LAS VEGAS — September 11, 2023 — UNLV and Boyd Gaming Corporation have finalized a lease and sponsorship agreement to bring the Boyd Innovation Lab to the university’s Black Fire Innovation Building at the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park.

Boyd Gaming’s innovation team will officially relocate to the UNLV economic development facility in Southwest Las Vegas, where they’ll gain access to a unique proving ground for next-generation technology and ideas that are driving the future of hospitality and gaming. They’ll also directly engage with UNLV, local entrepreneurs, and other organizations working to advance economic development in Southern Nevada. 

“UNLV’s collaboration with Boyd Gaming will create a dynamic innovation environment for our students and faculty, giving them new and unique opportunities to learn and work alongside a longtime industry partner to turn ideas into real technology, products, and businesses,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. 

As part of the collaboration, Boyd will support internships for UNLV students, lend its expertise to university-based and corporate research and development, and bring its Boyd Innovation Lab to the space to enhance its efforts to accelerate new prototypes and ideas. 

Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, said: “We are excited to expand Boyd’s long-term partnership with UNLV through our residency at Black Fire.  Memorable and distinctive guest service is the foundation of the Boyd brand, and our commitment to technological innovation allows us to continue delivering on that promise, giving us unique new tools and methods for engaging our customers both on and off-property.”

UNLV’s four-story Black Fire Innovation building supports a unique innovation ecosystem where technology and talent converge to diversify and grow Southern Nevada’s economy. The building’s centerpiece is a fully equipped, 43,000-square-foot living laboratory that offers students, entrepreneurs, and businesses the physical and intellectual environment to showcase emerging technologies in gaming, hospitality, esports, and entertainment.

The five-year lease and sponsorship agreement between Boyd and UNLV includes access to office and research space and will support student internships and research and development opportunities. The partners will also work together to bring even greater functionality to the facility’s hospitality lab. The agreement was approved Sept. 8 by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents.