Innovation Meets the Big Apple

This fall break, students from the NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship program traveled to New York City for a week packed with exclusive access to business leaders, immersion in local culture and firsthand exposure to real-world innovation. The trip’s unique value lies in providing students with opportunities not typically found in the classroom or other university programs – from boardroom meetings to Broadway experiences – at the very heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Meeting Leaders and Innovators

Throughout the trip, students seamlessly engaged with founders, executives and alumni, gaining insight and making an impact across industries.

• Madison Energy – Students explored the clean energy landscape with Madison Energy, learning how innovation in renewables is driving the future of infrastructure and sustainability. The discussion centered on how mission-driven companies can scale impact while remaining competitive in rapidly changing markets, as well as on each employee’s personal entrepreneurial journey.
• Sarah Fishbein – Students had the opportunity to have lunch with former editorial video producer turned Pop Art-inspired visual artist, Sarah Fishbein. Sarah shared expertise about the fine art market, finding your niche and perseverance in creative entrepreneurship.
• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT NYC) – Visiting FIT exposed students to how design, branding and innovation intersect in the fashion and retail industries. They saw how creativity and entrepreneurship work hand in hand to shape global trends.
• Whop – At Whop, a growing e-commerce platform, students met with team members who shared what it is like to build a rapidly scaling startup. They discussed platform strategy and what it means to innovate at speed in an increasingly digital world.
• Larry Spera – A trusted mentor in the NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship network, Larry offered personal guidance on navigating career paths, leveraging opportunities and embracing risk in the pursuit of meaningful work.
• Cliff Knight and Scott Peeler – Through conversations with these experienced leaders, students gained valuable perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship and resilience, underscoring how mentorship can help shape the next generation of innovators.

Experiencing New York’s Cultural Landscape

Innovation does not just happen in meeting rooms – it thrives in environments that spark creativity. Students immersed themselves in New York’s cultural and artistic landscape, experiencing some of the city’s most iconic attractions:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) and the American Museum of Natural History inspired awe and reflection on how history, art and innovation intertwine.
• The Edge at Hudson Yards offered a literal new perspective of the city, reminding students of the scale of ambition that defines New York.
• And of course, several Broadway plays — including Hadestown and Operation Mincemeat — showcased the power of storytelling, creativity and collaboration, themes that resonate deeply with entrepreneurship.

While staff arranged special outings to the American Museum of Natural History and The Edge, students also enjoyed significant autonomy to explore independently. Several students took advantage of the opportunity to visit the MET and attend Broadway plays during their free time, which is an uncommon level of flexibility and choice that distinguishes this trip from standard university travel experiences.

Why It Matters

The NYC Fall Break Trip is more than a travel opportunity – it is a transformative experience because of its unparalleled access to thought leaders, vibrant cultural experiences and direct exposure to the intersection of innovation and industry. Students left with fresh perspectives on:

• The value of networking with mentors and alumni who have paved their own unique paths.
• The importance of immersing oneself in cultural experiences that fuel creativity and broaden worldviews.

As one student shared, the trip “made the idea of pursuing big dreams feel tangible.”

Looking Ahead

Trips like this are at the heart of NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s mission: to equip students with the tools, networks and inspiration to create change. Whether students want to launch startups, lead organizations or innovate within established industries, seeing innovation in action leaves a lasting impact.

For students considering future trips: don’t hesitate – seize the opportunity. Take the leap to build connections, ignite new passions and step beyond your comfort zone. Say yes to experiences that will challenge, inspire and shape your journey as an innovator.