Find us at the Ain Foundry

The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation empowers students to uncover opportunities, push boundaries, and turn visionary ideas into reality through a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration, creativity, and hands-on experience. With initiatives like the Ain Foundry Program, Pitch Competitions, Business Plan Competitions, and access to Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, students gain the resources and support needed to transform their ambition into innovation.

We are deeply saddened to communicate the passing of Mark Ain, a pioneering entrepreneur and generous mentor, who died on July 25, 2025, at the age of 82. Mark’s life was marked by an extraordinary combination of intelligence, vision, tenacity, and heart; qualities that defined both his career and his character.

A proud graduate of MIT and the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School, Mark Ain founded Kronos Incorporated in 1977 and turned a single idea into a global company that redefined workforce management. Under his leadership, Kronos grew from startup to industry leader, scaling rapidly and driving innovation that impacted thousands of employees and customers worldwide.

Mark’s passion for entrepreneurship inspired the creation of the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Rochester. Designed to be a launchpad for student founders, the center gives aspiring entrepreneurs the tools, mentorship, and space to experiment, take risks, and turn ideas into real ventures. It reflects Mark’s core belief that with the right guidance, any student can learn to build a business plan, test it in the real world, and launch a startup.

One of the most enduring aspects of this legacy is the Mark Ain Business Model Competition, an annual event that has become a cornerstone of the student startup ecosystem at Rochester. Mark personally championed the competition, mentoring participants and attending final pitches with the same intensity and curiosity he brought to his own ventures. The competition not only provided funding and visibility for student startups but also reflected Mark’s deep belief in experiential learning and risk-taking.

“Mark always believed the best way to learn was by doing and that the classroom was only the beginning. Through the Business Model Competition, he gave students a reason to start now.”

— Roberto D. Colangelo, Robert Sperandio Professor of Entrepreneurship, Executive Director & Faculty Advisor, Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Mark saw entrepreneurship as a powerful driver of innovation—sparked by bold ideas, sharpened through business plans, and brought to life by those willing to take risks and shape the future.

We will carry forward your vision, Mark. Thank you for believing in the founders of tomorrow.