EliteLink Next Gen Innovation Summit
Building the Next Generation of Leaders, Together
EliteLink is more than an education organization—it is a global ecosystem where ambitious young founders, future leaders, visionary educators, venture capitalists, family offices, and industry innovators come together to cultivate talent, create opportunities, and build a lasting legacy.
The EliteLink Future Leaders & Founders Showcase is our signature annual gathering, designed to bridge the gap between exceptional student potential and the leaders shaping tomorrow's world.
This inspiring afternoon celebrates students who are not only preparing for college, but already creating meaningful impact through entrepreneurship, research, innovation, technology, design, social initiatives, and creative expression.
Guests will experience a curated showcase of student ventures, research presentations, interactive demonstrations, and portfolio exhibitions while connecting with investors, entrepreneurs, university partners, mentors, and families who believe in empowering the next generation.
Whether you are a student seeking mentorship, a parent looking to support your child's future, or an investor passionate about nurturing young innovators, this event provides a unique opportunity to become part of a community committed to long-term growth and meaningful impact.
Featured Showcase
Event Highlights
🎤 Expert Founder Panel
Hear from accomplished entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders on entrepreneurship, fundraising, and winning pitches.
Gain practical insights from founders, investors, and industry leaders on building startups, raising capital, and delivering winning pitches.
Speakers:
MayLing Lai
Former Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley executive, Economics professor, and EliteLink Board Member.
Serene Wang
Founder of EliteLink Education & EliteLink Women Foundation, Forbes Top 100 Chinese Elite, former Columbia & NYU faculty.
Lisa M. Patti
Executive Communication Coach, SVA Professor, and public speaking expert for founders and executives.
Bolong Li
Vice President, Amazon Audible, Columbia Business School Lecturer, and serial entrepreneur.
🚀 Young Founder Startup Showcase
Meet student founders presenting innovative startups, products, and social impact ventures.
🔬 Research & Innovation
Explore AI, engineering, scientific research, and interdisciplinary projects from exceptional young innovators.
🎨 Creative Portfolios
Discover outstanding work in design, film, architecture, music, writing, and digital media.
💡 Innovation Expo
Experience interactive exhibits featuring prototypes, business ideas, and passion projects.
🤝 Curated Networking
Connect with founders, venture capitalists, family offices, university representatives, executives, mentors, and fellow innovators through guided networking.
🌍 A Launchpad for Future Leaders
More than a showcase, this event creates meaningful connections that open doors to mentorship, collaboration, internships, and future investment opportunities.
Event Agenda
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Registration & Innovation Expo
Guest check-in
Exhibition booths open
Networking over refreshments
Interactive demonstrations and project previews
2:30 PM – 2:35 PM | Opening Ceremony
Welcome from the EliteLink Women Foundation
The vision behind the EliteLink ecosystem
Building future leaders through innovation, mentorship, and community
2:35 PM – 2:55 PM | Founder Panel: From Idea to Investment (20 min)
Panel Discussion: Entrepreneurship, Fundraising & Pitching
A conversation with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders covering:
How to turn an idea into a venture
What investors look for in early-stage founders
The fundamentals of fundraising
How to craft a compelling pitch
Lessons learned from building and scaling startups
Live audience Q&A
2:55 PM – 3:03 PM | Foundation Spotlight
The Future Starts Here: Why We Invest in the Next Generation
Presented by the EliteLink Women Foundation
The Foundation's mission and vision
Supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation
Building a global ecosystem of mentors, founders, and changemakers
Opportunities for students, families, mentors, and partners to get involved
3:03 PM – 4:13 PM | Future Leaders Showcase
A curated presentation featuring selected students presenting:
Startup pitches
Research presentations
Product demonstrations
Creative portfolio highlights
Social impact initiatives
4:13 PM – 4:20 PM | Innovation Awards & Recognition (7 min)
Judges' remarks
Outstanding Innovation Awards and give each presenter a gift and photo
Audience Choice Recognition
Group photo
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM | Guided Networking Experience
A professionally facilitated networking session featuring curated introductions between:
Student founders
Venture capitalists
Family offices
Entrepreneurs
University representatives
Industry executives
Mentors
Parents and community leaders
Designed to encourage authentic conversations, mentorship opportunities, future collaborations, internships, investment discussions, and long-term relationships within the EliteLink ecosystem.
Education & Entrepreneurship Support Partners: EliteLink Education www.elitelinkadmission.com
Thanks to our strategic partner and sponsors:
Title Sponsor:
Founding Partner EliteLink Education https://www.elitelinkadmission.com
EliteLink Education is not a traditional admissions consulting firm. We partner with students and parents to cultivate excellence, build legacy, and position young leaders for long-term academic, professional, and personal impact.
Platinum Sponsor:
BTM Group was founded in New York City in 2001. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive multinational enterprise group spanning legal services, EB-5 services, investment and financing management, and real estate development. The company was founded by Yu Liu, with Cindy Zhang serving as Co-Founder and CEO.
Gift Sponsor:
Lasting Brilliance Flower https://www.lastingbrilliance.com
Strategic Partner