The College of Engineering & Computing Sciences (CoECS) at New York Institute of Technology has re-introduced its highly successful Technology Business Startup Practices course this year. The first successful offering of this course last spring included 19 CEOs and executives as speakers, discussing various best practices and pitfalls in their entrepreneurial journeys.

The course is offered through the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences by two seasoned professionals and co-founders of LISTnet (Long Island Software & Technology Network), a member-supported organization that connects companies, educators, and government to promote Long Island as a national center for software and technology. It’s one of the largest tech organizations in New York State. The course is open to any undergraduate major and counts as a required degree-related elective for computer science, electrical and computer engineering, electrical and computer engineering technology, and information technology majors.

Instructors Paul Trapani, President of LISTnet, and Peter Goldsmith, Chairman of LISTnet, focus on the many facets entrepreneurs must manage to grow revenue. Students hear from guest speakers, including successful CEOs and professionals who are experts in law, accounting, marketing, sales, and HR, who will give them the skills, knowledge, and tools to succeed as technology entrepreneurs.

This is yet another example of the CoECS at New York Tech being a regional champion for the advancement of entrepreneurship. CoECS continues to form startup companies under the support and guidance of the College and its Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center (ETIC).

“Since the start of the ground shifting changes caused by the pandemic, university leaders across the U.S. are focusing on a stronger connection between higher education and the workplace. Here at New York Tech, we have been strengthening this industry-university partnership through multiple approaches. This course and its industry-sponsored scholarships is another example of such efforts.” said Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences at New York Tech.

“While technology startups have been an engine of growth for the local and national economy, only 10% of startups are successful each year, with the majority failing in years 2 through 5. In this course, we are breaking the barriers between the industry and academia and are bringing industry leaders to the classroom to share the inside-story of dos and don’ts to succeed,” said Peter Goldsmith, New York Tech adjunct faculty and the CoECS Co-op Coordinator.

“The idea was to give the students exposure to real world expertise by bringing in the CEOs and experts. It is also to show them by having a diverse group of CEOs with different backgrounds and different paths, that anyone has the potential to be an entrepreneur and that there is no one roadmap for it. The students learn… all the different aspects of starting a business and then as a project come up with a business and a business plan for it (from our speakers). As Peter mentioned, this year the students with the best business plan will get scholarship money from six companies”, said Paul Trapani.

“We wanted the course to be different from other startup courses. So our “Technology Startup Business Practices” course has 19 CEOs and industry experts in areas like corporate law and venture capital as guest lecturers. Last Spring, we had 48 students and for this Spring we have 64 registered. The class project will be a business plan, and the 6 best will win a $6,000 scholarship from these LI tech companies. A+ Technology & Security Solutions, Fragrance.com, SVAM International, Tech Software, Avibra and UNA,” explains Peter.