Celebrating 10 years of impact | Driving innovation and economic growth in Reno and beyond

From its opening in 2015, the Innevation Center was envisioned as more than a gathering space for regional entrepreneurs or a business incubator. It was designed to be a living laboratory – a place always in beta mode, where ideas could be tested, boundaries pushed and disciplines blended.

Beyond the clear benefits of tens of millions of dollars of new businesses, startup capital and new jobs that have been created through our direct collaborations and partnerships with our City, the Innevation Center has proven to be the perfect gathering place for entrepreneurial ideas and knowledge-based initiatives.

Brian Sandoval

University President and former Nevada Governor at the time of the Innevation Center’s opening

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval

At a time when Reno was seeking to reinvent its economic identity, the Innevation Center helped catalyze a new era of innovation-driven growth. Anchored by the University’s commitment to community impact, and powered by public-private partnership with Switch, the Center filled a critical gap in the ecosystem: a neutral, collaborative space where entrepreneurs could launch, faculty could connect, students could build and industry could engage.

Member highlights over the years

From tech startups and biotech ventures to clean energy concepts and robotics projects, the Center has supported hundreds of companies and research collaborations. It has helped attract venture capital, supported workforce development, and created countless opportunities for students to engage directly with innovation and entrepreneurship. Explore the impact of our members – from tech pioneers to creative problem-solvers – who are shaping the future of Nevada’s innovation economy.

Josh Chang.

Innevation Center Member Highlight - Josh Chang

Josh Chang named as Innevation Center Member of July 2021

Julie Arsenault smiling.

Innevation Center Member Highlight - Julie Arsenault

Julie Arsenault named as Innevation Center Member of October 2019

Matt Starrett working on a computer.

Innevation Center Member Highlight - Matt Starrett

Matt Starrett named as Innevation Center Member of September 2019

As the Innevation Center marks its 10th anniversary, it’s not just about the space itself – it’s about the people, ideas and collaborations that have flourished here. From the very beginning, members and partners have brought this hub of innovation to life, shaping the region’s dynamic future.

Mridul Gautam

Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Nevada, Reno

University of Nevada, Reno Vice President for Research and Innovation Mridul Gautam

A people-first approach

What has set the Innevation Center apart is its people-first approach to innovation. It’s not just the tools and tech – though important – it’s the community-driven culture, one defined by:

  • Cross-sector collaboration between faculty researchers, startup founders and students.
  • Hands-on experimentation that embraces failure as a path to discovery.
  • An open-door ethos welcoming diverse voices across disciplines and backgrounds.

Over the past decade, this approach has helped seed companies, shape careers and advance research. It has also fostered a sense of belonging and purpose – positioning Reno not just as a place where innovation happens, but where it thrives.

Together, we have created opportunities for entrepreneurs, advanced workforce development, and strengthened the spirit of collaboration that drives our community forward.

Taylor Adams

President and CEO, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada

Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada President and CEO Taylor Adams

A look inside

  • The Concept Café is our largest meeting space and is equipped with amenities that will make your next event special, including comfortable furniture, advanced technical equipment, flexible presentation tools and catering capabilities.
  • The Innevation Center Makerspace offers several types of 3D printers for design and prototyping. Knowledgeable Maker staff are available to train and assist you with the equipment.
  • Friendly staff will greet you at the first-floor welcome center of the University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center, where members also collect mail and leave packages for pick-up.
  • The Innevation Center offers a flexible membership options from open co-working space, cubicles and also locked door office space. This private office has room for a conference table and several desks.
  • The electrical engineering station in the Innevation Center Makerspace has everything you’ll need for electrical design work including a computer station, soldering equipment and materials, a variable power supply, function generator and oscilloscope.
  • The Ideation conference room seats eight and is great for hosting online meetings. The room includes a large monitor with wireless screen-casting and a conference phone system for outgoing calls.
  • The Makerspace woodshop offers an array of high quality woodworking machines and equipment, including a CNC router, table saw and benchtop planer. The woodshop is open to users of all skill levels and our experienced staff will provide training and support.
  • Overlooking the beautiful Reno downtown area, the co-working space is the perfect spot for collaborating with colleagues and Innevation Center members. The co-working space is equipped with two soundproof office phone booths, a kitchenette, and open work tables. Throughout the Innevation Center, cubicle and office space is also available for rent.
  • The Makerspace machine shop is stocked with a full power-tool suite and metalworking equipment including a mill, CNC and laser cutter that will engrave images as well as cut out intricate patterns in wood, plastics and other materials.

Reflect. Celebrate. Launch forward.

As the Innevation Center enters its second decade, it does so with renewed vision and strategic alignment with the University’s Wolf Pack Rising plan – especially Goal 4: Transform the World.

Recently named an Innovation and Economic Prosperity designee by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the University has become one of 90 designees of the Innovation and Economic Prosperity program – a distinguished mark and testament to its strong commitment to economic engagement within the state of Nevada.

Next steps for the center’s continued success include:

  • Expanding industry partnerships to fuel applied research and innovation.
  • Launching new accelerator programs to nurture high-growth startups.
  • Deepening collaboration with rural and regional partners to broaden access to innovation.
  • Enhancing student pathways into entrepreneurship, tech and design careers.
  • Investing in state-of-the-art tools and technologies to stay at the leading edge.

In keeping with its founding philosophy, the Innevation Center will remain agile, inclusive, and future-focused – ready to evolve with the needs of the community it serves.

GOED is proud to support this collaborative ecosystem, which continues to fuel entrepreneurship and position our state as a leader in the knowledge economy.

Tom Burns

Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Governor’s Office of Economic Development Executive Director Tom Burns

Give to the Innevation Center

Join the University’s Innevation Center in shaping the future. Consider making a gift today to help sustain this important work.

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Logo: 10th Anniversary | University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center | 10 Years of Innovating