Letter from the Faculty Director

This year’s annual report marks a moment of reflection and transition at the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale–one shaped by continued growth and change in leadership. With the retirement of our extraordinary executive director, Clare Leinweber, this spring, I have the honor of writing this letter on behalf of the Tsai CITY team.

Clare’s impact on Tsai CITY cannot be overstated. She has shaped its mission and ethos, ensuring that entrepreneurship and innovation at Yale meant access, experimentation, and equity. Her leadership built a home for students who wanted to make something new and make it matter. In March, we shared a tribute to Clare, her legacy, and the vibrant community she helped cultivate. As we reflect on another year of student-powered innovation, we carry that legacy forward with deep gratitude. 

This year, that vision was more alive than ever. Our space buzzed with energy—from record attendance at workshops and community events to bold ideas born through our venture development programs. We marked a major milestone with the 10th anniversary of Startup Yale, a celebration of student and community-driven ventures. Our Joiners program continued to scale, activating nearly 100 students across 125+ projects and showing that a simple “I’ll help,” can quickly become an “I’m building this now.” 

We also saw students deepen their engagement through our pathways framework–charting unique journeys as entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, creatives, civic innovators, and explorers. Many began with a workshop or a pop-up program and went on to launch ventures, join teams, or pitch their ideas on and off campus.

This year also brought national recognition: Tsai CITY was again honored by the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers with the award for Excellence in Specialty Entrepreneurship Education. Through our newly launched In the Media webpage, we’ve begun to spotlight more stories of student and alumni ventures gaining attention beyond campus, underscoring that the ideas nurtured here are leaving lasting imprints in the world.

As faculty director, I’m continually inspired by what emerges when we make room for curiosity, collaboration, and courage. In the year ahead, I hope we continue to ask bold questions, take creative risks, and make space for every kind of innovator to thrive. 

To our students, partners, and supporters: thank you for being part of this journey. The future of innovation at Yale is bright, and we are excited to continue building it with you.

Warmly,