The Innovation Hub has been recognized by the International Business Innovation Association for its work in the Faculty C-Startup Program.
Texas Tech University's Innovation Hub at Research Park won the Most Innovative Program award from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) global meeting last week in Detroit.
The award recognized the work done by the Innovation Hub on the Faculty C-Startup Program, which has been running for five years and encourages faculty from across the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) to embed commercialization principles into their classrooms.
“What a wonderful recognition of the work and commitment of the team at Texas Tech University's Innovation Hub,” Vice President for Research & Innovation Joseph Heppert said. “This award illustrates, once again, that Texas Tech's innovation and entrepreneurship programs are among the most creative in the world.
“Texas Tech is shining in this area. We are so proud of Taysha Williams and the entire Hub team. They help make these programs special and impactful for Texas Tech, Lubbock and the West Texas region.”
Williams, the Innovation Hub's managing director, was invited to submit an award proposal for the Faculty C-Startup Program after speaking at the InBIA summit last fall, with the Innovation Hub's proposal selected as one of two finalists before beating out the University of Florida to win the award.
The Faculty C-Startup Program enlists entrepreneurial faculty ambassadors and provides commercialization training and a $2,500 grant to help them serve as entrepreneurial catalysts in their respective departments.
With more than 35 faculty members already named ambassadors, the program has helped increase awareness of the innovative entrepreneurial opportunities available through the Innovation Hub across the TTU System. More than 1,000 students have been introduced to commercialization best practices through the program.
“What an honor to be recognized among such a prestigious group of entrepreneurial centers across the globe,” Williams said. “I want to take this moment to thank my incredible team at the Innovation Hub for their dedication in advancing our programs to new heights.”
