Entrepreneur in Residence Program
About the Program
UNLV's Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program, funded by the Knowledge Fund GOED, is a cornerstone of the university's efforts to transform groundbreaking inventions into life-changing innovations that drive economic growth and diversification.
Managed by the Office of Economic Development (OED), the program focuses on identifying and commercializing university-owned technologies to develop high-tech, market-ready products that enhance lives. EIRs, as short-term employees, play a vital role by evaluating commercially viable technologies and either founding new companies or partnering with existing businesses to license these innovations. Their mission is to turn viable inventions into impactful solutions, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering innovation and economic development.
Current EIRs
Immediate Past EIRs
- 2024: Rahul Harkwat, CEO and Founder of Quantum Cooper
“As EIR, I’ve been immersed in a hotbed of amazing research and impressive researchers across various UNLV departments. It has been a thrill to explore and unlock possibilities together with UNLV faculty looking to maximize the impact of their innovations. This is all made easier and faster working together with the passionate people at the UNLV Office of Economic Development. After my few months working in this capacity, I’m more confident than ever that the Las Vegas of the future will be massively shaped by the game changing startups being spun out of UNLV this year.”Richard Sloan
