Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
About the program · 2 linked sources
Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab (ELab)
Design-led university incubator and research lab founded in 2014, housed in the School of Design Strategies at Parsons School of Design. Structured as a non-profit incubator with a distributed network model, supporting student and recent alumni startups with programming, mentorship, and venture development.
ELab offers workshops, panel discussions, design challenges, incubator cohorts, and accelerators. The program culminates in a Demo Day where teams pitch to investors and the community. Integrated into broader Parsons Festival and venture showcase events including Narwhal Tank.
Located at 2 W 13th St, New York, NY.
Also known as: Parsons ELab, ELab, Parsons School of Design Entrepreneurial Lab
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.
Key numbers
Funding range
Not listed
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2025-05-01
High confidence
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Reminders
Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
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Student experiences · Read or add a note
Student notes
Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab
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Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Baggu
The New School
Reusable bags and accessories brand founded by Parsons alum Emily Sugihara.
Jhoule
The New School
Sustainable product venture by Parsons alum Yogita Agrawal; includes UNICEF-supported Soapen.
Outdoor Voices
The New School
Activewear brand founded by Parsons alum Tyler Haney.
Ware Innovations
The New School
Sustainable product venture founded by Yogita Agrawal (Parsons BFA Product Design '15), including UNICEF-supported Soapen. Documented Parsons eLab alumni outcome.
Program details
Assessment
ELab is the primary entrepreneurship program at The New School. Design-led approach differentiates it from traditional tech incubators. Strong longevity (since 2014) and integration with academic programs. However, it is programmatic rather than providing physical incubation space, and funding details (stipends, grants) are not publicly specified. Best characterized as a design-driven venture development program rather than a capitalized accelerator.
Sources
Related
Additional research notesShow
Evidence
The New School's official Management & Entrepreneurship ecosystem page lists ELab as a university incubator. Academic literature has documented ELab as a "design school incubator" (Academia.edu paper on design-entrepreneurship). Active since 2014 with ongoing event activity through the mid-2020s.
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Parsons Entrepreneurial Lab at The New School.
2 sources
# 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).
# 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.