Blackstone LaunchPad Executive Director Jan Woodcock, ’86, ’91; Professor Sanjay Goel; Provost James Stellar; Blackstone Senior Managing Director Michael Nash ’83; University President Robert J. Jones; Blackstone LaunchPad Global Director Alisha Slye; and student entrepreneur Elsie Essien officiated at the Jan. 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Blackstone LaunchPad Débuts at UAlbany

The expansion of Blackstone Charitable Foundation’s LaunchPad program to the University at Albany and four other universities through a three-year, $4.5 million grant will nurture students seeking entrepreneurial success.

Blackstone LaunchPad in New York will connect UAlbany with other campuses, the business community and local entrepreneurs. Cornell University, New York University, 
Syracuse University, and the University at Buffalo are also partners in the initiative. With a physical presence on each campus and access to the Blackstone LaunchPad Global Network Technology Platform, the program has the potential to generate some 4,000 new ventures and 6,000 new jobs statewide over the next five years.

Announcing the venture in October, UAlbany President Robert J. Jones said, “We deeply appreciate this investment from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, and look forward to our continued collaboration as we support students in bringing their ideas to market – and attracting venture capital to our campus and our region.”

Sen. Charles Schumer added: “Blackstone’s LaunchPad program, with this new grant, will provide the tools that young entrepreneurs at our premier universities need to succeed and create the next generation of New York businesses.”  

New York is the eighth Blackstone LaunchPad region, joining Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Montana, California and Ireland.