News by Topic: Entrepreneurship

Chris Soukup, a graduate student in the RIT Executive MBA program, is the CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and services to benefit the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the employment sector.

CEOs, Chief Financial Officers, and Chief Technology Officers are among the 12 RIT alumni honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards for the 2024-2025 year.

A $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of State will continue the work led by professors Clyde Hull and Eric Williams with entrepreneurships based on circular economy principles in member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Williams’ collaborative work tackles the subject of energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2015, the United Nations established Sustainable Development Goal 7 to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in partnership with students, faculty, staff, alumni, industrial partners, and investors, will catalyze the development of successful ventures, and will strategically consolidate several existing departments and centers supporting the university entrepreneurial community, and beyond.

Valerie Horn believes accessibility should be at the forefront of entrepreneurs’ minds when developing their businesses. This belief pushed her to co-found Zestability, a consultation firm that advocates for prioritizing accessibility and inclusive business practices.

Ayers Badan will share insights and experiences that have shaped her executive career during the 11th annual Gasser Lecture Series at Saunders College of Business on Friday, Nov. 8. Her speech, titled “Nobody Cares About Your Career,” is also the title of her first book, published in June.

Travis Rankin’s passion for music led him to create the Rochester Music Lab, a vibrant space dedicated to music lessons and community outreach. With his studio, the SOIS alumnus aims to give back by offering opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and connect through music.

Inspired by his own experience of not being able to afford high school portraits in 2020, Virtudes provides this service to help others celebrate their achievements despite financial challenges.

Longtime RIT supporter B. Thomas Golisano visited the university on Oct. 11 for the opening of two campus exhibits that showcase the transformational life and work of the Paychex founder, philanthropist, and civic leader, and his friendship with Gene Polisseni.

The team is the first to earn the Ramsey Family Innovation Award, which will provide annual support for one student team each year enrolled in the RIT Student Accelerator program.

RIT achieved a significant milestone by receiving $102 million in sponsored research awards during the past fiscal year, surpassing a key goal in its strategic plan a year ahead of schedule.