Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

At Iona University, we know that everyone — regardless of major or program — can be an entrepreneurial and innovative leader.

The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is an interdisciplinary hub for the development of creativity and leadership skills critical for success in a global economy. Learn how to take your ideas from concept to execution. Take a course on the entrepreneurial mindset, attend a guest lecture and collaborate with peers and mentors in our coworking space.

Nationally Recognized

Iona University's Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has been nationally recognized with the prestigious 2025 Model Program Award - Small Institution by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). This award highlights the Institute's impactful entrepreneurial programs and dedication to empowering students with the entrepreneurial skills and vision needed for success.

Learn to Lead

The Hynes Institute has curricular offerings for every type of Iona student. Get a taste of entrepreneurial thinking, then dive deeper into design thinking, business modeling and leadership with our undergraduate minor, two undergraduate majors, health and wellness entrepreneurship track or graduate certificate program that can be taken alone or as part of an MBA.

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Minor in Artificial Intelligence

Our interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence (AI): Foundations and Applications Minor is designed for students of all majors. Explore these powerful tools and learn how to use them in ethical, productive and innovative ways.

Learn More: AI Minor

Contact: Rob Kissner

What Our Students Are Saying

“I have found a true home on the Iona campus, through faculty and staff. The Hynes Institute has changed my life… Iona University is a well of experiences if you're willing to immerse yourself and step outside your comfort zone.” – Tonian Fullerton ’24, entrepreneurship major

“Hynes has provided me with a warm and welcoming environment to try all that they have in terms of competitions, hackathons and classes, which have helped me become fully immersed in entrepreneurship.” -Louis Porco '25

"Even as a biology major, I was able to dive into the business world as something that was always interesting to me and has something to do with any career path." -Lazar Paroški '25

“When I began my graduate program at Iona University, I came across the Hynes Institute and it instantly felt like home. Although I wasn’t familiar with the concept of entrepreneurship, I felt it was the right time to delve into it and seize the opportunity. This wouldn’t have been possible without the team at Hynes.” -Emily Rosa ’22, ‘23MBA

“Hynes taught me the importance of having an open perspective and acting upon opportunity. A lot of times we worry about the future and it’s because we put constraints on our abilities and doubt our success. Hynes taught me how to believe in what I bring to the table and to always have confidence in myself.” -Kevin Mejia ‘23

“The Hynes Institute has greatly shaped the person I have become today. Before becoming a part of the Hynes Institute community, I was very unsure about my major career goals and what I wanted to accomplish in my career. They helped me discover my potential and got me out of my shell, which I view as the greatest advantage that I have gained through my experiences here.” -Isaiah Williams ‘23

“Since walking into the new space in 2019, my mindset has drastically changed. I went from practicing a fixed mindset – doubting myself and my abilities and not taking risks at all, to practicing a growth mindset – taking risks, learning from my mistakes, and firmly believing that I can improve myself through hard work and education. I was in awe of all of the amazing things happening at the Hynes Institute, and I wanted everything to do with it.” -Leah Figueroa ‘23

Ready. Set. Innovate.

The Iona Innovation Challenge is an annual pitch competition where students present solutions to real-world problems. Throughout the course of a semester, you’ll complete a series of milestones — a video pitch, an executive summary and a pitch slide deck — and receive feedback from industry and faculty mentors. Finalists will be invited to a live pitch event where the winners receive monetary prizes!

Iona Innovation Challenge

Christoph Winkler works with students on the business models canvas.

Take a Virtual Tour

Dream. Create. Lead.

With a free-flow workspace and 3D printer, the Hynes Institute offers space for students to learn and grow as they develop their entrepreneurial spirit.

See what makes the Hynes Institute unique

Three students at the Hynes institute have a discussion while one is reading to them from an open book.

Space to Create

The Hynes Institute is located at the center of campus at Spellman Hall; a 3,800-square-foot state-of-the-art coworking space offering a modern and sustainable home for creativity on campus.

Explore the Space

GaelVentures

In this program, you’ll have access to GaelVentures, Iona’s own community incubator space. Work alongside fellow students, mentors, entrepreneur-in-residence and faculty members to develop your ideas and gain new perspectives on your work.