Iona University Biology Major Wins $10,000 in New York Business Plan Competition
Lazar Paroški ’25 finished first in the Safety, Power and Mobility category of the 2023 New York Business Plan Competition
Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
At Iona University, we know that everyone — regardless of major or program — can be an entrepreneurial and innovative leader.
The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is an interdisciplinary hub for the development of creativity and leadership skills critical for success in a global economy. Learn how to take your ideas from concept to execution. Take a course on the entrepreneurial mindset, attend a guest lecture and collaborate with peers and mentors in our coworking space.
Learn to Lead
The Hynes Institute has curricular offerings for every type of Iona student. Get a taste of entrepreneurial thinking, then dive deeper into design thinking, business modeling and leadership with our undergraduate minor, two undergraduate majors, or graduate certificate program that can be taken alone or as part of an MBA.
“When I began my graduate program at Iona University, I came across the Hynes Institute and it instantly felt like home. Although I wasn’t familiar with the concept of entrepreneurship, I felt it was the right time to delve into it and seize the opportunity. This wouldn’t have been possible without the team at Hynes.” -Emily Rosa ’22, ‘23MBA
“Hynes taught me the importance of having an open perspective and acting upon opportunity. A lot of times we worry about the future and it’s because we put constraints on our abilities and doubt our success. Hynes taught me how to believe in what I bring to the table and to always have confidence in myself.” -Kevin Mejia ‘23
“The Hynes Institute has greatly shaped the person I have become today. Before becoming a part of the Hynes Institute community, I was very unsure about my major career goals and what I wanted to accomplish in my career. They helped me discover my potential and got me out of my shell, which I view as the greatest advantage that I have gained through my experiences here.” -Isaiah Williams ‘23
“Since walking into the new space in 2019, my mindset has drastically changed. I went from practicing a fixed mindset – doubting myself and my abilities and not taking risks at all, to practicing a growth mindset – taking risks, learning from my mistakes, and firmly believing that I can improve myself through hard work and education. I was in awe of all of the amazing things happening at the Hynes Institute, and I wanted everything to do with it.” -Leah Figueroa ‘23
Ready. Set. Innovate.
The Iona Innovation Challenge is an annual pitch competition where students present solutions to real-world problems. Throughout the course of a semester, you’ll complete a series of milestones — a video pitch, an executive summary and a pitch slide deck — and receive feedback from industry and faculty mentors. Finalists will be invited to a live pitch event where the winners receive monetary prizes!
Take a Virtual Tour
Dream. Create. Lead.
With a free-flow workspace and 3D printer, the Hynes Institute offers space for students to learn and grow as they develop their entrepreneurial spirit.
Space to Create
The Hynes Institute is located at the center of campus at Spellman Hall; a 3,800-square-foot state-of-the-art coworking space offering a modern and sustainable home for creativity on campus.
GaelVentures
In this program, you’ll have access to GaelVentures, Iona’s own community incubator space. Work alongside fellow students, mentors, entrepreneur-in-residence and faculty members to develop your ideas and gain new perspectives on your work.
Hynes Institute By the Numbers
$15 Million
gift from James ’69, ’01H and Anne Marie Hynes established the Institute in 2017.
3,800
square feet of new, modern space was created to house the Institute in 2019.
$6,000
in total prize money awarded each year at the Iona Innovation Challenge.
Recent News
More News from the Hynes Institute
Iona University Students Empowering People with Disabilities to Become Entrepreneurs
Iona’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is teaming up with The Viscardi Center to advance entrepreneurship in a traditionally underrepresented community
Iona University to Welcome Largest Freshman Class in 5 Years
The momentum continues to rise as Iona announces one of its strongest, most selective and most diverse classes yet!