Syracuse University selects Linda Hartsock to lead Blackstone LaunchPad project

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The woman who served as director of Syracuse University’s Connective Corridor project is now leading a new effort aimed at spurring entrepreneurship and innovation.

Linda Hartsock will lead the university’s Blackstone LaunchPad project beginning March 16, David Seaman, Syracuse University’s dean of libraries, said in a news release.

Hartsock worked on the Connective Corridor project as part of the school’s office of community engagement and economic development. The Connective Corridor is a collaboration between Syracuse University, the City of Syracuse, and Onondaga County to connect University Hill with downtown Syracuse.

Blackstone LaunchPad is a campus-based, “experiential” entrepreneurship program open to students, alumni, staff, and faculty, which offers coaching, “ideation, and venture-creation support,” the school said.

“Syracuse University has a very robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Blackstone LaunchPad initiative will help enhance that strong foundation through expanded partnerships,” Hartsock said in the Syracuse news release. “I look forward to joining the team and supporting faculty, student, and alumni innovation through this exciting program.”

Syracuse University modeled its program on an initiative that the University of Miami originated and that the New York City–based Blackstone Charitable Foundation further expanded, according to the release.

Both Syracuse University and the Blackstone Charitable Foundation are funding the Blackstone LaunchPad, the school said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com