The OIE is under the direction of Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Evan Facher. It is part of the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research.
The operating units include:
Innovation Institute
The Innovation Institute is responsible for intellectual property protection and management, licensing and startup formation. It provides an array of educational programs and resources for Pitt innovators interested in achieving impact for their scholarship and research through commercialization. It also connects innovators to other resources and funding opportunities, both within the university and external to the university.
Big Idea Center
The Big Idea Center for student innovation is an on-campus, inclusive innovation catalyst that develops the innovation and entrepreneurial skills of the Pitt student community. The Big Idea Center brings under one roof the numerous educational programs and resources for Pitt students of all levels from across the university who are interested in hands-on entrepreneurship learning opportunities.
Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships
Created in 2015, Pitt’s Office of Economic Partnerships was formed to create and implement an economic development framework that enhances the University’s mission to advance teaching, research, and public service. The framework is designed to increase Pitt’s ability to partner on economic opportunities, connect the university to the global economy, and accelerate growth in the regional economy.
Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE)has served business throughout Western Pennsylvania for more than 25 years. Offering a dynamic mix of consulting, education, and networking opportunities, the IEE strives to be an innovative leader in economic development in the region.
Contact us at innovate@pitt.edu.