The Urban Tech Hub was made possible by a generous gift from Stephen M. Ross, philanthropist, and Chairman of Related Companies, as well as the Julis Rabinowitz Family who provided support for the foundational research and scoping to ensure the Hub meets industry needs.
The conference continued Cornell Tech’s collaboration with the MTA, which averted a shutdown of the L train so dreaded that New Yorkers dubbed it the “L-apocalypse.”
As part of the launch, the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Dual Master of Science Degrees with a Concentration in Urban Tech was established. The inaugural class of Urban Tech master’s students matriculated in Fall 2020.
Samuelian’s prior private and public sector leadership roles on projects throughout New York included the reactivation of Governors Island, rebuilding Lower Manhattan, and the development of Hudson Yards. Of the appointment, Greg Morrisett, the Jack and Rilla Neafsey Dean and Vice Provost of Cornell Tech, said, “Throughout his career, Michael has transformed grand visions into real-world solutions, which is what we challenge our students to do every day at Cornell Tech.”
In November 2021, Urban Tech Hub hosted the SCNY Urban Tech Summit. Across three days, over 2,000 participants joined both in-person and virtually from all over the world as thought leaders delved into topics such as climate solutions, infrastructure, reaching climate goals, racial equality in tech, surveillance, safe streets, a digital locker, and procurement in the digital age.
In January 2022, after a year of work, the Hub released the final Rebooting NYC report, which proposes new and existing urban tech solutions to some of New York City’s biggest challenges. This research effort helped shine a light on how tech can help make the city run better while increasing access and equity through the responsible use of new digital technologies.
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No other institution is better positioned to lead the urban technology transformation than Cornell Tech.
The Jacobs Institute fosters radical experimentation at the intersection of research, education, and entrepreneurship. Established jointly by Cornell University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, the Jacobs Institute mission is to transform key industries through technological innovation, deep-tech startups, and uniquely skilled talent.
Cornell Tech is Cornell University’s groundbreaking campus for technology research and education on Roosevelt Island in New York City. Our faculty, students and industry partners work together in an ultra-collaborative environment, pushing inquiry further and developing meaningful technologies for a digital society. Founded in partnership with the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and the City of New York, Cornell Tech achieves global reach and local impact, extending Cornell University’s long history of leading innovation in computer science and engineering.
