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Office of Economic Development News

The Office of Economic Development seeks to promote private- and public-sector partnerships in order to support economic and workforce development, to attract industry-sponsored research, and to protect and develop intellectual property.

Current Economic Development News

Radioactive contents safely contained in David Hatchett's lab space.
Research |

How UNLV radiochemistry is pioneering the future of energy in the Southwest by salvaging strategic materials from nuclear dumps – and making it safe.

A UNLV student studies with the Strip in the distance.
Campus News |

Headlines and highlights featuring the students and faculty of UNLV.

flamenco dancers outdoors with large UNLV letters in background
Campus News |

A roundup of news about the brights spots on campus.

photo of woman in red cap and gown on city street. "Rebels Thrive: 2024 Annual Report" is printed on graphic
Campus News |

UNLV is inspiring our students, fostering innovation, and transforming communities. Here in Nevada and around the world, Rebels Thrive.

cho device
Research |

Newly published research showcases tech capable of transforming water vapor into a usable form at a rapid rate in dry climates.

Undergrad researcher Benjamin Sabir helps H. Jeremy Cho examine an atmospheric water harvesting device. (Jeff Scheid/UNLV)
Campus News |

A monthly roundup of the top news stories featuring UNLV staff and students.

Economic Development In The News

KSNV-TV: News 3

Some of the most significant advancements in the hospitality industry are being developed at "Black Fire," a unique facility in Las Vegas that many may not know about. Part of UNLV's Office of Economic Development, Black Fire is a micro-resort located on the fourth floor of a building at the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. It serves as a testing ground for innovations that could transform the hospitality sector.

Las Vegas Review Journal

The indictment of 31 people on fraud charges last month in the Mafia gambling scandal shows that gaming regulators are doing their job to keep Nevada casinos safe, according to a former Nevada Gaming Commission chairman.

KSNV-TV: News 3

Las Vegas is shedding its "Sin City" moniker as it transforms into a major sports hub, boosting tourism and the local economy.

KSNV-TV: News 3

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is making strides in addressing gender pay disparity through its innovative programming aimed at empowering women in the workplace.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

The WomenUp Leadership Development Program is an in-depth learning opportunity created by C-Suite women for emerging female leaders and male allies aspiring to be in executive-level roles.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

Success@Work is an innovative workforce development program. It has been carefully curated for anybody that’s feeling stuck at work, not knowing where to get the skills to up their game. The program has 3 key advantages, among them are exceptional content and total flexibility.

Economic Development Experts

An economist studying microeconometrics, economics of food security, health economics, and urban economics        
An expert on gaming and society, Bernhard has been featured on CNN, The Discovery Channel, the BBC, and The History Channel.
An accomplished economist, professor, and administrator in the fields of business and economic research.
An expert on the intersection of travel and tourism with sociology, social justice, and environmental sustainability. 
An expert on small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurship.
An expert in sports betting, gaming policy and regulation, legislative affairs, and workplace sexual harrassment. 

Recent Economic Development Accomplishments

Martin Alvarez-Lopez, Emmanuel Becerra, Svelania Marino, and Krystka Marinao (all Business) from Team MycoWay earned the $5,000 scholarship prize at the 2024 UNLV Impact Ventures Case Competition hosted by UNLV's Black Fire Innovation. This annual event, presented by Caesars Entertainment, challenged students to design sustainable, for-profit…
Marta Soligo (Economic Development), director of tourism research, and Tammi Tiger (Hospitality), director of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Education Initiative) presented: Building Destinations: Tribal Tourism & Economic Development on a panel together at the Tribal Leadership & Management Conference 2024.
On July 18, Pitch Mayhem, the premier pitch tournament designed to elevate Las Vegas as a leading tech destination, successfully took place at UNLV's Black Fire Innovation. The event brought together the brightest minds in technology, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, marking a significant milestone in the city's journey to becoming a tech…
Kasra Ghaharian (International Gaming Institute) has been awarded funding by the Massachusetts Gambling Commission to conduct research on artificial intelligence (AI) in the gambling sector. The study, awarded to the UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, will focus on current and possible uses of AI in the gambling industry, with a particular…
The Department of Brain Health and the Office of Economic Development hosted the inaugural UNLV Innovation Day, an annual event that brought together UNLV researchers and industry professionals to discuss the growth and understanding of brain health, mental health, and the innovation brought together through science and experimentation. The…
Marta Soligo (Hospitality and Office of Economic Development) participated as a guest speaker at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Partnership Summit on March 6, 2024. During the event, Soligo shared insights from the research on sports tourism and outdoor recreation she is conducting with the team of the UNLV Tourism Development,…