Business, technology leaders weigh in
UCI’s entrepreneurial spirit is hitting the right note
Leading business leaders underscored the need for an Institute for Innovation in Orange County and praised UC Irvine’s initiative in this area.
David E.I. Pyott, chairman of the board and CEO of Allergan Inc.: “Allergan and UC Irvine share a commitment to scientific excellence and life-improving discoveries. As our neighbor, UC Irvine has been a source for providing robust research and a talented workforce. We welcome the formation of UC Irvine’s Institute for Innovation, which demonstrates the university’s continuing dedication to delivering ideas that improve the economic, individual and cultural health of the region and the world.”
Henry Samueli, Ph.D., co-founder, chairman of the board and chief technical officer at Broadcom Corp.: “Education has the power to foster incredible creativity and innovation. I’m very proud of my connection with UC Irvine and believe it’s a world-class institution that has been instrumental in sharing ideas and discoveries with the business community. The innovation institute will strengthen the link between industry and academia and will help cultivate the transfer of new technologies to the marketplace.”
Paul Merage, chairman and co-founder of MIG Capital: “The Merage School of Business has a legacy of superior achievement and entrepreneurial spirit. I applaud the university’s efforts to build on this legacy and create a culture that encourages innovation, creativity, risk and investment.”
Jim Mazzo, operating partner at Versant Ventures: “I’ve been actively involved with many areas of UC Irvine for decades. As a chief executive of international corporations, I find access to the university’s discoveries advantageous in developing strategies and identifying future markets. The innovation center will create an efficient, central source for groundbreaking research, helping the region’s businesses thrive through knowledge and leadership.”
Matthew Jenusaitis, president and CEO of OCTANe: “UC Irvine is a powerhouse of technology, healthcare, earth systems sciences and engineering discoveries in the heart of Southern California. This new Institute for Innovation will allow this world-class university to move beyond the traditional classroom and laboratory environment to address social issues and improve the human condition. With a shared interesting in bringing new ideas quickly to market and benefitting the surrounding community, OCTANe fully supports UCI’s commitment to innovation and the formation of the new institute.”
Ted Smith, chairman and CEO of MIND Research Institute as well as founder and retired chairman of FileNet: “MIND Research Institute is a living example of the power of UC Irvine’s innovation and research. Twenty years ago, UCI researchers discovered an effective way to teach math the way children learn – visually and experientially – which became the foundation for a separate, nonprofit entity in 1998. Today, MIND Research Institute is improving remarkably the problem-solving and math proficiency of 630,000 children in more than 2,000 schools across 35 states. Imagine the societal benefit if we could bring ideas like this to the community more quickly and effectively, as envisioned with UC Irvine’s Institute for Innovation.”
