Startup postdoctoral programme • New York City, USA
Runway Startup Postdoc at Cornell Tech
Explore a research-to-startup route for PhD founders developing digital technologies and testing a venture idea.
Programme and eligibility
Runway operates at the Jacobs Technion–Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech in New York City, United States. Its 12–24-month programme combines venture development with academic and business mentorship.
The application page accepts entrepreneurial PhDs who graduated within five years, and occasionally near-completion doctoral candidates. Digital-technology interests include AI, health technology, urban technology, security/privacy, computer vision and public-interest technology.
The application page and portal state an October 15–February 1 window without a year. Decisions are listed for April 25. Confirm the current cohort and exact submission time; do not reuse an earlier cohort’s February 15 deadline.
Support package and its components
The main programme and benefits pages advertise packages valued at US$175,000 in year one and US$150,000 in year two. These totals are not a cash salary.
| First-year component | Published value |
|---|---|
| Salary and housing allowance combined | US$80,000 per year |
| Research budget | US$20,000 per year |
| One-time IP registration and use | US$25,000 |
| Other benefits | Valued at US$50,000 per year |
Support includes entrepreneurship education, mentorship, workspace and maker-lab access. Confirm second-year availability and individual terms. A separate PiTech page still shows an older second-year value; the figures above follow the main Runway and benefits pages.
How to apply
- Open the official programme link below and choose Runway Application.
- Follow its linked online portal and confirm the active intake.
- Read the current form’s document, question and file requirements.
- Prepare answers grounded in your research, venture idea and available evidence.
- Submit and retain confirmation.
The public application page highlights entrepreneurial motivation, adaptability, teamwork and communication. Next steps may include Zoom interviews. Programme questions can be directed to runway@jacobs.cornell.edu.
A complete year-specific document checklist was not verified. Use the live portal rather than an old downloadable application form.
Prepare a credible research-to-product case
The following is CareerAidHub guidance, separate from formal programme requirements.
Define the user problem
Identify who faces the problem, how they manage it now and what evidence suggests they would use a different solution. Distinguish the user, buyer and decision-maker where these are different people.
Avoid replacing customer evidence with a broad market-size claim. Explain the first realistic use case and the assumptions you still need to test.
Explain your technical contribution
Describe what your research enables and why existing alternatives are insufficient. Use measured results carefully, including the evaluation conditions and limitations.
Separate demonstrated prototype performance from expected commercial performance. Explain what remains to be validated outside the laboratory.
Plan an achievable first stage
Set out the next experiment, prototype or customer-discovery activity. Identify what outcome would support continuing and what would make you change direction.
Estimate the people, equipment and data needed. State the assumptions behind costs and timelines instead of presenting uncertain projections as commitments.
Clarify ownership and team roles
Review obligations to current and former institutions, collaborators and funders. Seek appropriate advice where intellectual-property ownership or licensing is uncertain.
Explain your own role and the skills you would need from others. Keep confidential information out of an application unless disclosure is authorised and appropriate.
Assess the appointment terms
Confirm compensation, research-budget rules, second-year conditions, IP terms and relocation requirements in writing. International applicants should resolve the applicable authorisation process before committing to travel or leaving an existing role.
Career Accelerator Program support
CareerAidHub offers profile review, opportunity mapping, tailored CV and cover-letter feedback, research statement guidance, outreach planning and one-to-one mentorship.
For a startup postdoc, support can focus on explaining your technical contribution, presenting evidence clearly and identifying questions for the programme team.
CareerAidHub is independent of Cornell Tech and Technion. Support does not guarantee admission, investment or venture success.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Runway based?
At Cornell Tech in New York City, United States. The legacy URL’s Canada wording does not describe the programme location.
Is the package value a personal salary?
No. It combines compensation, research support and other benefits. See the breakdown above.
Is the next deadline definitely February 1, 2027?
The current pages give February 1 without a year or closing time. Confirm the cohort and exact cutoff in the portal or with the programme.
Can a late-stage PhD candidate apply?
The application page says such candidates are considered occasionally. Ask about your completion timeline before relying on eligibility.
Is this suited to a conventional academic postdoc plan?
Its purpose is venture development. Explain the product, user need and commercialisation questions your research could address.
What should I confirm about intellectual property?
Clarify ownership, prior employer or university obligations and the programme’s terms before disclosing restricted material or accepting an offer.
Will participation guarantee investment or a successful company?
No. Assess the support and risks against your project and personal circumstances.
Does CareerAidHub admit participants?
No. Cornell Tech runs selection. CareerAidHub provides independent application guidance.
Official Cornell Tech Runway information
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Checked against the main programme, application, benefits and linked portal pages. Confirm year-specific dates and appointment terms directly.
Official Runway Startup Postdoc programme, benefits and application
