The campus field guide
The New School
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Inside this ecosystem · 4 linked sources
The New School is a private university founded in 1919, located in Greenwich Village, New York City. Total enrollment of ~9,000-10,000 (degree-seeking). Comprises Parsons School of Design (#1 US art/design school, QS 2025), Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, College of Performing Arts, The New School for Social Research, and Schools of Public Engagement. Known for design, social sciences, and progressive education.
Include (design/impact venture source). The New School has a sustained entrepreneurship infrastructure anchored by Parsons ELab (since 2014), a named incubator with cohort-based venture development and investor-facing Demo Day. Multiple recurring pitch competitions (Narwhal Tank, New Challenge) and strong academic offerings (Creative Entrepreneurship minor, IEI minor) complement the incubator. The notable alumni entrepreneur network in fashion/design is exceptional. However, the institution lacks university-managed venture funding, formal accelerator, physical incubator space, and tech transfer infrastructure. Best classified as a design/impact venture source rather than a deep-tech commercialization hub.
How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-06-22); what those sources do not state is left unknown.
At a glance
Indexed programs
3
All currently active
Top direct funding
$0
Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
Equity
No equity on indexed programs
Program mix
3
Entrepreneurship Center · Pitch Competition · Incubator
Programs to explore
Compare funding, equity, and timing before you apply.
3 programs indexed
Pitch Competition
Narwhal Tank Impact Ventures Showcase
Pitch CompetitionAlso: Narwhal Tank, NYTank
$0
funding range
- Last activity
- 2025-05-01
- Participants
- Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students +more
- Verification
- Partially Verified
Incubator
Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
IncubatorAlso: Parsons ELab, ELab
—
funding range
- Last activity
- 2025-05-01
- Participants
- Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students +more
- Verification
- Verified
Entrepreneurship Center
Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
Entrepreneurship CenterAlso: IEI, New School Impact Entrepreneurship
$0
funding range
- Last activity
- 2025-09-01
- Participants
- Graduate Students
- Verification
- Partially Verified
From students
Be the first student from The New School to post a startup.
Post a startupFunding and Equity
No university-managed venture fund, seed fund, or proof-of-concept fund identified. The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative provides some venture support funding but amounts are not publicly specified. XRC Labs (external partner) invests equity in retail/consumer startups. ELab provides access to grants and competitions but does not directly deploy capital.
Recent Activity
2025: Narwhal Tank held during Parsons Festival. IEI active with fellowship cohorts. 2024: ELab continues incubator cohorts. 2023+: Management & Entrepreneurship ecosystem page maintained with current programming.
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Baggu
The New School · Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
Reusable bags and accessories brand founded by Parsons alum Emily Sugihara.
Jhoule
The New School · Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
Sustainable product venture by Parsons alum Yogita Agrawal; includes UNICEF-supported Soapen.
Outdoor Voices
The New School · Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
Activewear brand founded by Parsons alum Tyler Haney.
Ware Innovations
The New School · Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
Sustainable product venture founded by Yogita Agrawal (Parsons BFA Product Design '15), including UNICEF-supported Soapen. Documented Parsons eLab alumni outcome.
Historical winners (research notes)
- Outdoor Voices — Founded by Tyler Haney (Parsons alum). Activewear brand.
- Baggu — Founded by Emily Sugihara (Parsons alum). Reusable bags/accessories.
- Ware Innovations / Jhoule — Founded by Yogita Agrawal (Parsons BFA Product Design '15). Sustainable products; UNICEF-supported Soapen.
- Numerous fashion labels: Donna Karan (DKNY), Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Anna Sui, Narciso Rodriguez, Tracy Reese, Prabal Gurung.
Research gaps & things to verify
Missing Information
- ELab cohort sizes, selection metrics, and venture outcomes (funding raised, survival rates)
- Narwhal Tank prize amounts and specific winning ventures
- IEI current cohort size, funding amounts per fellow, and startup outcomes
- ELab physical incubator space (appears programmatic rather than physical)
- Current entrepreneurship student club activity (none identified by name)
- Tech transfer / IP commercialization office (none identified)
- New Challenge prize amounts and recent winners
More about this ecosystem
The New School
News & articles
4 news articles and official sources documenting entrepreneurship programs, winners, and activity at The New School.
4 sources
Official sources(4)
# The New School Entrepreneurship Academic Sources Supporting evidence for The New School's curricular entrepreneurship offerings and physical infrastructure. Includes Creative Entrepreneurship minor page (Parsons, 18-credit undergrad) and Parsons Making Center page (30,000+ sq ft prototyping facility with 3D printing, wood shop, ceramics).
# Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative Sources The New School centers/institutes page for the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative. University-wide graduate fellowship providing mentorship, training, and venture support for socially engaged entrepreneurs. Includes Venture Lab and graduate minor (9 credits). Competitive cohort-based admission.
# Narwhal Tank Sources The New School events page for the Narwhal Tank Impact Ventures Showcase held during Parsons Festival. 2025 event listing confirms recurring annual event. Showcases impact-driven student and alumni ventures across The New School ecosystem. Prizes, mentorship, and investor connections offered.
# Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab (ELab) Sources The New School centers/institutes page and ecosystem page documenting the Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab. Design-led research lab and incubator founded 2014 in the School of Design Strategies. Cohort-based incubator/accelerator program for student and alumni ventures. Culminates in Demo Day. Distributed network model.
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