Making UNLV the destination for faculty who want to build the next big thing
UNLV’s vision
As competition to attract and retain the best faculty intensifies across the US, UNLV’s vision is to become the number one destination for faculty who want to unleash their entrepreneurial potential with the IP they create/have created and build the next big thing.
Taking the first step
We designed a series of taster sessions to engage interested faculty. Partnering with UNLV’s dedicated Innovation centre, Black Fire Innovation, we delivered an initial assessment of their ideas.
Training Pathways
Accelerate speed to market: The selected faculty, went on an intensive 8 week coach-led, customer discovery sprint. During the 8 weeks, the faculty went and conducted customer interviews, assessed the potential market size that their proposed solution could reach, and, most importantly, explored routes to market and whether they should build the product themselves, or licence the IP.
The Results
10 new products to market were identified as viable through the process, with faculty being able to identify commercialisation opportunities outside of the academic market, define channels to market, develop new business models and engage with the University on the best options for them to develop their business venture further. For most, the next step was to identify the key skills required to develop a team around the new venture and create the business structure.
-
![]()
“My experience in working with Aspire has exceeded my expectations. Not only did I find one of the most professional and capable teams in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, but also the discovery of the optimal path for economic development in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment in Nevada through their training. Aspire's programs de-risk the startup model for faculty and enable them to converge real world problems with innovative thinking and entrepreneurial activity."
Robert H. Rippee, Ph.D.
Executive Director, UNLV Black Fire Innovation Hub
-
![]()
“Aspire’s training and tools helped us work out whether we were selling just a small part or device, or if we could sell a whole system? Really examining the problem to refine our offering. This was invaluable.”
James Mah, UNLV
Programme Participant
-
![]()
“This has been a great learning experience. Not only can I apply this training to my projects, but I can better support my students, too.”
Yoohwan Kim, UNLV
Programme Participant
