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LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Leadership Team at UF Innovate drives innovation and entrepreneurship with diverse expertise in strategic planning, business development, and industry collaboration. Our dedicated professionals support startups and transform groundbreaking ideas into successful ventures, positioning UF Innovate as a leader in technological advancement.

Photo of Jim O’Connell

Jim O’Connell

Assistant Vice President UF InnovateTech Licensing
Work Phone: (352) 392-8929

Biography

Jim serves as the Assistant Vice President for Commercialization, leading UF Innovate, the umbrella organization over Tech Licensing, Sid Martin Biotech and The Hub. Jim is also the director of Tech Licensing. He works with internal and external constituents to provide strategic leadership and direction in building and capitalizing on facilities, expertise and technology at UF.

Before joining UF Innovate, Jim directed the tech transfer office at the University of Miami and served as the director of the Michigan Venture Center at the University of Michigan. Jim came to tech transfer with 20 years of industry experience. He worked in two startups in the medical device industry. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot.

Jim earned his M.S. in engineering management from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic.

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Tech licensing

The Tech Licensing Team at UF Innovate is dedicated to transforming cutting-edge research into marketable products. With expertise in intellectual property management and industry partnerships, our team supports innovators in navigating the commercialization process, fostering the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Photo of Jim O’Connell

Jim O’Connell

Assistant Vice President UF InnovateTech Licensing
Work Phone: (352) 392-8929

Biography

Jim serves as the Assistant Vice President for Commercialization, leading UF Innovate, the umbrella organization over Tech Licensing, Sid Martin Biotech and The Hub. Jim is also the director of Tech Licensing. He works with internal and external constituents to provide strategic leadership and direction in building and capitalizing on facilities, expertise and technology at UF.

Before joining UF Innovate, Jim directed the tech transfer office at the University of Miami and served as the director of the Michigan Venture Center at the University of Michigan. Jim came to tech transfer with 20 years of industry experience. He worked in two startups in the medical device industry. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot.

Jim earned his M.S. in engineering management from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic.

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Ventures

The Ventures Team at UF Innovate champions entrepreneurial success through strategic support and investment opportunities. With a focus on nurturing scalable ventures and fostering industry partnerships, our team drives innovation forward, shaping the future of technology and business.

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ACCELERATE

The Accelerate Team at UF Innovate is committed to catalyzing the growth of startups and entrepreneurs. With a focus on providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, our team empowers innovators to accelerate their ideas into thriving businesses.

Photo of Jim O’Connell

Jim O’Connell

Assistant Vice President UF InnovateTech Licensing
Work Phone: (352) 392-8929

Biography

Jim serves as the Assistant Vice President for Commercialization, leading UF Innovate, the umbrella organization over Tech Licensing, Sid Martin Biotech and The Hub. Jim is also the director of Tech Licensing. He works with internal and external constituents to provide strategic leadership and direction in building and capitalizing on facilities, expertise and technology at UF.

Before joining UF Innovate, Jim directed the tech transfer office at the University of Miami and served as the director of the Michigan Venture Center at the University of Michigan. Jim came to tech transfer with 20 years of industry experience. He worked in two startups in the medical device industry. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot.

Jim earned his M.S. in engineering management from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic.

uf Innovate

pathways

UF Innovate | Pathways serves to empower innovators with training and resources to support innovation and commercialization at UF. Whether you are a faculty member, postdoctoral associate, staff, or student, take advantage of these programs to enhance your knowledge and advance your ideas to market. 

Photo of Jim O’Connell

Jim O’Connell

Assistant Vice President UF InnovateTech Licensing
Work Phone: (352) 392-8929

Biography

Jim serves as the Assistant Vice President for Commercialization, leading UF Innovate, the umbrella organization over Tech Licensing, Sid Martin Biotech and The Hub. Jim is also the director of Tech Licensing. He works with internal and external constituents to provide strategic leadership and direction in building and capitalizing on facilities, expertise and technology at UF.

Before joining UF Innovate, Jim directed the tech transfer office at the University of Miami and served as the director of the Michigan Venture Center at the University of Michigan. Jim came to tech transfer with 20 years of industry experience. He worked in two startups in the medical device industry. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot.

Jim earned his M.S. in engineering management from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic.

uf Innovate

NSF I-Corps @ UF

NSF I-Corps is a nationally recognized initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enable academic researchers and entrepreneurs to accelerate the path from discovery to impact. Under expert guidance and industry mentorship, researchers learn how to explore the commercial potential of their ideas, translate technology, and build entrepreneurial skills. These are your UF contacts for NSF I-Corps.

Photo of Jim O’Connell

Jim O’Connell

Assistant Vice President UF InnovateTech Licensing
Work Phone: (352) 392-8929

Biography

Jim serves as the Assistant Vice President for Commercialization, leading UF Innovate, the umbrella organization over Tech Licensing, Sid Martin Biotech and The Hub. Jim is also the director of Tech Licensing. He works with internal and external constituents to provide strategic leadership and direction in building and capitalizing on facilities, expertise and technology at UF.

Before joining UF Innovate, Jim directed the tech transfer office at the University of Miami and served as the director of the Michigan Venture Center at the University of Michigan. Jim came to tech transfer with 20 years of industry experience. He worked in two startups in the medical device industry. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot.

Jim earned his M.S. in engineering management from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic.

uf Innovate

Marketing Team

Driving visibility and impact, the UF Innovate marketing team amplifies the stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, and research at the University of Florida.

Photo of Jim O’Connell

Jim O’Connell

Assistant Vice President UF InnovateTech Licensing
Work Phone: (352) 392-8929

Biography

Jim serves as the Assistant Vice President for Commercialization, leading UF Innovate, the umbrella organization over Tech Licensing, Sid Martin Biotech and The Hub. Jim is also the director of Tech Licensing. He works with internal and external constituents to provide strategic leadership and direction in building and capitalizing on facilities, expertise and technology at UF.

Before joining UF Innovate, Jim directed the tech transfer office at the University of Miami and served as the director of the Michigan Venture Center at the University of Michigan. Jim came to tech transfer with 20 years of industry experience. He worked in two startups in the medical device industry. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot.

Jim earned his M.S. in engineering management from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic.

Sid Martin Biotech

12085 Research Dr, Alachua, FL 32615

Mailing Address

12085 Research Dr, Alachua, FL 32615

Phone Number

The Hub

747 SW 2nd Ave STE 160, Gainesville, FL 32601

Mailing Address

747 SW 2nd Ave STE 160, Gainesville, FL 32601

Phone Number

(352) 294-0885