Professor Matthew Mashikian, a former Electrical & Computer Engineering professor at the University of Connecticut (UConn), has made a significant impact on the world of entrepreneurship and innovation. After retiring from UConn in 1997, Mashikian embarked on a new journey to start his own multimillion-dollar company, IMCORP, which specializes in technology for diagnosing issues with underground electrical power cables. His success in the business world has now come full circle as he gives back to his alma mater by endowing the Matthew & Margarethe Mashikian Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub in the College of Engineering.
At a campus event on July 29, Mashikian announced a generous gift of $1 million to establish the endowment for the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub. The purpose of this endowment is to provide support for students, faculty, and researchers who are interested in pursuing technological entrepreneurship opportunities. Mashikian’s donation reflects his deep affection for the College of Engineering and serves as an example to other faculty and alumni about the importance of giving back to the university that helped shape their careers.
During his speech at the event, Mashikian shared his own entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced when transitioning from academia to the business world. He emphasized the value of having a support system of people who believe in and support your endeavors. Mashikian expressed his hope that the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub will make it easier for students and faculty who aspire to become entrepreneurs by providing the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the challenges of starting a business.
Former Dean Kazem Kazerounian, who recently returned to teaching at UConn, commended Mashikian for his generous gift and highlighted the importance of faculty and student innovation in driving the university’s success. Kazerounian praised Mashikian and his wife, Margarethe, for their investment in the future of UConn and for inspiring others to follow in their footsteps of giving back to the university. He acknowledged the couple’s passion, innovation, and dedication to their careers, which have now translated into a lasting impact on the College of Engineering and its students.
The Mashikian Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub will undoubtedly play a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the College of Engineering at UConn. By providing students and faculty with the necessary support and resources to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, Mashikian’s endowment will help shape the future of technological innovation at the university. For more information on how to contribute to the College of Engineering at UConn, visit their website at engineering.uconn.edu.
