CELEBRATING RESEARCH AND BUSINESS PARTNERS

The UNC Charlotte PORTAL building was a full house on Thursday evening, December 5^th, for the Research and Business Partners Annual Celebration hosted by the Division of Research (DR) and its Office of Research Commercialization and Partnerships (ORCP).

The convergence of UNC Charlotte researchers and staff, industry partners, entrepreneurs, and student inventors is a testament to the commitment to partnership, excitement, and opportunity we share to shape the world around us.

Division of Research Vice Chancellor, Dr. John Daniels, opened the evening, speaking about the elevated significance of cross-sector collaborations and place-based innovation to strengthen our region. Referencing a recent trip to our nation’s capital where he was involved in conversations with agency and congressional leaders, he emphasized “the path forward is partnership… entrepreneurs, risk capital, corporate partners, the government, nonprofits and universities.”

Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber spoke about the 272% increase in research expenditures over the past decade, and the progress we’re making as a University in amplifying research, impact, and innovation.

“In a recent study by the Association of University Technology Managers, which measures ROI on research expenditures, we ranked #3 for startup companies created, #5 for new patents filed, and #11 for new inventions received, per research dollar spent… We are enjoying tremendous momentum, thanks in part to the wonderful research partners represented here this evening,” shared Chancellor Gaber.

The evening’s keynote speaker was Dr. Rasu Shrestha, Enterprise Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer for Advocate (Atrium) Health. Dr. Shrestha spoke on The Power of Partnerships Done Right, sharing Advocate Health’s mission to build for tomorrow, today. He said issues in healthcare are not solved by any one entity working alone, but through an innovation ecosystem built on partnerships, innovation and collaborations. He shared excitement around partnering with UNC Charlotte to create “intentional collisions” that will enhance our region.

ORCP’s Senior Executive Director, Greg Needham, also took to the podium to recognize his staff for organizing the Celebration, to thank University partners for their participation and commitment, and to honor the Master’s and PhD students sharing their research at the Celebration.

DR Associate Vice Chancellor, Dr. Deb Thomas, wrapped up the Celebration, sharing gratitude to Dr. Shrestha, the student researchers, the students from the Music Department who provided the entertainment, UNC Charlotte faculty and staff, campus partners, and the “University business partners, including those that call the university home right here in this (PORTAL) building.” She also thanked: