Knowledge Fund
A UNLV-driven innovation engine empowered by the Knowledge Fund.
About
The Knowledge Fund, overseen by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is Nevada's primary tool for fostering innovation and economic growth and a foundational driver of economic development and diversification for both the state’s three research institutions and UNLV. Managed by the Governor's Office of Economic Development in collaboration with UNLV’s Office of Economic Development—whose principal engagement location at Black Fire Innovation supports a virtuous hi-tech commercialization ecosystem—the Fund transforms scientific discoveries into marketable solutions by funding high-impact research and innovation projects that create jobs, drive economic diversification, and enhance the quality of life in Nevada.
Economic Impact
Innovation and Commercialization
Current Programs
Entrepreneurs in Residence
The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program at UNLV, supported by the Knowledge Fund GOED, connects experienced entrepreneurs with university-owned technologies to commercialize groundbreaking inventions and foster economic growth through new business ventures and strategic partnerships.
SAGE
SAGE South, a partnership between UNLV, UNR, and APIO Innovation Transfer, assists Nevada's technology-based small businesses in navigating the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs by offering support in grant application processes, proposal writing, and business development.
Incubators and Accelerators
Zero Labs
This innovation launchpad offers entrepreneurs and startups a collaborative space to refine their ideas, access mentorship, and receive the necessary resources to accelerate their growth and bring cutting-edge technologies to market.
Electric Nevada Accelerator
This accelerator program provides startups in Nevada with access to mentorship, capital, and strategic resources to help them scale and refine their innovations, particularly in advanced energy and sustainable technologies, fostering economic growth and job creation.
Aspire
This collaboration with UNLV empowers faculty members to transform their intellectual property into market-ready products by providing training, mentorship, and resources to help them navigate the commercialization process, from customer discovery to defining market strategies and building business models.
Innovate NV
This program helps Nevada-based small businesses navigate the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes by offering tailored support, including proposal assistance, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities for technology commercialization.
Funding
Catalyst Grant
This program offers seed funding to UNLV faculty to support proof-of-concept projects that aim to enhance research capabilities, foster academic-industry collaborations, and drive innovation, particularly in the field of sport science and economic development.
UNLV Start-Ups, Companies, and Licensees
Institutes
International Gaming Institute
This institute at UNLV provides research, education, and practical solutions to the global gaming industry, focusing on areas such as gaming regulation, responsible gambling, and innovation in casino operations, helping shape policy and industry standards worldwide.
Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine
This institute at UNLV focuses on advancing personalized medicine through applied genetics and genomics, conducting cutting-edge research, offering educational programs, and collaborating with industry partners to improve healthcare and develop innovative clinical solutions.
Sports Innovation Institute
This initiative at UNLV promotes research, education, and innovation within the sports industry by fostering collaboration in areas like sports data, analytics, management, and science, aiming to drive economic development and shape the future of sports globally.
