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

Christy McDowel speaking into a mic

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

Meet and Repeat [PIHE]

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. Learn More


Corporate Relations

Giving Opportunities

Support an academic entrepreneurial program or finance a space where students can brainstorm and collaborate on business ideas and ventures.

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Members

Become a member and help the Pillsbury Institute provide professional expertise for student entrepreneurs.

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Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship News

Participants clapping at the inaugural Health for the Future Student Design Competition
April 17, 2026

Students design wellness solutions for North Carolina community

During a weekend design challenge, students focused on building a more connected wellness ecosystem

student team working
March 24, 2026

Hackathon provides industry exposure for students, fresh ideas for Hilton

The Pillsbury Institute’s industry ties include the Hospitality Hackathon, in which students leverage data to address Hilton’s business challenges

James-Meli-2025-Hospitality-Business-Plan-Competition-600×400-1.png
February 24, 2026

Entrepreneur in Residence Spotlight: Meli James ’00

Pillsbury Institute’s longest-serving Entrepreneur in Residence creates resources and opportunities to support Hawaii’s next generation of entrepreneurs


PIHE Events

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
REGISTER HERE Join us for an intimate conversation with Elaine Chon-Baker, founder and investor in restaurants and hospitality tech, and...
9:00am - 10:00am EDT -04:00
189 Statler Hall
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Elaine Chon-Baker, Founder & Managing Partner,Mokja Ventures · Funding and Fundraising · Startup Scaling and Founder Coaching · Tech and...
9:00am - 4:00pm EDT -04:00
189 Statler Hall
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Steve Chasen ’91, Founder & Managing Partner,Deep Channel Partners · Strategic Planning · Cross-functional Team Leadership · Sales · Meet...
9:00am - 4:00pm EDT -04:00
189 Statler Hall
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Hospitality Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI:Technology, People, and the Future of Restaurantsroundtable By invitation only The roundtable will feature...
8:30am - 3:30pm EDT -04:00
Silver Birch, 5th Floor Statler Hall
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Meli James ’00, Co-Founder,Mana Up Entrepreneurship Venture capital E-commerce Digital marketing Consumer packaged goods (CPG) Meet with Meli
10:00am - 4:00pm EDT -04:00
189 Statler Hall
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Building Desire: Creating Premium Consumer Experiences Through Marketplaces, Brand, and Technology   REGISTER HERE   Join us for an intimate...
9:00am - 10:00am EDT -04:00
189 Statler Hall
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Meli James ’00, Co-Founder,Mana Up Entrepreneurship Venture capital E-commerce Digital marketing Consumer packaged goods (CPG) Meet with Meli
12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT -04:00
189 Statler Hall
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Mike Greene ’13, CEO & President,Skylark Marketplace Startups Product Development Strategy & Partnerships F&B tech Luxury travel Meet with Mike
2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT -04:00
189 Statler Hall
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
End of Semester Student Celebration By invitation only   REGISTER HERE   As the academic year comes to a close,...
4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT -04:00
Park Atrium