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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

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.

test tube and pipettes on black table
Research |

Entities sign Memorandum of Understanding to cultivate best-in-class clinical research services for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

WAVR device
Research |

A newly launched UNLV startup advances the search for water sustainability solutions to the Southwest climate crisis.

Economic Development In The News

Las Vegas Review Journal

Millions of dollars in cash flow through Las Vegas casinos every day, making them ideal targets for money laundering schemes. Accordingly, the gaming industry is tightly regulated and closely monitored by both federal and state agencies to ensure that casinos are not used to launder illegitimate funds.

Tech Briefs

Imagine being severely dehydrated and water literally appearing out of thin air. In other words: The air you breathe could quickly become the water that wets your whistle. Well, that scenario is one step closer to reality thanks to University of Nevada, Las Vegas spinoff WAVR Technologies.

Vegas 411

It’s home to a symphony orchestra, choral ensembles, ever-changing exhibitions, virtual galleries, and museums. It’s the base of operations for the Jazz Outreach Initiative, a concert hall, and a haven for theater students. Its halls and classrooms honor art’s history while fostering future masterpieces. The College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas powers the pulse of Sin City…and it continues to grow.

Vegas 411

It’s home to a symphony orchestra, choral ensembles, ever-changing exhibitions, virtual galleries, and museums. It’s the base of operations for the Jazz Outreach Initiative, a concert hall, and a haven for theater students. Its halls and classrooms honor art’s history while fostering future masterpieces. The College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas powers the pulse of Sin City…and it continues to grow.

Vegas 411

It’s home to a symphony orchestra, choral ensembles, ever-changing exhibitions, virtual galleries, and museums. It’s the base of operations for the Jazz Outreach Initiative, a concert hall, and a haven for theater students. Its halls and classrooms honor art’s history while fostering future masterpieces. The College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas powers the pulse of Sin City…and it continues to grow.

Vegas Inc

A new online program developed by UNLV’s Leaderverse Initiative and the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation will offer online coursework and upskilling for people unemployed, underemployed or looking to change careers.

Economic Development Experts

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. 
An expert on gaming and society, Bernhard has been featured on CNN, The Discovery Channel, the BBC, and The History Channel.
An economist studying microeconometrics, economics of food security, health economics, and urban economics        
An expert in hospitality innovation, business development, esports, and technology incubation. 

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,…