The Urban Tech Hub at Cornell Tech is an applied research and education centre within the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute. Its stated aim is to use digital technology to improve life in cities, while helping make them stronger, fairer and more resilient. The Hub works across research, education and partnerships, bringing together municipal governments, communities, established companies and urban technology startups. 1
Launched in 2020, the Hub is based at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City. Its founding director is urban planner Michael Samuelian, whose previous work includes Governors Island, Lower Manhattan and Hudson Yards. 35 The Hub’s work is centred on New York City, while its research also examines urban technology and city challenges beyond the region. 12
Its activities include applied research, student projects, public convenings and programmes to develop urban technology leaders. Early projects paired graduate students with partners including the MTA, ARUP and New York City agencies to address issues such as emissions, accessible transport and safety for domestic violence survivors. 6 A prominent policy project, Rebooting NYC, set out technology-related proposals for city leaders. 1114 The Hub has also published research on New York’s urban technology ecosystem and supported fellowships and startup development. 133