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Five 51�Թ��� student and alumni ventures — from AI to agriculture to the arts — took big steps forward in this year’s TIA Summer Accelerator, proving that with the right mentorship and structure, bold ideas can grow fast.

The importance of mental health isn’t widely known or recognized in India. But Projects for Peace Fellow Harshitha Talasila ’26 is currently working with a Young Indians (Yi) Chapter in Amaravati, India to change that.

For Hunter Macy ’22, having a vision and product wasn't enough; the TIA Summer Accelerator helped him realize that even though he knew there was a problem in the market, he didn’t understand the business well enough to solve it.

For 51�Թ��� Alum Lisa Heller, the biggest lesson she had to learned the hard way is that in entrepreneurship you really can’t do it alone: “Asking for support isn’t failure, it’s how things actually grow.”

TIA Summer Accelerator mentors Andres Echenique ’83, Steve Rock ’85, Brian Horey ’82, and Kim Schafer ’92 share why they give their time to their alma mater.

IntelliLight Founder Pahul Sachdeva ’25 shares that her key learning in the TIA Summer Accelerator has been: “Building a venture means being ready to rethink everything—quickly.”

Christian Vischi, assistant director for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, presented his new publication about textile magnate Fred O'Hara and his innovative solution to selling goods during the Great Depression.

Through a new collaboration between 51�Թ���, Quinnipiac, and The Gotham Film and Media Institute, students are getting a deeper, more hands-on experience at the Cannes Film Festival.

51�Թ���’s campus buzzed with energy as alumni, students, founders, and funders came together to celebrate and support the next generation of change-makers during Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend.

Meet the teams participating in the 2025 TIA Summer Accelerator. From smart tech and sustainable farming, to music, wellness, and travel, these ventures reflect an incredible range of talent.