Creating bridges between academia and industry to improve lives

The University’s Innovation Ecosystem demonstrates our commitment to the land-grant mission. It is a tangible way that we connect to our community and contribute to the vibrancy, economy and health of our community and state, and it is helping build jobs and career paths for our graduates. For additional assistance in getting started, contact Enterprise & Innovation.

– Mridul Gautam, Vice President for Research & Innovation

 

Incubation, acceleration & industry support

The University is a public entity striving to support the differing needs of industry and striving to benefit businesses to improve Nevada’s economy. Open and creative engagement and nontraditional methods and policies allow for viable partnerships, use of space and fee-for-service contracts that are attractive to business.

Startup & entrepreneurial support

Business incubation and co-working space

Downtown Reno startup space, a Makerspace and access to venture funding groups and mentoring

Biotech startup incubation space

Wet lab space with waste disposal and environmental protections in-place

University equipment and expertise

Access to the University’s physical assets, campus space and faculty experts

Manufacturing startup consulting and support

Go-to resource for startups in manufacturing, workforce, quality systems, automation and growth

Small business development

Counseling on legal structure selection, licensing, business plan creation and more

Student entrepreneurial competition

$50,000 prize to facilitate the creation of new businesses in Nevada

Business & industry support

Earthquake Engineering Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno

Access to the University’s physical assets, campus space and faculty experts

Close-up of sparks flying off of a piece of material with heavy equipment in the background

Consulting to advance industrial resilience and competitiveness

Two students working on CAD models on two computer screens

Advertise job opportunities for University interns and employees

Three people in business attire sitting at a table looking at a laptop

Counseling and training for small business growth and management

A person with a dog in an agricultural field with a tractor and trailer in the background

Community and workforce development and support for agricultural business throughout Nevada

A person in a welding lab holding a metal object and wearing welding protective gear

Continuing education and professional studies

 

Facilities, space & expertise

Accessing the on-campus facilities, space and expertise is generally coordinated through the Nevada Center for Applied Research (NCAR) – a central and public access point to University’s assets and a one-stop-shop for applied research. If you’re a University employee or an outside entity looking for specific facilities or equipment, search the Shared Research Facilities.

 

Patents, commercialization & licensing

 

Non-disclosure & material transfer agreements

 

Funding and grant support for innovations

Overview of funding and grant services for technology commercialization

  • Request letters of support and commercialization plans for grant proposals
  • Obtain advice, training and support for SBIR and STTR grants
  • Learn about competitions, venture capital programs and other funding resources

WolfCorps

The WolfCorps program is designed to prepare University teams to apply for the Bay Area Regional I-Corps training course. The I-Corps offers an immersive experience for the process of moving research innovations into products and services.

Sierra Accelerator for Growth & Entrepreneurship (SAGE)

SAGE helps Nevada technology entrepreneurs win competitive grant funding from the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs. These programs provide funding in excess of $100,000.

 

More connections & resources

View of the central area of the University of Nevada, Reno campus with the Block N signSupplier/vendor registration

Suppliers, independent contractors and other businesses must register through the Nevada System of Higher Education system. Visit Supplier Registration to get started.

Nevada Research & Innovation Corporation

The Nevada Research & Innovation Corporation (NVRIC) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting commercialization of University of Nevada, Reno discoveries. The corporation works to:

  • Create partnerships that turn discoveries into beneficial products
  • Protect intellectual property, enabling commercialization of innovations produced by NVRIC partners
  • Promote regional economic development through strategic private/public partnerships
  • Provide business management mentoring

Visit the Nevada Research & Innovation Corporation to learn more.

Intellectual property & commercialization

State & regional economic development resources