Dr. Sarbjeet Singh Rayat has been named director of the Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CSREI) in the Cotsakos College of Business at William Paterson University in Wayne.
The Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CSREI) at William Paterson University was established to help turn next-generation ideas into ventures that generate both economic and social value.
Through accessible programs, entrepreneurship training, micro-credentials, and partnerships with industry and nonprofits, CSREI fosters innovation across disciplines and supports inclusive economic development.
“Dr. Rayat brings a rare blend of academic insight and hands-on entrepreneurial expertise to this role,” Anthony Bowrin, dean of the University’s Cotsakos College of Business said. “He is driven by a mission to level the playing field for early-stage startups by expanding access to markets, talent, and funding, while designing learning experiences to equip the next generation of entrepreneurs. I am confident that the Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation is poised for continued success under his leadership.”
Rayat has founded multiple technology ventures, designing and launching pioneering products and platforms that reshape how institutions engage and support early-stage entrepreneurs.
He is the creator of Pre®, a software as a service (SaaS) platform that gamifies pitch competitions by enabling audiences to act as mock investors, and PreRound®, a first- of-its-kind startup investment game show. These innovations have redefined experiential learning in entrepreneurship and are widely used by universities, accelerators, and pitch events.
His work has helped early-stage founders secure mentorship, gain traction, and attract initial funding. He has built strategic partnerships across higher education, financial institutions, libraries, service providers, and investors.
