Parsons Entrepreneurship Lab (ELab) is a transformative initiative within Parsons that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, guidance, and community support to drive meaningful change. Through research, mentorship, and events, ELab creates a space where students can grow and refine their ideas with impact-driven strategies.

A recent highlight from ELab’s contributions to entrepreneurial thought is the release of A Design-Driven Guide for Entrepreneurs: Strategies for Starting Up in a Multiverse, co-authored by ELab founder and director Rhea Alexander, MSSDM Alum, part-time faculty and former Elab research assistant, Rose Pember, and former part-time faculty Kiely Sweat and Joseph Press. This book provides entrepreneurs with adaptable frameworks and case studies that illustrate the power of design-driven approaches in today’s complex business landscape. Filled with case studies from the Elab fellowship. For students, the book serves as both a strategic tool and a source of inspiration to integrate sustainability and impact into their ventures.

ELab’s latest research paper, AI: Friend or Foe for Female-Identifying Founders? dives into the role of artificial intelligence in the startup landscape, particularly for female-identifying founders. This timely study highlights both the potential advantages and challenges that AI presents, emphasizing how these technologies can support or hinder inclusivity and equity in entrepreneurship. The research encourages a nuanced view of AI, advocating for more accessible resources and equitable practices to empower underrepresented founders in tech-enabled spaces.

ELab’s event lineup has also been instrumental in fostering engagement and learning. During Climate Week, ELab collaborated with The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative to host a thought-provoking discussion with Daniel Cervenka (former Elab fellow), Elise Orlowski, and Ilja Panić of The Convergence, a creative impact studio. This event centered on climate action through entrepreneurship, equipping students with the insights needed to approach environmental issues innovatively.

Additionally, ELab recently organized a panel discussion on alternative funding methods for impact ventures, featuring prominent voices in the field, including Aerica Shimizu Banks, Aryuna Merdygeeva, and Jennifer Hatch. This event explored creative funding options for impact-driven startups, encouraging students to think beyond traditional financing and embrace innovative ways to fund their ventures.

Previous events have featured mentorship sessions with experts like VensureHR, who provided students with practical advice on scaling startups and navigating early business challenges. ELab has also hosted workshops with our 5th Avenue neighbors Cardozo School of Law to help founders understand the legal landscape of incorporating and operating businesses in the United States. These sessions cover essential topics like business structure, intellectual property, and compliance, empowering students to build ventures on a solid legal foundation.

Regular pitch events and workshops further enrich the ELab experience, offering students and recently minted alumni valuable feedback, investor connections, and a supportive network within and beyond the Parsons community in an extra/post-curricular experience.

ELab remains dedicated to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful. For more updates on ELab’s upcoming events and initiatives, follow them on Instagram or LinkedIn, and email them at parsonselab@gmail.com to join their community WhatsApp group!