Cornell Engineering is proud to announce the Jiang Fellows program with the generous support of Tianyi (TJ) Jiang '96, Ph.D. The program will succeed the Kessler Fellows program, which sunset this year after 15 years of fostering entrepreneurial growth among Cornell juniors.

Jiang co-founded AvePoint in 2001, serving as COO and co-CEO prior to becoming CEO in 2019. After experiencing the September 11 tragedy firsthand, he realized how important it is to do something one is passionate about. Shortly after, he pursued a graduate degree and started his entrepreneurial journey building new software.

The Kessler Fellows program, made possible by the generosity of Andrew J. Kessler '80, provided students with a weekly stipend during their summer internship and covered travel costs. The program welcomed its last cohort in 2024, which consisted of 20 students who interned at startups around the globe.

Reflecting on the impact of the Kessler Fellows program, Jiang shared, "The Kessler program already has a great track record of success. Of the 200+ Kessler Fellows, well over 30% of these incredible Cornellians have gone on to create their own startups. My hope is to add and enrich that experience more, ideally to enhance the probability of creating future industry titans who will bring positive impact."

The Jiang Fellows program will maintain a similar structure to its predecessor but with an expanded focus on international startups.

"This program aims to sponsor students to work internationally as well as in the United States of America,” Jiang said. “This expansion will give students rich international exposure, allowing them to gain valuable multicultural experiences that will broaden their perspectives, enhance their adaptability and develop a global mindset — all of which are crucial in today's interconnected world."

Selected Jiang Fellows will spend their spring semester completing a one-credit course designed to explore fundamental topics in entrepreneurship and cultivate their readiness for a summer internship experience at a startup. During the course, students research potential startups, engage with Entrepreneurs in Residence, who offer their advice and expertise as they begin to secure internships, and begin securing internship placements.  

"I am especially excited to work directly with passionate and talented Cornell students," Jiang said. "It’s been a while since I taught and mentored undergraduates, but my experience teaching data mining and machine learning as a graduate student at NYU Stern ignited a passion for education. To now give back to my alma mater in this way is an incredible privilege, and I can’t wait to start."

Over the summer, students will fully immerse themselves in the startup environments and gain invaluable firsthand experience across various aspects of the business. At the conclusion of the internship, students will present their reflections on their experiences, sharing insights and lessons learned.

Interested in becoming a Jiang Fellow? Attend the virtual information session Oct. 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. ET, and apply by Oct. 16.