Virginia Tech honored faculty-led accomplishments in innovation, entrepreneurship, and service at the annual Celebrating Innovation event, held at the South End Zone Club in Lane Stadium.
“Innovation is crucial to the health and success of the university. In addition to the economic benefits to our community, our success in this arena attracts world class talent, which is vital to positioning Virginia Tech as a top global research university,” said Cyril Clarke, executive vice president and provost, who praised the researchers at the event. “Importantly, world-class faculty members are key to elevating Virginia Tech’s excellence in teaching, discovery, and engagement.”
Last year, the Virginia Tech research community disclosed 143 new innovations, executed 25 new license agreements with commercial partners, and created four new startup companies spun-out from Virginia Tech research — all made possible with support from Innovation and Partnership’s LINK+LICENSE+LAUNCH team, which co-hosted the event with the Office of Research and Innovation.
“As a modern land-grant university, we serve our communities in many ways, and supporting economic development is part of our tripartite mission,” said Brandy Salmon, associate vice president for Innovation and Partnerships. “Technology licensing and new venture creation is one of the primary ways we turn the amazing discoveries developed at Virginia Tech into products, jobs, and economic energy that creates opportunity and improves the lives of those around us. We are grateful to the university community that entrusts our office to support this important work.”
The following researchers were acknowledged and celebrated for their accomplishments:
