Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has recently unveiled its new entrepreneurial hub, designed to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in collaboration with various stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, alumni, industrial partners, and investors, aims to facilitate the development of successful ventures. This initiative will consolidate several existing departments and centers that support the university’s entrepreneurial community and beyond.
The newly established office brings together key entities such as the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship, the Venture Creations incubator, and the Office of Intellectual Property Management. By integrating these resources, the office seeks to benefit startups, corporate partners, investors, and government entities interested in collaborating with RIT. Housed in Student Innovation Hall, this central hub will serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth and innovation.
According to Ryne Raffaelle, vice president for Research and associate provost at RIT, the vision for the office is ambitious. The goal is to foster a culture where innovation is deeply ingrained in the fabric of RIT, leading to lasting economic impact within the university and beyond. Raffaelle emphasizes that the formation of this office is the culmination of extensive research, strategic planning, and input from various stakeholders, all aimed at advancing RIT’s reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial endeavors.
Leading the office as assistant vice president and managing director is Johan Klarin, a seasoned business startup creator, adviser, and serial entrepreneur. Klarin is confident in RIT’s ability to nurture top-tier entrepreneurs, citing the university’s exceptional students, research capabilities, alumni network, and supportive resources. He believes that by fostering a culture where entrepreneurship is celebrated and supported, RIT can establish itself as a dynamic engine of innovation with tangible real-world impact.
Klarin’s leadership, coupled with the collaborative efforts of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, signals a new era for entrepreneurial endeavors at RIT. By leveraging the university’s strengths and resources, this initiative aims to accelerate the creation of successful companies while providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. As RIT continues to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, it is poised to make significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape both locally and globally.
