New Executive Director Hired for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation

Tech Parks Arizona is pleased to announce the expansion of the University of Arizona (UA) Center for Innovation team with the appointment of Eric Smith as the executive director.

Eric Smith brings with him almost a decade’s worth of technology commercialization experience and a passion for entrepreneurship. Smith comes to the UA Center for Innovation after serving as the commercialization network manager for Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), the UA’s office responsible for moving UA research and technological innovation into the marketplace. While at TLA, he focused on building and leveraging a network of domain experts and business leaders who consult on University technologies to help reveal their commercial relevance as they are prepared for the market. Smith holds a BSBA in business management and entrepreneurship and an MBA from the University of Arizona.

“I am confident that Eric’s experience with startups and his extensive network will propel the UA Center for Innovation to the next level,” said Carol Stewart, President of UA Center for Innovation and Associate Vice President, Tech Parks Arizona.

In his new role, Smith will be responsible for the daily operations and growth of the UA Center for Innovation, which includes administration, budgeting, financial management – including grant submissions and sponsorships, client recruitment, building mentor and advisory networks, community outreach and staff management.

“The University of Arizona Center for Innovation is an integral part of Southern Arizona’s innovation ecosystem. I look forward to leveraging my experience as a local entrepreneur, service provider and member of Tucson’s entrepreneurial support community to build on the organization’s fundamental strengths and increase the offerings for university and community startups,” said newly appointed executive director of the UA Center for Innovation, Eric Smith.

Eric Smith

Executive Director, University of Arizona Center for Innovation

About the University of Arizona Center for Innovation

The University of Arizona (UA) Center for Innovation fosters technology startups and emerging companies in the development of their ideas, inventions and next evolution of product. The UA Center for Innovation supports science and tech-based ventures stemming from both the University and community, working with UA students, faculty and staff as well as entrepreneurs at large. The UA Center for Innovation provides a structured business development program, including individual coaching from mentors experienced in technology innovation, product development and business management. The Center also offers access to first-class facilities including office, wet and dry lab space. These resources provide startups with the ability to scale-up at the speed of business, moving to the next level of business development at their pace.

The UA Center for Innovation is the longest running incubator in the state of Arizona, founded in 2003, and is a program of Tech Parks Arizona. Tech Parks Arizona brings together university, industry, and community creating “interactive ground” to advance technology commercialization. Tech Parks Arizona directs the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, the UA Tech Park at The Bridges and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, placing the highest priority on recruiting companies desiring connectivity to the University of Arizona.