Director of Technology Incubation and Venture Development

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is competitively recruiting talented venture development professionals to join our growing Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) team.

TCS supports breakthrough research and cutting-edge innovation that benefits society and fuel economic development through a coordinated approach between tech transfer licensing and startup teams and enables success for faculty business Connecticut and beyond resulting in:

• $1.4 Billion Total funds raised by UConn incubator companies.
• $620 Million in Economic impact of UConn research.
• 771 Patents granted based on UConn innovations.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a top-ranked public research university and land grant institution rurally situated in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship the Director of Technology Incubation & Venture Development will have two primary responsibilities: a) responsible for running the Technology Incubation Program which is the Incubator program at UConn supporting UConn and non -UConn startups both at Storrs and Farmington and b) responsible for identifying developing and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for UConn faculty and students. The selected candidate will work directly with faculty and students on all UConn campuses including UConn Health to form new ventures and support existing startups based on UConn technologies in the physical sciences life sciences and engineering across a broad variety of business sectors such as biotech pharmaceuticals medical devices diagnostics aerospace cleantech and software among Director will also be responsible for attracting non-UConn startups in the TIP including offering them advise guidance and connections to investors. They will be responsible for working with VCs and investors and maintain a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of leading successful technology and startups and will seek opportunities to identify and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Director of Venture Development will bring an ability to balance financial and business acumen with an aggressive creative and dynamic approach to startup creation including having deep understanding of financial models (cap table equity distribution and financial impacts during investments). The candidate should have knowledge and experience with federal funding programs like SBIR/STTR that support startups.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Efficiently run the TIP establishments at Storrs and Farmington and provide startups with support guidance and advice to help them move through the startup life cycle.
• Supervise TIP professional staff members.
• Educate recruit and support faculty and student entrepreneurs to launch new technology-based ventures; facilitate creation of business planningcommercialization pathway market assessment development and connections; coach to develop investable business plans and identify funding opportunities.
• Work closely with the TCS staff and various deans and department heads across UConn to educate faculty and students on entrepreneurship. Conduct efforts to instruct faculty on the alignment of NIH and other federal agency goals with commercialization and to understand business and financial models necessary to attract partners and investments.
• In conjunction with UConns other student and faculty innovation and entrepreneurial programs provide educational and advising services prior to company formation to help startup teams research market opportunities among a broad range of industries; develop educational programming and curriculum addressing a variety of business topics to inform and support new and existing venture development and growth; establish operate and support a portfolio of UConn programs such that they are well-coordinated and highly effective.
• Work with startups to identify and meet specific business milestones critical to commercial success; help them utilize strategies to de-risk technologies and help in acquiring funding throughout the innovation continuum from proof of concept to initial public offering or sale and including funds able to support lead optimization pre-clinical proof of concept and Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals.
• Continuously evaluate and identify funding options for a portfolio of startups and prepare companies to attract funds from public investment programs such as those offered by Connecticut Innovations CT Department of Economic and Community Development and federal SBIR/STTR programs as well as angel and venture capital organizations.
• Partner within UConn and beyond to develop substantial sources of capital for university startups. Cultivate strong relationships within the CT NY and MA investment communities including leading VCs angel investors and corporate funding partners. Lead efforts to develop and execute investor and partnering forums at UConn including a signature event such as an annual symposium with the expressed purpose of aligning investors with faculty/student entrepreneurs.
• Identify and attract experienced entrepreneurs to lead advise mentor and potentially invest in startups.
• Develop a dedicated pool of subject matter experts to mentor advise and/or manage teams on technical regulatory legal and business topics.
• Coordinate with the UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP) to transition ventures into TIP as they develop from virtual to physical operations.
• Review technologies disclosed to Technology Commercialization Services to determine the optimum pathway for commercialization; and promote those that are startup opportunities among entrepreneurial communities at UConn and throughout Connecticut.
• Work closely with the TCS staff to facilitate tech transfer for new UConn technology companies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelors degree and at least five years of experience working in technology commercialization or innovation.
2. Demonstrated experience acting as an integrated member of a TCS team and engaging both faculty and external partners.
3. Demonstrated experience forging mutually beneficial partnerships with industry.
4. Experience with issues and challenges associated with venture development and startup launch from universities.
5. Demonstrated experience leading a team who support TIP.
6. Demonstrated interpersonal written and oral communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree in STEM preferably in engineering physical sciences or life sciences.
2. Proven track record for raising capital for early-stage companies and understanding of financial models.
3. Experience creating and conveying a great story including pitch decks.
4. Deep connections with investment community.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time permanent position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience. The TCS offices are located at 400 Farmington Avenue Farmington CT. The selected employee will also be required to travel to Storrs and other campuses.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions Search #499442 to upload aresume cover letterand contact information forthree (3) professional references.

This job posting is currently scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 19 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of and contribute to an inclusive respectful and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employees unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.