Bernard Kozel StartUp @ Saunders
Key Dates
Information Sessions
December 3, 2026
- 1 session at 12 p.m.
- 1 session at 5 p.m.
Future Information Sessions
- Tuesday, Jan 19, 5 p.m. - 6:30 pm
- Thursday Jan 21, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb 3, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
More Details to Come...
Application Details
The Bernard Kozel StartUp Program for Entrepreneurship
The Bernard Kozel StartUp Program @ Saunders provides 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 @ Saunders empowers students of all majors by offering hands-on learning experiences, networking opportunities, and strategic mentorship from RIT advisers, industry experts, and investors. Student teams accepted into the program receive a summer stipend and participate in an immersive, experience-based curriculum. The program culminates in a high-profile Demo Night, where teams pitch their ventures to the RIT community and beyond.
The effort is made possible by support from RIT’s Bernard Kozel Endowed Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Program Details
Each team receives a stipend, mentoring, coaching, and workspace for your team. The program culminates in a Demo Night where each student team has an opportunity to pitch their business to the greater RIT community.
Applications for the Bernard Kozel StartUp Program are now open
Eligibility
The Bernard Kozel StartUp 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).
Start Your Application
The Summer 2027 Bernard Kozel Startup at Saunders application is now open.
International students are welcome but must consult International Student Services (ISS) regarding eligibility and work authorization requirements; acceptance to the StartUp Program does not guarantee eligibility or confer work authorization under federal regulations.
Kozel StartUp Team Project Videos
Meet Team Intutic: Keeping Agentic AI safe, seamless, and cost-effective. 💡 Meet the team behind Intutic!
Meet Open Pitch:
Connecting players, filling fields, and building local sports communities.
Meet Team Impulse:
Protecting athletes on and off the field through data-driven insights
Team Savora: An "operational brain" for independent restaurants to help turn scattered data into clear, profitable decisions.
Meet Team Guardivo:
Protecting digital artists & revolutionizing royalty management.
Lex Baker Spirit Award
Presented annually in honor of the late Lex Baker, a former RIT student and participant in the Kozel StartUp Program. This award recognizes a student in the program who exemplifies a collaborative spirit and a commitment to uplifting their peers. The award will be presented each year during Demo Night.
Bernard Kozel Mentor Award
In 2022, the Bernard Kozel Mentor Award was established by his daughter, Barbara, to commemorate his legacy. It acknowledges Kozel StartUp program mentors 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.
About Bernard Kozel
Bernard Kozel
Bernard 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.
