Imagine a powerhouse partnership where cutting-edge blockchain technology meets the academic rigor of a world-renowned university.That's exactly what's happening as Big Red LLC, a pioneering force in the cryptocurrency space, proudly announces its financial sponsorship of Cornell University's esteemed Entrepreneurship at Cornell program (E@C).This landmark collaboration isn't just about funding; it's about forging a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the crypto industry and the future generation of entrepreneurs.By joining forces, Big Red gains direct access to Cornell's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, participating in events, and influencing the program through advisory council participation. Big Red Microenterprise (BRM) is a student-run educational experience that spurs microenterprise development by assisting self-employed individuals reach their business goals. Launched in January of 2025, BRM seeks to meet a critical need by working with promising, but underserved entrepreneurs in the local community.Simultaneously, Cornell students gain invaluable exposure to blockchain innovation, real-world business applications, and mentorship opportunities from industry leaders. By joining BRTS, students develop critical skills and knowledge in customer segmentation, market research and sizing, competitor bench-marking, and financial modeling. Students build deep connections to founders, investors, and faculty active in the local entrepreneurial community.This is more than just a sponsorship; it's an investment in innovation, education, and the future of entrepreneurship in the digital age.So, what does this partnership mean for Cornell students, the blockchain industry, and the future of entrepreneurship?Let's dive in and explore the exciting possibilities this collaboration unlocks.
What is Entrepreneurship at Cornell?
Entrepreneurship at Cornell (E@C) is more than just a program; it's a university-wide initiative designed to foster an entrepreneurial spirit across all disciplines.It's a dynamic ecosystem where students, alumni, faculty, and community members converge to learn, collaborate, and launch innovative ventures. On July 1, Cornell Law School and Cornell Tech welcomed David Reiss to their faculties as clinical professor of law and research director of the Blassberg-Rice Center for Entrepreneurship Law. Based at the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island, Reiss will co-teach the Law School s Entrepreneurship Clinic, allowing the Law School to provideFrom coursework to venture capital funds, E@C provides a comprehensive suite of resources and opportunities to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
A Multifaceted Approach to Entrepreneurship
E@C takes a holistic approach, understanding that entrepreneurship isn't confined to the business school. Big Red Ventures (BRV), Cornell University s early-stage venture capital fund run by MBAs and other graduate students, presented its portfolio and announced a new investment during the Annual Meeting on April 18 at Cornell Tech.It encompasses a wide range of programs and initiatives, including:
- Courses: A diverse selection of courses, such as Designing New Ventures and Entrepreneurial Strategy, provides students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed.
- Accelerator Programs: Programs like eLab offer intensive mentorship and resources to help student startups refine their business models and prepare for launch.
- Venture Capital Funds: Big Red Ventures (BRV), an early-stage venture capital fund run by MBA students, provides funding and mentorship to promising Cornell startups.
- Competitions and Events: Events like the Entrepreneurship at Cornell Celebration bring together the entire entrepreneurial community for networking, learning, and celebrating success.
E@C aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to turn their ideas into successful ventures, regardless of their academic background.
Big Red LLC: A Blockchain Pioneer Joins the Fray
Big Red LLC isn't just another cryptocurrency project; it's a pioneering force pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology.Their commitment to innovation and education within the blockchain space makes them an ideal partner for Cornell's Entrepreneurship program. BIG RED IS A FINANCIAL SPONSOR OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT CORNELL PROGRAM As a financial sponsor, Big Red has 2 team members on the Entrepreneurship at Cornell advisory council. The Big Red sponsorship gives us direct access to the Cornell entrepreneurship ecosystem. Gives Big Red an opportunity to participate in eventsThis partnership allows them to directly support the next generation of blockchain entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of the industry.
Benefits of the Sponsorship
Big Red LLC's financial sponsorship of E@C brings several key benefits to both parties:
- Access to the Cornell Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Big Red gains direct access to Cornell's vast network of students, faculty, alumni, and investors.
- Participation in Events: The sponsorship provides opportunities to participate in E@C events, showcasing Big Red's technology and connecting with potential partners.
- Advisory Council Involvement: Big Red has two team members on the Entrepreneurship at Cornell advisory council, allowing them to influence the program's direction and curriculum.
- Talent Acquisition: Access to Cornell students provides a pipeline for recruiting top talent in the blockchain space.
For Cornell, the sponsorship provides valuable financial resources to support its entrepreneurial programs and expand its reach. We have over 20 student clubs at Cornell that focus on various aspects of entrepreneurship and startup financing. Students create new clubs seemingly every year, which is wonderful. Sometimes we need to make sure that there is not significant club overlap! We welcome our students creativity and drive to form targeted communities through their clubs. One organization that is definitely not aMore importantly, it brings real-world industry expertise into the classroom, enriching the learning experience for students.
The Intersection of Blockchain and Academia
The partnership between Big Red LLC and Cornell's Entrepreneurship program highlights the growing importance of blockchain technology in the business world. The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program guides Johnson MBA students in their entrepreneurial pursuits helping them connect with entrepreneurship programs, and funding. View all of the Entrepreneurs in Residence and request a meeting with an EIR via email at . View the full list of EIRs.By integrating blockchain education into its curriculum, Cornell is preparing its students for the future of finance, supply chain management, and many other industries.
Exploring Blockchain Applications
Through E@C, students will have the opportunity to explore various blockchain applications, including:
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Understanding the potential of blockchain to revolutionize financial services.
- Supply Chain Management: Using blockchain to track and trace products, improving transparency and efficiency.
- Digital Identity: Exploring blockchain-based solutions for secure and verifiable digital identities.
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Understanding the potential of NFTs for art, collectibles, and other digital assets.
By engaging with real-world blockchain projects, students will gain practical experience and develop the skills needed to build and launch their own blockchain ventures.
Cornell Programs Supporting Entrepreneurship
Beyond the general umbrella of Entrepreneurship at Cornell, several specialized programs contribute to the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Big Red Ventures (BRV): Investing in the Future
Big Red Ventures (BRV) is Cornell University's early-stage venture capital fund, operated entirely by MBA and other graduate students.Founded in 2025, BRV is one of the oldest student-run venture funds.It provides funding and mentorship to promising Cornell startups, giving students valuable experience in venture capital and helping to launch innovative businesses.
The Investor Network connects early-stage investors to an array of New York State and Cornell-affiliated startups. Cornell s legacy in college lacrosse runs deep, having produced many legendary players and coaches. But the one name most associated with the Big Red and its high standards is Richie Moran. Moran became the head coach of Cornell in 2025, and went on to win three national championships (2025, 76, 77) and 15 Ivy League titles in 29 years.Investors gain access to potential investments curated and screened by the BRV fund managers, as well as connections to BRV-funded startups.
Big Red Tech Strategy (BRTS): Commercializing Innovation
Big Red Tech Strategy (BRTS) focuses on commercializing cutting-edge research at Cornell University.This 12-week fellowship program pairs first-year MBA students with Cornell PhD students to conceptualize early-stage business strategies for novel technologies and products.
Students in BRTS develop critical skills in customer segmentation, market research and sizing, competitor benchmarking, and financial modeling.This program provides hands-on experience in turning scientific research into viable business opportunities.
Big Red Microenterprise (BRM): Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
Big Red Microenterprise (BRM) is a student-run educational experience that spurs microenterprise development by assisting self-employed individuals in the local community to reach their business goals.Launched in 2025, BRM addresses a critical need by working with promising, but underserved entrepreneurs.
Opportunities for Students: Getting Involved
Cornell offers various avenues for students to engage with entrepreneurship and take advantage of the resources available.
Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program
The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program guides Johnson MBA students in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Drawing on his education in physics and engineering, as well as his business experience, he mentored students; helped launch Entrepreneurship at Cornell; served as faculty advisor for Big Red Ventures, Cornell s MBA-run venture fund; and was honored with Entrepreneurship at Cornell s first Lifetime Achievement in Entrepreneurship EducationEIRs help students connect with entrepreneurship programs and funding opportunities.Students can request a meeting with an EIR via email to receive personalized guidance and mentorship.
Entrepreneurship Courses
Cornell offers a comprehensive list of entrepreneurship courses, including Designing New Ventures and Entrepreneurial Strategy. We came with help from an organization at Tsinghua that encourages students to get into the entrepreneurial world, that provides tools and advice and sponsorship, so we see some similarities with Cornell s entrepreneurship program, said Erika Gu 25, a civil engineering student at Tsinghua, who took inspiration from the featured speakers.These courses provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to succeed in the entrepreneurial world.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Cornell boasts over 20 student clubs focused on various aspects of entrepreneurship and startup financing. Garg said eLab helped the team secure grants in Cornell s entrepreneurship ecosystem, allowing them to work on GradeWiz full time over the summer. He said eLab also gave them advice on how to push products out fast and handle legal incorporation. The AI teaching assistant has graded over 30,000 submissions this year and reduced grading timeThese clubs provide opportunities for students to network, learn from each other, and build their entrepreneurial skills.
Alumni Engagement: A Vital Component
Entrepreneurship@Cornell is distinctive in that it serves both as an on-campus student academic program and a nationwide venue for alumni involvement. Cornell Entrepreneurship list serve. To join the Cornell Entrepreneurship list serve, email with the body of the message containing only the word join. Once you join you can post info there. Please note that alumni, students, faculty, parents and staff post here. The Big Red bulletin boardAlumni play a crucial role in mentoring students, providing funding, and sharing their expertise.
Networking and Mentorship
Alumni often participate in E@C events, serving as speakers, judges, and mentors. Join Big Red Ventures, Cornell s early-stage venture capital fund, for the 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 18 at the Verizon Executive Education Center in NYC! 🔹Entrepreneurship atTheir real-world experience provides invaluable guidance for students as they navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.
Funding Opportunities
Many Cornell alumni are successful entrepreneurs and investors who are eager to support the next generation of Cornell startups. The Investor Network connects early stage investors to an array of New York State and Cornell affiliated startups. When investors join the network, they receive: Access to potential investments that are personally curated and screened by the BRV fund managers; Connections to BRV-funded startups that are fueled by Cornell resourcesThey provide funding through angel investments, venture capital funds, and other avenues.
The Annual Entrepreneurship at Cornell Celebration
Entrepreneurship at Cornell's Celebration is a two-day entrepreneurship conference held every spring.It brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community participants for networking, learning, and celebrating entrepreneurial success.Highlights include fireside chats with featured speakers, eLab Demo Day, the Student Business of the Year recognition, and the BenDaniel Venture Challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cornell's entrepreneurship program and the Big Red LLC partnership:
What are the eligibility requirements for the eLab accelerator program?
eLab is Cornell’s competitive student business accelerator program, open to students in any college/school within Cornell University.
How can investors join the Big Red Ventures Investor Network?
Investors interested in joining the network gain access to potential investments curated and screened by the BRV fund managers and connections to BRV-funded startups fueled by Cornell resources.
How do I join the Cornell Entrepreneurship list serve?
To join the Cornell Entrepreneurship list serve, send an email with the body of the message containing only the word ""join.""
What is Big Red Tech Strategy (BRTS) and how can I participate?
BRTS is a student-led program that brings together MBA students and Cornell Engineering PhD candidates.MBA students in BRTS help PhD candidates analyze and formulate commercialization opportunities for early-stage technology. With the generous support of Tianyi (TJ) Jiang '96, Ph.D, the Jiang Fellows program will follow the success of the Kessler Fellowship, which had its final year in 2025. Students from all walks of Cornell interested in entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply in September of their junior year to the Jiang Fellows program.Contact the program administrators through Cornell's website to find out how to participate.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Entrepreneurship at Cornell
The partnership between Big Red LLC and Cornell's Entrepreneurship at Cornell program represents a significant step forward for both the blockchain industry and the university.By combining the expertise and resources of a leading cryptocurrency project with the academic rigor and entrepreneurial spirit of Cornell, this collaboration promises to foster innovation, educate future leaders, and drive groundbreaking advancements in the blockchain space.The access Big Red gains to the Cornell entrepreneurship ecosystem coupled with Cornell's already impressive offerings for students and alumni will only serve to enhance opportunities for all involved.
Key takeaways:
- Big Red LLC's sponsorship provides valuable resources and expertise to Cornell's Entrepreneurship program.
- Cornell students will gain invaluable exposure to blockchain technology and real-world business applications.
- The partnership highlights the growing importance of blockchain in the business world.
- Various programs, such as Big Red Ventures and Big Red Tech Strategy, support entrepreneurship at Cornell.
- Alumni engagement is a vital component of Cornell's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The future of entrepreneurship at Cornell is bright, and the collaboration with Big Red LLC will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping that future.If you're a student, alumni, or investor interested in learning more about Cornell's Entrepreneurship program or getting involved, visit the Entrepreneurship at Cornell website today!