Ira Gostin: Get to know UNRs Innevation Center (voices)

I am thrilled to share that I've recently been appointed to the role of marketing strategist in residence at the University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center. It's truly an honor to contribute to this vital component of our University's entrepreneurial outreach efforts. My primary objective is to enhance connectivity between our local community and the Innevation Center.

Upon stepping into this role, one of my immediate observations was the relative obscurity surrounding the Innevation Center within our community. It's a remarkable institution, often overlooked. Within its walls, one discovers not just a coworking space, but also a hub for ideation, collaboration, and innovation. It seamlessly integrates elements of a think tank, meeting venue, coworking space, makerspace and business incubator.

Coming up is the fourth annual Innevation Center Makerthon, a compelling opportunity for high school, college, and university student teams to engage in a weekend-long invention competition. Scheduled for April, applications are currently being accepted until March 11. If you know any budding innovators, encourage them to apply – the winning team will be rewarded with a substantial cash prize of two thousand dollars and some unrivaled bragging rights!

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting my inaugural Member Marketing Roundtable, where I engaged with over a dozen founders during a lunchtime discussion on topics ranging from messaging and brand storytelling to effective marketing and social media strategies. Additionally, we're curating a quarterly workshop series featuring distinguished speakers; our debut session in February garnered tremendous success. Stay tuned to our social media channels for upcoming event details.

Whether you require a space for periodic team meetings, a respite from remote work, or a fully equipped office to nurture your entrepreneurial endeavors, the Innevation Center has you covered. Our Makerspace boasts cutting-edge fabrication tools, including a CNC cutter and 3D printers, along with expert guidance to bring your concepts to fruition. There is a sewing station, label making, prototyping area and more. The basement at the Center rivals Santa’s workshop!

Established through a generous donation from Switch in 2015, the Innevation Center epitomizes a collaborative effort aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. While overseen by the university, its ethos leans more towards incubation than academia. Our dynamic team comprises both students and seasoned professionals, fostering a familial atmosphere.

In 2024, we introduced Free Founder Fridays, offering complimentary day passes to business founders. Additionally, we host esteemed entities such as the Small Business Development Center, Manufacture Nevada, StartUpNV, Female Founders Alliance of Nevada, the Reno-Tahoe gener8tor and numerous companies at various developmental stages.

To schedule a tour or learn more about our offerings, contact us via email at icfrontdesk@unr.edu or visit our website at www.unr.edu/innevation. The Innevation Center serves as a collaborative nexus for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship – we eagerly await your visit.

The Innevation Center is a collaborative hub to stimulate creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship and all its missing is for you to come by and say “hi.”

Ira M. Gostin is marketing strategist in residence at the University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center.