Bernard Kozel Startup Program at Saunders


Customer Discovery


Prototyping


Leadership and interpersonal skills


Protecting intellectual property


Seeking investment capital

About the Bernard Kozel Start-up Program

Bernard Kozel Headshot

The Bernard Kozel Startup Program at Saunders College of Business will provide entrepreneurial-minded students with the resources, mentorship, and funding necessary to bring their innovative ideas to life.

Formerly known as the RIT Student Accelerator, the Bernard Kozel Startup Program at Saunders aims to empower students of all majors 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. In 2022, the Bernard Kozel Mentor Award was established by his daughter, Barbara, to commemorate his legacy. It acknowledges mentors at the Simone Center who emulate his commitment to guiding young talent. Award recipients demonstrate unwavering dedication to nurturing student growth and encouraging their pursuit of excellence. The award underscores the lasting impact of mentorship and Bernard Kozel’s enduring belief in the potential of individuals to shape a better future.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Each team will receive a stipend, mentoring, coaching, and workspace for your team. The program will culminate in a Demo Night where each student team will have an opportunity to pitch their business to a group of real investors.

Applications for the Bernard Kozel Startup Program are now open 

Eligibility

The Bernard Kozel Startup Program is for teams and does not accept single-person applications. Each team must be well-rounded and multi-disciplinary in order to have the skills necessary to accomplish the program goals.

Requirements

Students should expect to work significantly more than 40 hours per week. Students in the past have worked upwards of 50-60 hours because they were driven to make their idea a reality.

Teams are not allowed to take classes during this program but may be considered for co-op credit, pending department approval. 
Funding is available for teams with a max of three students, with each student receiving a $4,000 stipend and access to a small prototyping fund (based on pre-approval).

Application Process

The application process will be done on a rolling basis. Teams will be reviewed as applications are received, so it is to your advantage to apply early. The program committee will invite selected teams to interview with us.

Before starting the online application, be prepared to answer the following:

  1. What will your company do or make? What is the basic idea? You may include a 3-4 minute video of your idea if you like)
  2. What stage is your business in raw idea, developed concept, developed prototype, beta testing, earning revenue?
  3. Who are your customers?
  4. What is new or different about your company/idea that isn’t already out in the world?
  5. Who do you see as your competitors? How are they similar or different than you?
  6. Explain how your company will make money.
  7. Why should we choose you? Sell yourself!

Start your application

Application Details       

For more information, contact Evan Vershay