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Director of Entrepreneurship
Gerald O. Wilson
Director of Entrepreneurship
Gerald is the inaugural Director of Entrepreneurship at the University of Illinois. In this role he’s responsible for leading the strategy and vision for a cohesive, cross-campus culture of entrepreneurship.
Ecosystem Strategic Leadership
Melissa Graebner
Associate Dean for Entrepreneurship
Gies College of Business, Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship
Melissa brings expertise about scholarly research focused on entrepreneurship and how it informs curriculum and programming. She is also the primary contact for Gies entrepreneurship programming and partnerships.
Nate Hoffman
Director, Office of Technology Management (OTM)
Nate is the ecosystem’s expert on all aspects of protecting and licensing U. of I. intellectual property as innovations are translated into products, services, and companies.
Jed Taylor
Executive Director, Technology Entrepreneurship Center
Grainger College of Engineering
Jed brings expertise around student entrepreneurship programming. He is also the primary contact for TEC and Grainger entrepreneurship programming and partnerships.
Operational and Programmatic Leadership
Manu Edakara
Director, iVenture Accelerator
Gies College of Business
Manu is the person to contact about all things related to iVenture Accelerator, whether you’re a student who would like to learn more about the program or you’re someone who would like to support iVenture.
Stephanie Faraci
Senior Associate Director, Technology Entrepreneurship Center
Grainger College of Engineering
Stephanie brings expertise in student engagement and resources for student startups.
Cynthia Faullin
Associate Director, EnterpriseWorks
Research Park
Cynthia is a great contact for identifying facilities and infrastructure to support new startups locating within the ecosystem.
Ji Eun Kim
Assistant Director, Illinois FAST Center
EnterpriseWorks/Research Park
Ji can connect entrepreneurs across the state of Illinois to resources that will help them prepare winning SBIR/STTR proposals.