The Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship (PIHE) at Cornell University recently marked its 20th anniversary. With the milestone, PIHE celebrated a long history of helping student entrepreneurs by crafting their business skills and connecting them with established professionals, especially through its Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program. EIRs serve as mentors for students, sharing invaluable guidance and coaching at a key point in their professional journey.
PIHE also helps these young entrepreneurs develop through its three-pillar approach of Education, Engagement, and Experiential Learning. The latter is especially evident in its Hackathon, Pitch Deck, and Business Plan competitions, where students compete by devising solutions to challenges in the industry and presenting them to a panel of judges. Through these events, PIHE helps students bridge the gap between academia and the business world, complementing the lessons they learn in traditional courses with hands-on applications.
Looking ahead, PIHE will continue to foster hospitality entrepreneurship, making an impact that extends beyond the classroom by empowering the next generation of industry leaders to think creatively, embrace innovation, and transform ideas into action. Through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and strong connections with hospitality professionals, PIHE provides students with the foundation needed to navigate an evolving industry. Programs like PIHE will play a critical role in shaping the entrepreneurs and innovators who will define hospitality’s future.
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