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Wil Srubar, Deming Associate Dean for
Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Professor Wil Srubar has been appointed as the first Deming Associate Dean for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a new role established by CU Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. This position is designed to provide education, mentorship and training to faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students in the creation and commercialization of intellectual property.

Why was this new position created?
Our goal is to cultivate a community of scholars with entrepreneurial mindsets who can partner with government and industry to drive economic growth in the state, national and global economy. We've learned over time that in order for inventions to thrive, we must provide foundational tools and resources. In this position, I will be responsible for connecting faculty, graduate students and postdocs to innovation and entrepreneurship resources within the college and across campus. I’ll also be developing new programs, policies and initiatives that guide our innovators from inspiration to impact. 

Why now? 
CU Boulder has a rich legacy of innovation. Our engineers have led advancements in solar energy. We have also made significant strides in biotechnology, with contributions in biomaterials, tissue engineering and medical devices. Additionally, our faculty have pioneered novel GPS applications, including using the technology to measure Arctic ice sheets and monitor soil moisture on farms.

CU Boulder's history of innovation is reflected not only in groundbreaking research but also in its entrepreneurial spirit. In 2024 the university launched 35 startups, placing us second among American universities for the number of startups launched in a single year over the past decade. With our established strength in the innovation and entrepreneurship arena and immense potential for continued growth and impact, the timing couldn’t be better.

What excites you most about your new role?
This is a brand new position within the college—and the first associate dean of innovation & entrepreneurship role in any college at CU Boulder. I see this blank slate as a tremendous opportunity. I have the chance to shape the vision, mission and strategic actions that will define this role for future leaders.

What do you hope to accomplish in the near and long term?
In the near term, I aim to define key performance indicators for innovation and entrepreneurship activities within and beyond the college. I’ll focus on creating and launching new education, training and mentorship programs and initiatives that connect our faculty, graduate students and postdocs to the campus entrepreneurship ecosystem. Additionally, I plan to establish policies and guidance for our entrepreneurial faculty regarding comprehensive review, promotion and tenure and entrepreneurial leave.

I also plan to work with campus leadership to design a sustainable funding model for the college, ensuring that we can continue to invest in innovation and entrepreneurship within the college. The ultimate goal is to build a vibrant community of entrepreneurially minded engineering faculty, graduate students and postdocs who have a clear, step-by-step understanding of how to take their ideas, engage with the CU Boulder entrepreneurship ecosystem and make a real-world impact. This position represents an initial investment in enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship activities within the college, and it's my responsibility to ensure that this investment continues to elevate the strong innovation and entrepreneurship profile of both the College of Engineering and Applied Science and CU Boulder. I can’t wait to get started!