Mercer Times

Princeton University has announced the creation of the Office of Innovation, a new initiative aimed at enhancing its ecosystem for research, start-ups, technology transfer, and industry collaboration. This development builds on a decade of growth in innovation and entrepreneurship at the university.

The office is designed to be a resource for faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs interested in fostering a collaborative environment that addresses societal challenges and helps innovative ideas make an impact. Craig B. Arnold, who holds the Susan Dod Brown Professorship in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and serves as vice dean for innovation, has been appointed as Princeton's first University Innovation Officer to lead this new office.

"This new office is founded on the principle that innovation at Princeton should be integral, inclusive and impactful," said Arnold. "Our mission is clear: we seek to nurture and support an environment where bold ideas take root."

Arnold highlighted recent efforts by the university to expand funding opportunities for innovation, increase programming in academic spaces, and build infrastructure to strengthen connections with corporations. More faculty members are now engaging with industry, collaborating across divisions, filing patents, licensing intellectual property, and starting commercial or non-profit organizations.

The Office of Innovation operates under the Office of the Dean for Research. Dean for Research Peter Schiffer explained that "the goal in creating the Office of Innovation is to organize the infrastructure to support innovation under one collaborative umbrella with focused leadership."

The office will also contribute to Princeton's broader efforts to develop New Jersey's economic ecosystem. It plays a role in initiatives like the New Jersey AI Hub announced last year by the university and state.

Located at 34 Chambers St. in downtown Princeton, the Office of Innovation includes three departments: Strategic Partnerships and Engagement led by Executive Director Coleen Burrus; Technology Licensing and New Ventures led by Executive Director John Ritter; and Innovation Infrastructure and Programs (IIP), which encompasses consortiums such as the NSF I-Corps Hub for the Northeast region.

The annual Celebrate Princeton Innovation event on October 10 will highlight this new office. "We are genuinely excited about the opportunities these changes bring," Arnold stated.