The Office of Innovation and Commercialization has launched a new website and rebrand to mark the next chapter for the University’s single connection point for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. Alongside the digital overhaul, Ryan Watson has been named executive director of the office.
Watson Leads OIC as Olesh Focuses on NSF Engine
Watson previously served in the Office of General Counsel and co-led the office for the past two years alongside Erienne Olesh. This leadership transition allows Olesh to focus fully on serving as the CEO of the NSF Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Engine, where she oversees a $320 million investment to develop the next regional energy innovation hub.
The OIC team consists of eight members supporting the campus innovation community:
- Chris Menchini, director of intellectual property
- Jessica Ott, technology commercialization specialist
- Thomas Motes, licensing and IP counsel
- Kristina Anderson, business operations manager
- Angela Shock, office administrator
- Brooke Vani, program coordinator
- Tara St. Clair, director of the WVU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
- Chad Koury, coordinator for the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab
Digital Updates and Programming
The revamped site delivers clearer pathways to OIC’s services for faculty, students, industry partners, and the broader community. With student entrepreneurship resources moving to the OIC platform, the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab website is scheduled to sunset later this semester. The office is also revitalizing its communications through a quarterly newsletter, fresh programming, upcoming events, and a LinkedIn presence.
My team and I love what we do,
Watson said. We get to be the first on campus to learn of the latest discovery from our faculty, help a cofounder on their entrepreneurial journey, and envision a concept as a commercial product with an industry partner. A world of possibilities exists at WVU. Our goal is to facilitate these innovations to the commercial marketplace through our services, programming, and events.
Events and Awards
To recognize the contributors behind the office’s growth since the Research Office consolidated its technology transfer, innovation, and LaunchLab functions, OIC will host its first Mountaineer Innovator Celebration and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The office also scheduled the CEO Bootcamp for Friday, Nov. 13, at the Hope Coliseum, Clark Mountaineer Club, covering best business practices, intellectual property guidance, commercial contracting, and startup basics. Inventors can also apply for the Proof-to-Patent program to connect with OIC experts and earn up to $10,000 in funding.
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