New York City is home to one of the largest tech and entrepreneurship communities in the world, but international entrepreneurs face many challenges when trying to build their businesses in the United States.
The International Innovators Initiative (IN2NYC) is a program that creates a pathway for international entrepreneurs to build their businesses in New York City and create jobs for New Yorkers. IN2NYC facilitates collaborative partnerships between international entrepreneurs and partner schools, enabling entrepreneurs to qualify for cap-exempt H-1B visas while helping partner schools attract innovators that can develop entrepreneurship and technical programs for their students.
HOW DOES IN2NYC WORK?Entrepreneurs selected through a competitive process will be matched with one of seven partner schools in New York City. Entrepreneurs and their partner schools will form collaborative partnerships that will enable entrepreneurs to qualify for cap-exempt H-1B visas. As part of these partnerships, entrepreneurs will dedicate their time and expertise to contribute to their partner school's community in some fashion, such as by collaborating on academic research, developing entrepreneurship programs, mentoring students, or managing student interns. Entrepreneurs will lease workspace in their partner school's incubator and receive access to office amenities, support services, and technical equipment.
Interested entrepreneurs may apply for partnership with up to three schools. Information on the seven partner schools can be found on the Partner Schools page.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?IN2NYC is designed for international entrepreneurs who have started a business overseas and would like to relocate or expand their business to the United States. International students graduating from U.S. universities who have started their own businesses are also eligible to apply. All applicants must have an established business offering a product and/or service suitable for the NYC market at time of application.
Upon acceptance to the program, entrepreneurs must be willing to incorporate their business in the United States and establish an independent board of directors. Additional information on program requirements can be found on the FAQ page.
WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS OPEN?Applications are now open! Deadline is Friday, February 1. Click here to learn more!
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