SPARK Program

SPARK (Strategic Partnerships Advancing Research and Knowledge)

About the Program

At UNLV, the Strategic Partnerships Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) program is a key initiative under the Office of Economic Development and the Division of Research. The program aims to complete the following:

Drive the intersection of academia, industry, and community to foster economic development and diversification in Nevada.
Leverage UNLV's research capabilities and community partnerships to support sponsored research, foster high-tech startups, license intellectual property, and transform early-stage technologies into market-ready products.
Enhance access to UNLV’s facilities and talent through events and dialogues with researchers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs–therefore driving economic growth and technological progress in the region.

Get Involved

Whether you are a researcher eager to explore the commercial potential of your findings, an entrepreneur looking for groundbreaking technologies, or an industry veteran aiming to collaborate on cutting-edge research, SPARK provides the platform to connect, collaborate, and create.

The SPARK-UNLV Annual Series

Launched in 2023, SPARK-UNLV is a three-day event designed to introduce the faculty of UNLV, industry, and community partners to research and economic development opportunities. The event includes panel discussions, workshops, and educational sessions that are designed to enhance research capabilities, foster innovation, and create impactful collaborations between UNLV and industry partners.

SPARK Thursday

"SPARK Thursday" is our exclusive quarterly event designed to bring together industry leaders and UNLV researchers to discuss strategies for movement, growth, and collaboration. This private gathering offers a unique platform for investors to explore groundbreaking university research with the potential to ignite innovation. By fostering these high-level interactions, "Spark Thursday" aims to create a dynamic environment where cutting-edge ideas can be transformed into impactful, market-ready solutions, driving forward economic development and technological progress in Nevada.