Idea Generation Resources at Cornell
- Entrepreneurship At Cornellis a diverse, university-wide program that finds and fosters the entrepreneurial spirit in participants from every college at Cornell. You can also browse the list of all Cornell startups here.
- Cornell StartupsBrowse this list curated by Entrepreneurship at Cornell
- Rev Ithaca Startup Worksis a business incubator located in downtown Ithaca. Rev offers entrepreneurs expert advice (from seasoned and successful entrepreneurs) and space to grow their business. Talk to this community of entrepreneurs to find or validate a new idea.
- Center for Technology Licensing (CTL)is Cornell University's technology transfer office and manages technology innovations for Cornell's Ithaca campus, Weill Cornell Medical Colleges, Cornell Tech, and the New York State Agricultural Experiment station in Geneva. The CTL is looking to bring the University-originated innovations to the marketplace and hence is a great place to find ideas for a tech-based startup.
Primary Research Tools
- Qualtrics (at Cornell University)As part of the Cornell Community you have access to Qualtrics- a survey tool to engage in primary research. The Cornell policy on doing Human Participant Research requires the researchers to secure prior approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). You could find survey audience among your classmates, friends, and various clubs at Johnson and/or Cornell.
- SurveyMonkeyThis is a free resource (with paid options for advance research) to do primary research at the national level in the U.S.
Idea Generation: Tools
- Crowdfunding
Get inspiration from major crowdfunding websites by following products/ideas that are successful in generating funds. - Business Journals and Newspapers
For trend-spotting and articles about new products/services. Selected journals include: Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Industry and Innovation, Business Week, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and MIT Technology Review. - Patents
Reviewing recent patents can offer a goldmine of ideas. The Engineering Library has excellent guide on patent research (click on Patents to access the guide.) - Lists of companies ranked by various criteria
Many publications such as Forbes, Inc. and Fast Company track fastest-growing and “top” companies in different locations or industries. Search library article databases such as Business Source Complete, ProQuest Direct and Factiva to find coverage of how other firms have made their mark.
- Google Trends
Use Google Trends tool to see what is currently trending and what has been popular. Try searching "ipod" or "startups".
Idea Generation: Books
The following "business idea generation" books are recommended and are located in the ILR Library.
How we make stuff now by
Call Number: ILR Library, HF5415.153 .P54 2019This step-by-step DIY guide shows today’s entrepreneurs how to create and launch new products, package and market them to consumers, and build a thriving business.
The Art of the Start by Call Number: ILR Library, HD62.5 .K38 2004A new product, a new service, a new company, a new division, a new anything - where there's a will, Kawasaki shows the way with his essential steps to launching one's dreams.My big idea: 30 successful entrepreneurs reveal how they found inspiration by
This book is available online.
The Myths of Creativity by Call Number: ILR Library, HD53 .B87 2014How to get past the most common myths about creativity to design truly innovative strategies? Written by David Burkus, founder of popular leadership blog LDRLB For anyone who struggles with creativity, or who makes excuses for delaying the work of innovation, The Myths of Creativity will help you overcome your obstacles to finding new ideas.
