Rocket Innovations

The University of Toledo established Rocket Innovations as a 501(c)(3), a non-profit subsidiary, to build relationships between university researchers and business leaders, and to spur technological discoveries and commercialization. We support UToledo through the development, support, and investment in services for public and private economic development projects.

Universities are engines of economic development - from educating students for the demands of the 21st-century workplace to fueling the scientific and technological discoveries that build new businesses.

Rocket Innovations identifies, facilitates, stimulates, and supports commercial activity that is aligned with The University of Toledo's vision, mission, and strategic development project in the community and region.

Rocket Innovations Mission Statement
To promote entrepreneurship at The University of Toledo through active student and faculty engagement in research, technology commercialization, and economic development with a favorable impact on our region.

Main Goals of Rocket Innovations:

• Identify the needs of business and industry, and promote alignment of needs with UToledo.
• Promote commercial activity with ties to The University of Toledo or recognized industry clusters that are associated with The University of Toledo Office of Research & Sponsored Programs.
• Enhance technology transfer and incubation, and promote research for the purpose of improving our existing industry base.
• Create a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, graduates, and faculty.
• Increase collaboration with regional economic initiatives and organizations.

Examples include: 

• Supporting business development for UT's new Research Center of Excellence in Advanced Renewable Energy and the Environment.
• Supporting the development of business incubation and business acceleration in energy, bioscience, and mixed-use technologies where students and community members are starting their own businesses and creating new jobs for local workers.