all the difference in their entrepreneurial journey.”

The program is currently accepting applications from student teams for the summer session.