Internship Program to Place NYC Students at Local Startups

Photo Courtesy of NYCEDC

Partnership Will Provide Paid Internships, Professional Development and Networking Opportunities to CUNY Students, Helping Expand Hiring Paths into the Tech Sector

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Company Ventures, Tech:NYC, and Blackstone LaunchPad, announced the launch of the NYC Startup Internship Program, which helped place over 90 NYC-based college students from various CUNY campuses across 68 New York City-based startups. This 10-week initiative was created with financial support from NYCEDC and Blackstone LaunchPad, as well as partnership from the Zahn Innovation Center at City College, Justworks, OpenAI and Basta. In addition to having paid summer internships at exciting NYC-based startups, participants will have access to professional development training and industry networking sessions. The goal of the program is to cultivate the next generation of tech talent while supporting the growth of New York City’s startup ecosystem.

The 2025 summer internship program places a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate technology—two high-growth sectors within the city’s economy. This strategic alignment builds on New York City’s AI Advantage report and Green Economy Action Plan, while underscoring New York City’s position as a global hub for emerging innovation industries and advancing the next phase of equitable, large-scale economic growth. Participating startups have the option to extend internships or offer students contract, part-time, or full-time roles after the program concludes.Interns are encouraged to explore a variety of roles within tech organizations and pursue multiple career pathways. Through hands-on experience, they apply AI to real-world challenges such as sustainable design and community empowerment. Training sessions help students build essential workplace skills and expand their peer and professional networks—preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the future of the city’s green and tech-driven economy.

Highlights of the NYC Startup Internship Program structure include:

• Pre-Internship Prep Week: One foundational week covering professional skills development from Basta, a deep dive into climate tech and sustainability led by the Zahn Innovation Center, an AI workshop led by Decoded Futures, and technical upskilling sessions.
• Internship: Nine weeks of paid, practical experience within startups, complemented by regular check-ins, ongoing mentorship, and the practical application of AI tools.
• Professional Development Workshops: Throughout the program, interns participate in workshops designed to build confidence and sharpen skills for future opportunities. Topics include AI upskilling, Storytelling and the Art of Interviewing, and Venture Capital 101.
• Mentorship from the NYC Tech Community: Each intern is paired with an experienced professional from NYC’s tech ecosystem for guidance, support, and perspective throughout the summer.
• Closing Ceremony (August 13, 2025): A celebratory project showcase where interns present their work and achievements.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city’s future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Tech:NYC
Tech:NYC is an engaged network of technology leaders working to foster a dynamic, diverse, and creative New York. The organization works with policymakers and business leaders to support a successful technology ecosystem, attract and retain talent, and celebrate New York and the companies that call it home. Tech:NYC represents more than 550 New York tech companies and investors.

About Company Ventures
Company Ventures is a NYC-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in new technology-driven businesses at the earliest stages. We predominantly invest in healthcare, fintech, and B2B software businesses at pre-seed, seed and series A stages.

About Blackstone Charitable Foundation
With a commitment to fostering career and economic mobility, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation leverages its financial and human capital to support initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps and strengthen communities. Blackstone LaunchPad advances career mobility through skill-building and internships. Open to all first generation and low-income college students, the program partners with higher education institutions and mission-aligned nonprofits to train students in key career skills, then gives them access to paid internships at Blackstone, Blackstone portfolio companies and startups.