The Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub)
Leading innovation across industries
The SPS Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub) fosters entrepreneurship, experiential learning and creative solutions across the industries SPS serves. State-of-the-art facilities with innovative software and tech offer students, start-ups, and industry partners a place to learn and grow.
What We Do
Artificial intelligence, digital marketing, virtual reality, sustainability, and globalization are all factors that leaders of today’s industries and sectors will need to consider as they plan their strategy for the future. The SPS Hospitality Innovation Hub provides a place for them to congregate, debate, and create. It illustrates our deep commitment to encouraging the innovation that will drive the change to come.
A Facility that Reflects the Future of the Hospitality Industry
A flexible classroom and event space, equipped with the latest instructional and video conferencing technologies. This space is fully equipped with coding and virtual reality equipment, allowing budding entrepreneurs to rapid-test their ideas and bring their creative concepts to life.
The Incubator Program
A six-month program where up to 10 early and advanced-stage startups are mentored by one of our 40+ industry partners, with cash prizes of up to $20,000. Students can also join the Student Investment Club, gaining hands-on experience by creating and recommending investment proposals for early-stage startups through the Incubator Program’s KISS Fund.
Learn More About the HI Hub Incubator Program
HI Hub Experiential Learning Lab
The lab makes technology and software innovations from various sectors various sectors into classrooms and virtual spaces, enabling students, faculty, and industry partners to learn and experiment. It also fosters collaboration between student and faculty researchers on projects addressing real-world industry challenges.
Learn More About The Experiential Learning Lab
Real World Courses
Learn More About Real World Experiences
Recap
Rural Tourism Network Interview
December 20, 2024
Recap
Boost Interview
December 20, 2024
Recap
PacknGo Interview
December 20, 2024
Recap
A Recap of the Bridging Generations: HI Hub Incubator Connections Event
June 02, 2025
Experiential learning
The NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator and Partner Tech4TH Solutions Launch First Annual Idea Hackathon
December 10, 2024
News and announcements
JetBlue MasterClass: October 18, 2023
March 28, 2025
Thought leadership
RTN HI HUB Incubator Pitch Wins $20,000
May 14, 2025
Recap
MasterClass with Melina: March 5, 2025
June 04, 2025
Experiential learning
The NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator and Partner Tech4TH Solutions Launch First Annual Idea Hackathon
December 10, 2024
Experiential learning
Student Startup Promotes Sustainable Rural Tourism
December 20, 2024
In the news
NYU SPS Sparks Entrepreneurship in Students
December 20, 2024
News and announcements
JetBlue MasterClass: October 18, 2023
March 28, 2025
Recap
MasterClass with Melina: March 5, 2025
June 04, 2025
Recap
Fall 2021 Master Class - October 5, 2021
January 26, 2026
Recap
PITCH YOUR PASSION DAY! - December 16, 2021
January 26, 2026
Recap
Virtual Round Table Conversation - Mr. Tariq Farid , Founder & CEO of Edible Brands - Moderated by Dr. Richie Karaburun - November 30, 2021
January 26, 2026
What’s Happening
Message From the Director
Welcome to the Hospitality Innovation Hub — where vision meets action to propel the future of industry.
The Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub) at the NYU School of Professional Studies is not just a space or a program but rather a connective ecosystem that empowers all of SPS and its partners to collaborate and develop in order to lead in the 21st century.
Driven by the world-class academic excellence of NYU SPS, the HI Hub fosters entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and creative solutions. State-of-the-art facilities, immersive learning experiences, cutting-edge applied research, startup incubation, and direct engagement with industry leaders and disruptors offer students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners a place to think beyond boundaries and execute on these ambitions. In doing so, we are cultivating the next generation of the most promising and skilled thinkers and doers.
Our transformation is part of Dean Kamath’s larger mission to position SPS as a unique model for industry-focused education. We are shaping professionals who not only meet the demands of today’s workforce but also redefine them. By expanding across sectors, the HI Hub enhances its impact across verticals: from real estate and sports business to media, tourism, and tech.
At the core of our work is a deep belief in innovation with purpose and inclusion. We prepare our community not just to anticipate what is next but to create what is next and to innovate while valuing diverse voices, equitable opportunity, and global vision. Whether through groundbreaking student ventures, collaborative research, or thought leadership that challenges the status quo, the Hospitality Innovation Hub is a place where ambition meets impact.
As Associate Director of the Hospitality Innovation Hub, I am inspired daily by the boldness and brilliance of our community. Our students arrive with the most inquisitive questions and leave with game-changing solutions.
We invite you to explore our space, engage with our programs, reach out with your next great idea, and join us in shaping the industries of tomorrow.
Ryan Hung
Associate Director, Hospitality Innovation Hub
HI Hub Sponsors
Technology Companies that Support the HI Hub Mission
