About CoLab Hospitality
Good questions deserve
someone to ask.
I am Luana Nanu. I am an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality at the University of South Florida and an Associate Editor at the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology. I have spent years watching good research sit in journals that no operator reads, and good questions go unanswered because no operator knew who to ask. I built CoLab Hospitality to put the two in the same room.
Where we are.
The platform is in development. Early access is open for companies and researchers who want to help shape it.
We plan to launch in full at TIED at the Bay at FIU on April 15, 2027. Profiles, project posting and matching will open with the platform.
FAQ
A few things you might be wondering.
Who is this for?
Hospitality companies and researchers who want to do research together. Companies include hotels, restaurants, venues, travel businesses, managed hospitality and technology providers. Researchers include PhD students through professors and independent researchers.
What does it cost?
See the early access invitation for the current offer. The business model for the full platform is still being developed.
How does matching work?
The platform will compare what a company needs with what a researcher studies and how they work. Both sides will see why a match fits. Matching is in development and is not available yet.
What about IRB, data and publication rights?
Each project will need clear terms for data, authorship, confidentiality and publication before work starts. Researchers and companies will need to address any required institutional or ethics review. The platform workflows are still being developed.
How are researchers verified?
The verification process is still being developed. You can share an ORCID when joining early access. Signing up now registers your interest and does not create a public profile or confirm verification.
Is CoLab part of USF?
No. CoLab Hospitality is an independent venture and is not affiliated with the University of South Florida.
When does the platform launch?
We plan to launch in full at TIED at the Bay at FIU on April 15, 2027. You can join early access now.
An invitation to shape what comes next
Join early access.
Tell us who you are and what you are working on, and we will be in touch within a week.