Top Talent Joins Innovacorp as President, CEO

Jan. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Clifford Gross has been appointed as president and CEO of Innovacorp, today, Jan. 18.

Mr. Gross brings more than 20 years of experience in technology and product commercialization, intellectual property and entrepreneurship. His appointment takes effect Feb. 1.

"Innovacorp has made major strides with its High Performance Incubation business model during the last six years, and received top national and international honours for its record," said Jacquelyn Thayer Scott, chair of Innovacorp. "Our board and management team are poised for the next leap forward in assisting early stage companies and researchers to successfully take their technologies to export markets."

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris also expressed enthusiasm about the appointment.

"The province has committed to creating good jobs and growing the economy," said Mr. Paris. "We know the status quo isn't enough to assure the sustainable, healthy and affordable future Nova Scotians want.

"Innovacorp is a key agency for positive economic development throughout the province. We are confident Mr. Gross and his team will make the significant progress Nova Scotia needs to support its entrepreneurs and innovators."

From 1997-2009, Mr. Gross was CEO and chair of UTEK Corporation, which helped transfer university technologies to the private sector. UTEK's unique business model helped a wide range of companies grow by using university discoveries to enhance product development.

Under Mr. Gross's direction, UTEK, which traded on the NYSE-AMEX, acquired university technology rights, established spinoff companies and funded additional research and prototype development to enhance the technologies.

Mr. Gross has also served on the Listed Companies Council of the NYSE-AMEX and serves on the board of directors of the State University of New York at Empire State College and the Technology Transfer Society.

He has also held senior academic and administrative positions with New York University, the New York Institute of Technology and the University of South Florida. He is a named inventor on 19 domestic and international patents on innovations from his research, is author or co-author of three books, two of which are focused on technology transfer, and holds master's and PhD degrees in ergonomics and biomechanics from New York University.

Stephen Hartlen, Innovacorp's vice-president of mentoring and interim CEO, is leaving to become Dalhousie University's assistant vice-president of industry relations and executive director of the Industry Liaison and Innovation office. The move will strengthen the organizations' collaborative relationship and enhance post-secondary research commercialization.

Mr. Gross said he looks forward to working with the Innovacorp team and board, other agencies and business and research stakeholders.

"While I'm not originally from Nova Scotia, five years ago I chose to build a home near Berwick," said Mr. Gross. "I am passionate about this province, its people, its natural beauty, and its potential."

To download a high resolution headshot of Mr. Gross, click here.

For more information, contact:

Dawn House
Innovacorp
902.424.8670 ext. 1189  
M 902.456.9705
dhouse@innovacorp.ca

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Innovacorp helps high potential early stage companies commercialize their technologies and succeed in the global marketplace. The organization's internationally recognized High Performance Incubation (HPi)™ business model incorporates incubation, mentoring and investment. Every day, we provide hands-on business guidance, tailored to meet the unique and evolving needs of high potential early stage technology companies.