Program Overview
In 2026, Weill Cornell Medicine was awarded a grant from New York State-Empire State Development to establish a Global Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (GEIR) Program. The program will be an engine for attracting exceptional international entrepreneurs to New York state, specifically those who are developing innovative healthcare technologies and wish to build or expand their companies in New York state.
The GEIR program will offer a multi-step approach that combines rigorous entrepreneurship education, mentorship and access to one of the world’s leading academic medical centers to help founders accelerate the commercialization of their biomedical innovations while establishing long-term business operations in New York.
GEIRs will join Weill Cornell Medicine in a part-time appointment for 2-2.5 years while simultaneously working to establish and/or grow their healthcare ventures. During this time, GEIRs will:
- Receive structured education in life sciences entrepreneurship training through BioVenture eLab.
- Work with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry executives who provide individualized mentorship.
- Engage with Weill Cornell Medicine's world-class research, clinical and innovation ecosystem.
- Serve as mentors and guest lecturers for faculty, students and trainees participating in entrepreneurship programs.
- Build meaningful connections across Cornell University and with New York's life sciences community, investors, strategic partners and industry leaders.
The GEIRs will enrich Weill Cornell’s entrepreneurial environment by sharing perspectives on healthcare delivery, regulatory strategy, commercialization and entrepreneurship while contributing to New York state’s growing life sciences economy.
As employees of Weill Cornell Medicine, GEIRs are eligible for cap-exempt H-1B visa sponsorship. Once their New York-based company is established, entrepreneurs may pursue an additional or concurrent visa sponsored by their startup, as permitted under U.S. immigration regulations.
For questions, contact Loren A. Busby at lob4002@med.cornell.edu.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Early-career scientist, clinician or business executive looking to form a startup or expand a business in New York state.
- Candidates must have the necessary education, preferably a Ph.D. M.D., or master’s degree.
- Candidates must have experience in operating and leading a business, taking and managing entrepreneurial risks, and a detailed business plan for the US market. The plan will include a compelling scientific data package and/or prototype (as applicable) as well as industry, market and competitor research demonstrating the unmet medical need and the desirability, feasibility and viability of a US-based operation.
- Candidates must be located full-time in New York state while employed at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Upon formation, the candidates’ US operations must be headquartered and legally registered to do business in New York state and able to support any necessary concurrent visa. The company must operate in New York state for three (3) years post-completion of the GEIR program.
- Evidence of financial resources to support the business operations and/or potential for raising capital from US and/or international sources.
- A clear plan describing how Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University and New York state resources will contribute to the company’s growth. See below.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Resources
GEIRs will have opportunities to engage with numerous resources throughout the Weill Cornell Medicine and New York innovation ecosystems, including:
- Enterprise Innovation and BioVenture eLab commercialization expertise
- Research Core Facilities
- Data Core
- Faculty and clinical resources
- Cornell University innovation resources
- New York biotech and life science resources supported by NYS-ESD
Application Process:
Applications are accepted during the enrollment period. The inaugural enrollment period will begin on July 15 and run through August 30.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for eligibility and program fit. Competitive applications will be sent to the GEIR Advisory Council for a more in-depth review. The Council will select the most appropriate applicants in cooperation with BioVenture eLab leadership.
VISA Sponsorship
Selected applicants for the GEIR program are provided visa sponsorship, paid for by Weill Cornell Medicine using a portion of the funds allocated for this program. Individuals currently in the United States on an F-1 student visa, if selected, may transition to a cap-exempt H-1B visa through their employment at Weill Cornell Medicine. The new venture can apply for a separate and/or concurrent H-1B visa sponsored by their New York-based company, subject to applicable US immigration regulations.