New York City's tech sector is unique. Its information-driven economy is serving as the impetus for the development of many consumer-oriented companies focused specifically on technology to meet end users' needs, including those of NYC's core industries: media, advertising, finance, healthcare, real estate, fashion and design, to name a few. These companies are about technology that is designed in close collaboration with the users of that technology, are strongly connected through deep engagement with those customers, and are motivated to stay and grow right here because of their close ties to the city's tech ecosystem. NYC's tech ecosystem – a collection of companies at different stages of development from very early startups to larger corporations that might be customers or potential acquirers for what those smaller companies are doing – is lacking one thing: more talented people. The pace of developing new companies is getting faster and faster, and the key is getting the right people into an environment where they can focus on and solve today's most relevant technology problems.
The NYC Tech Campus will be centered on flexible and dynamic interdisciplinary application hubs instead of traditional academic departments. This model will serve as a focal point for NYC's tech ecosystem, accelerating existing sectors of NYC's economy and driving the formation of new technology businesses through close ties to customers and unique domain knowledge. The first three hubs – Connective Media, Healthier Life and Built Environment – reflect NYC's information economy today and where it's going.
From the Chronicle: Program 'hubs' will define CornellNYC tech campus