A new program providing research commercialization support throughout the University of Michigan’s three campuses has named 20 faculty innovators to serve as “champions” in their schools, colleges and departments.
Innovation Champions is led by Innovation Partnerships, the university’s central hub for research commercialization and a unit within the Office of the Vice President for Research.
The Champions also will disseminate innovation-related news to colleagues, suggest ways to provide better support for U-M innovators, and collaborate with other members of the cohort and U-M leadership on innovation efforts universitywide.
The Innovation Champions were chosen for their passion and dedication to advancing innovation within their units. Together, they have achieved more than 190 inventions, formed 40 commercialization partnerships and launched 10 startups based on U-M discoveries. The group includes two past recipients of the Distinguished University Innovator of the Year Award and one National Academy of Inventors fellow.