Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship
The Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship engages leading industry experts and faculty to educate students and provide them with experiential opportunities to learn all aspects of entrepreneurship. To support these critical goals, the Pillsbury Institute offers students, entrepreneurs, and faculty an expanding range of courses, programs, and activities focused on advancing students’ entrepreneurship knowledge and mastery.
Directors’ welcome
As we reflect on the past year, I am incredibly proud of the forward momentum the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship has made. Our progress is all because of the community—students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners—that continues to strengthen our mission and our impact. Read More
Engagement
At all stages of ideation, the Pillsbury Institute offers students, entrepreneurs, and faculty a broad range of courses, programs, and activities in which to engage.
Corporate relations
Giving opportunities
Support an academic entrepreneurial program or finance a space where students can brainstorm and collaborate on business ideas and ventures.
Members
Become a member and help the Pillsbury Institute provide professional expertise for student entrepreneurs.
Featured stories
An Educational Hub for Hospitality Entrepreneurship
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship reaffirms its commitment to educating students, alumni and industry professionals.
Entrepreneur in Residence Spotlight: Grace Van Hollebeke ’19
Travel-tech executive Grace Van Hollebeke ’19 (CALS), a two-time founder, is passionate about mentoring the next generation of travel-tech entrepreneurs.
Cornell Business News
From running partners to business partners: The rise of Kube & Co.
Fourteen miles into a morning run, student athletes Ben Gibson and Mikey Dizon-Bumann had a problem to solve. Their iced coffee was getting watered down.
Ithaca Hummus founder Chris Kirby named 2026 Cornell Hospitality Innovator
Chris Kirby ’14, founder of Ithaca Hummus, is named 2026 Cornell Hospitality Innovator and will be honored June 2 in NYC for leadership and impact.
Hospitality competition winner plans to expand restaurant into a chain
Master’s student Avery Sheppard won $25,000 to put toward her fish and chips eatery by winning the Nolan School’s hospitality business plan competition.
Pillsbury Institute events
Join us at an upcoming event.
November 17, 2026 at 5:00pm
2026 Hospitality Business Plan Competition
Who will make it to the Top 10? Join us as student teams take the stage to pitch their innovative…
November 18, 2026 at 8:30am
PIHE Fall Advisory Board Meeting
By invitation only.
November 18, 2026 at 11:40am
Interactive Classroom Series: SESSION 3: Marriott Case Building Customers for Life: Loyalty and the Next Generation
Closed Session for HADM 3650: Persuasive Communication for Hospitality Leaders What makes you loyal to a brand, and how can…
November 19, 2026 at 8:30am
Entrepreneurs in Residence: Jen Collins ’99
Jen Collins ’99, Co-Founder & President, Procure Impact Expertise: Social Impact Finance & Asset Management Values-based Leadership & Culture Partnerships…
November 19, 2026 at 12:00pm
CONNECT & CREATE: SPEED NETWORKING Meet professionals. Explore careers. Build connections.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED What could one conversation lead to? Join the Pillsbury Institute for an interactive session of speed networking with…
November 19, 2026 at 4:30pm
PIHE 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
By invitation only.
January 2, 2027 at 4:30pm
PIHE Faculty and Board Member Networking Reception
By invitation only.