Experienced administrator appointed to spearhead entrepreneurship initiatives

Binghamton University has appointed Bandhana Katoch as the interim assistant vice president for entrepreneurship and innovation partnerships. Katoch, who has a background in biology, legal expertise, and business acumen, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She initially joined the University in 2023 as the executive director of the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator and will continue to oversee the incubator while taking on her additional responsibilities.

In her new position, Katoch will be leading the EIP office, which provides support for faculty and student inventors, as well as community entrepreneurs. Her goal is to foster an entrepreneurial spirit within the academic community and create an environment where ideas can be transformed into impactful ventures. By cultivating partnerships and empowering students and faculty, Katoch aims to drive meaningful change and tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

With over 20 years of experience in technology and market assessment, business planning, and technology commercialization, Katoch is well-equipped for her new role. Prior to joining Binghamton University, she worked on a World Bank-funded project in India, where she established infrastructure for technology transfer and translational research. Katoch holds a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, an MBA from the University of Missouri, and three master’s degrees in biological sciences, biochemistry, and zoology from various universities in India.

President of Binghamton University, Harvey Stenger, has worked closely with Katoch on projects related to the incubator over the past 18 months and has been impressed by her leadership and vision. He believes that Katoch has the expertise to continue building the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Binghamton University. Vice President for Research, Bahgat Sammakia, also praised Katoch’s credentials and prior experience on campus, highlighting her ability to mentor entrepreneurs and startups and her passion for economic development.

In her new role, Katoch will focus on connecting people and organizations, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for growth and success. Her track record in economic development and her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations make her a valuable asset to Binghamton University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With Katoch at the helm, the University is poised to continue its mission of driving innovation and creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.