DNYUZ
  • Home
  • News
    • U.S.
    • World
    • Politics
    • Opinion
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Science
  • Entertainment
    • Culture
    • Music
    • Movie
    • Television
    • Theater
    • Gaming
    • Sports
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Autos
    • Gear
    • Mobile
    • Startup
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel
No Result
View All Result
DNYUZ
No Result
View All Result
Home News

I went to Cornell’s new MakerLAB, and student entrepreneurs told me they’re ‘bracing’ for Trump’s threats to cut funding

May 3, 2025
in News
I went to Cornell’s new MakerLAB, and student entrepreneurs told me they’re ‘bracing’ for Trump’s threats to cut funding
492
SHARES
1.4k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Students at Cornell Tech's MakerLAB
Students at Cornell Tech’s MakerLAB.

Monica Melton, Business Insider

A laser printer whirred to life as it etched the twisted-T-shaped logo of Cornell University’s Tata Innovation Center onto a large neon orange acrylic slab.

Between the printer’s clicks, a student excitedly explained to me that the printer could work with several materials. She was one of half a dozen students tinkering in the MakerLAB, designed to help students and tech entrepreneurs prototype their creations.

A laser-printed keychain that's a logo of the Cornell Tech MakerLAB
A laser-printed keychain that’s a logo of the Cornell Tech MakerLAB

Monica Melton, Business Insider

The event’s cheery mood, celebrating the opening of the lab on Friday, was also scattered with concerns about policies being implemented by the second Trump administration. Federal funding to universities for research could be withheld if they do not comply with President Donald Trump’s new policies on doing away with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cornell supports DEI programs and is at risk of losing federal funding.

I spoke with Monica Gertz, a postdoctoral fellow who helped create a wearable device that applies machine learning to restore speech in patients with limited speech. She said the research center supports her work, though she worries about scaling as federally funded research programs dwindle.

“I am bracing myself for when funding pullbacks hit my project,” Gertz told me, adding that she had applied for small loans through the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

MyophonX is developing technology that could help restore speech.
Monica Gertz’s startup MyophonX is developing technology that could help restore speech.

Monica Melton, Business Insider

“Right now, I can keep this going to a certain point, but I do need to get money so I can start hiring people to really accelerate the pace,” Gertz said. “I have amazing interns right now, but I’m at the point where I need to start paying people, so there is concern.”

From an auditorium elsewhere in the 15,000-square-foot innovation center, Cornell Tech Dean Greg Morrisett addressed a crowd that had gathered to celebrate the MakerLAB’s opening. He brought out huge novelty scissors to cut a red ribbon, christening the lab open for business.

Greg Morrisett (Center) cuts a red ribbon christening the opening of Cornell Tech's MakerLab
Greg Morrisett (Center) cuts a red ribbon christening the opening of Cornell Tech’s MakerLAB

Monica Melton, Business Insider

“On the recent chaos from Washington, it’s really disruptive,” Morrisett told me.

“I’m really worried about what’s happening in Washington because we want to attract the best talent from all around the world and keep them here, in New York and the US, but the administration has not been helping us in that regard,” he added.

Morrisett said that Cornell Tech did a recent economic impact study that said the school generates about $750 million annually in economic activity for New York City, including from startups and alums.

“We bring in lots of international students, but over half of them stay here in New York City,” Morrisett said. “They get jobs here, they work here, and they contribute to the economy.”

Several local leaders and politicians also attended, including Rep. Jerry Nadler. Nadler vowed to fight back against the administration to preserve funding for research centers like Cornell’s.

“We have been witnessing an attack on our academic institutions—threats of funding cuts, stifling of voices, and encroachment on freedom,” Nadler said. “I recommit myself to using every tool I can to fight back on these attacks and to celebrate investment that gives our students, faculty, and campus community the tools they need to success, such as the MakerLAB.”

The post I went to Cornell’s new MakerLAB, and student entrepreneurs told me they’re ‘bracing’ for Trump’s threats to cut funding appeared first on Business Insider.

Tags: Business Insidercornell techcornell universityfundinglablaser printermakerlab opensmonica gertzmorrisettNew YorkPolicyresearch centerspeechstudent entrepreneurtata innovation center
Share197Tweet123Share
Map Reveals Most Popular Baby Boy Names in Each State
News

Map Reveals Most Popular Baby Boy Names in Each State

by Newsweek
August 9, 2025

Data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) revealed the most popular baby boy names in the United States in 2024. ...

Read more
News

Ghislaine Maxwell puts an uncomfortable spotlight on this prison camp town in Texas

August 9, 2025
Football

Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United complete signing from Leipzig

August 9, 2025
News

Texas company creates drones to confront school shooters in seconds

August 9, 2025
News

Rwanda-backed rebels have killed at least 80 civilians in recent weeks, Congolese authorities say

August 9, 2025
Nagasaki marks 80th A-bomb anniversary as survivors put hopes of nuclear ban in the hands of youth

Nagasaki marks 80th A-bomb anniversary as survivors put hopes of nuclear ban in the hands of youth

August 9, 2025
My 7-year-old wanted to make money, so I helped him start a small business. He learned about confidence and rejection.

My 7-year-old wanted to make money, so I helped him start a small business. He learned about confidence and rejection.

August 9, 2025
L.A. County fire captain faked work injury to collect insurance, prosecutors allege

L.A. County fire captain faked work injury to collect insurance, prosecutors allege

August 9, 2025

Copyright © 2025.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • U.S.
    • World
    • Politics
    • Opinion
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Science
  • Entertainment
    • Culture
    • Gaming
    • Music
    • Movie
    • Sports
    • Television
    • Theater
  • Tech
    • Apps
    • Autos
    • Gear
    • Mobile
    • Startup
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel

Copyright © 2025.