Global Entrepreneur in Residence Pilot Program

The first initiative of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

GEIR

Program Overview

Applications open in February 2025 with rolling reviews—apply early to secure your spot!

NJIT is proud to launch the Global Entrepreneur in Residence (GEIR) program, offering international entrepreneurs, particularly those focused on AI technologies, a unique opportunity to grow their ventures while qualifying for a cap-exempt H-1B visa*. This innovative program leverages NJIT’s position as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation to support international talent and drive economic growth in New Jersey and beyond.

AI continues to shape the future of business and society. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, nearly two-thirds of top AI companies in the U.S. were founded or co-founded by immigrants, and 70% of graduate students in AI-related fields are international. The NJIT GEIR program bridges the gap for these visionaries, empowering them to stay, innovate, and thrive. The GEIR program at NJIT is specifically designed to support entrepreneurs working on transformative technologies, with a special emphasis on AI-driven startups. Participants will serve as Entrepreneurs In Residence to the Center for Student Entrepreneurship. Participants are expected to:

  • Serve as an Entrepreneur In Residence: Via a paid position, dedicate 8 hours per week mentoring NJIT students at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship, collaborating with faculty on entrepreneurial education, and contributing to our entrepreneurial ecosystem.  This paid position may serve to offset fees associated with participation in the program.

  • Build and Scale your venture: Leverage NJIT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and venture programming to accelerate the growth of your startup and focus on building and scaling to meet key milestones with the support of NJIT student interns.

  • Pathway to a Visa*: Qualify for a cap-exempt H-1B Visa through this program, enabling you to remain in the U.S. while focusing on your venture and contributing to the New Jersey economy.

 

Why Choose NJIT?

Ranked among the top 50 schools for entrepreneurship by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine for six consecutive years, NJIT is a hub for innovation. The GEIR program enhances this legacy by:

  • Offering participants access to NJIT’s Center for Student Entrepreneurship, startup ecosystem, and a vibrant community of AI-focused entrepreneurs.

  • Providing resources to guide extraordinary talent, secure long-term visa pathways, and advance startups to the next stage.

  • Supporting connections with strategic partners and industry leaders across New Jersey’s thriving tech and AI sectors.

Applications for the NJIT GEIR program will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged due to limited availability.

[CLICK HERE TO APPLY] 

For more details, contact entrepreneurship@njit.edu.

*H-1B visa eligibility and requirements apply.

Note : Open to Masters/PhD Level Students Graduating May 2025 and prior, who have an AI venture underway.