Clarkson University, founded in 1896 in Potsdam, NY, is a private tech‑oriented research university of about 4,000 students. It's notable for its hands‑on innovation ecosystem—including Clarkson Ignite and the Shipley Center—that supports prototyping and startup launch, and for strong outcomes: one in five alumni become leaders in business, and its varsity ice hockey teams compete in NCAA Division I.