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Dr. Martin Luytjes, associate director of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Blackstone Launchpad team that launched last year at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, discusses his passion for helping and guiding students who have an entrepreneurial spirit. Since its launch at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ in 2023, more than 800 students have taken advantage of the resources offered by the program.

Describe a typical workday for you?

I work closely with students, teaching entrepreneurship classes, especially experiential learning. Blackstone Launchpad activities include programming, career readiness, venture development, mentoring and internships, all aimed at serving ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students.

What led you to this opportunity at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ?

My former colleague, Diane Denslow, learned of the Blackstone opportunity and together we wrote a grant to the Blackstone Charitable Foundation to become part of their Blackstone Launchpad network.

Explain the Blackstone Launchpad?

The Blackstone Charitable Foundation funds the Blackstone Launchpad (BLP) with the purpose of better preparing students for their professional endeavors, through programming, career readiness, venture development, innovation sprints and personal mentoring.

When did the program launch?

The Blackstone Launchpad program was started in 2010 and has grown to 73 centers across the U.S. ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, a part of the Florida Consortium, opened in August 2023.

Are you part of the Coggin College of Business?

Although housed in the Coggin College of Business, the mission of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ BLP is to serve all ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students, i.e. working with music majors to study personal branding and intellectual properties and bringing the Jaguars vice president of marketing to speak to athletes and sports management students.

How many students have been through the program?

We have had well over 800 students participate in the BLP this past year, and we hope to build on that number in the upcoming academic year. 

What else is there to know about the Blackstone Launchpad?

We are part of the Florida BLP Network. The Florida network follows a hub-and-spoke model lead by the University of Central Florida with affiliated BLPs at Florida A & M University, Florida State University, University of Florida, Florida International University and Miami Dade College.

What do you like most about ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ?

Working with the bright young minds that will be leading us into the future.

What energizes you at work?

Seeing students raise their level of knowledge and understanding, and being better prepared for their chosen professions. Our success lies in their success.

What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re proud of?

Seeing students use their education and developing their own career and entrepreneurial stories, i.e., I recently became a customer of one of my student’s businesses.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Spend time with family and friends, and play tennis.

What was your first job?

A 10-year career in corporate banking followed by opening, operating and selling two businesses.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Never give up, have faith.