About the INNOVATOR Program

The UNLV Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Innovation Incubator (INNOVATOR) Program, funded by the National Institute on Aging, engages students (pre-doc, doctoral, post-doctoral) and junior faculty in innovation and entrepreneurship in the life sciences.

Program Goals

  • Cultivate a UNLV culture of innovation.
  • Introduce students and junior faculty to the principles of entrepreneurship and how to transform scientific discovery into products that will help patients and older individuals.
  • Inform students and junior faculty about the many non-academic, science-based careers that are available to them in government, advocacy, and business.
  • Instruct students about drug development and clinical trials as the basis for advancing new therapies for brain disorders.
  • Construct experiences that will provide participants with hands-on “business of science” experience.

Program Seminars

Spring Seminar: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The weekly spring seminar will introduce participants potentially interested in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to innovation and entrepreneurship basics. Topics may include navigating a university start-up at UNLV, intellectual property, small business innovation research (SBIR)/small business technology transfer (STTR) programs, startup business models, UNLV innovation and entrepreneurship resources, and student pitch decks.

Fall Seminar: Drug Development and Non-Academic Science-Based Careers

Participants will be introduced to the drug development process “from molecule to market” and the many related career opportunities. Topics may include overview of drug development and clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, clinical trial recruitment, diversity, inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility, biomarkers and brain imaging, foundational science for drug development, research administration careers, advocacy organization careers, science investment advisory careers, and biopharmaceutical industry career opportunities.

Entrepreneur Immersion Experience

The one-week summer Entrepreneurship Immersion guides participants through the process of launching a new entrepreneurial venture centered around intellectual property (IP) – from generating ideas to execution, with a specific focus on entrepreneurial opportunities in the medical field. This includes opportunities related to Alzheimer’s disease, brain disorders, and aging. The intense learning experience will engage in mini-lectures, guest talks, pitches, and business plan presentations. Participants will develop skills in creating and managing a successful new venture, apply these skills to new venture creation, and gain practical experience in launching new businesses.

Program Admission Information

Participating students will receive 1-2 credits for independent study, depending on the level of commitment. This program is open to all UNLV students, faculty, and staff. To learn more about this program and how to apply, please email brain.health@unlv.edu.

A group of people in a photo

UNLV Innovation Day

The UNLV Innovation Day calls attention to the groundbreaking activities of the Brain Health INNOVATOR Program and local start-up leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Learn more about the inaugural event.

This event takes place every spring, so be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!

Meet the INNOVATOR Team

Program Co-Directors

Director of Innovation

Steering Committee Members

Several members of the Steering Committee have founded businesses and have start-up experience; all bring innovative ideas and entrepreneurial passion to the INNOVATOR Program.

Members of the Steering Committee include: