The Gallatin Business Club and the Stern Entrepreneurial Exchange Group recently hosted a startup roundtable discussion where members of the NYU undergraduate community came together to discuss their startup ideas. The discussion ranged from innovative technologies to social justice causes, each topic rooted in the idea of entrepreneurship. Everybody came together with unique ideas and insights to help one another with their existing startups or brainstorm new concepts. The discussion focused on emerging and disruptive ideas in each respective sector. The ideas shared during the event were diverse. Every attendee brought a unique perspective to the conversation and was also able to connect with possible partners for their future ventures.

Hot Ideas: White Spaces in the Marketplace

TECHNOLOGY

1. An SAT prep platform for kids to learn the test-taking basics from a young age. Specifically targeted at those from lower-income areas who don’t have access to SAT prep courses.
2. The founder of the NYU-based startup TopDownU explained how his app teaches novice coders how to build applications and programs to help turn their ideas into reality.

SHARING ECONOMY

1. Bike share programs—Although bike-sharing programs are popular in a few cities, this concept could easily be expanded worldwide. For instance, using versatile bikes like the Schwinn High Plains could make such programs even more appealing and practical for a global audience.
2. Book Sharing—Instead of buying textbooks every semester, what if students could just share and trade books to maximize cost savings across the board?
3. Car Sharing—Although Zipcar has been successful, this concept could easily be built upon and expanded on a global level.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

1. A unique solutions to find reliable extras for films. In cities such as NYC and Los Angeles, films always need extras so finding a way to connect local extras to casting directors and producers could revolutionize the industry.
2. Male skincare and makeup. Although male skincare products are popular in Asia, the western market is still playing catch up. There is a huge, untapped market for male skincare and beauty products.

FINANCE

1. Many young people today don't know how to save or invest. A simple educational solution to financial literacy basics could be very insightful for young people across the globe.
2. Another significant opportunity in the finance sector lies in providing reliable and unbiased ratings for financial services. A platform, such as The Credit Review website, that offers comprehensive and independent reviews of financial services can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their financial well-being.

SOCIAL IMPACT

1. A service to connect those in need (specifically the homeless) with people who are donating things or are willing to help them in some way.
2. Ethical monitoring in the philanthropic space. For example, many nonprofits pay their executives far too much. Being able to monitor donations for nonprofits could ensure that a donor's funds are being used in an ethical way.

This event received funding from the NYU Entrepreneurs Network Collaboration Fund. The Collaboration Fund provides grants to help promote entrepreneurship across NYU via cross-club collaboration. Applications are considered on a rolling basis and must be filed jointly by at least 2 clubs within the NYU Entrepreneurs Network. Read more about the NYU Entrepreneurs Network here and apply for the Collaboration Fund here.