The University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Oct. 13, 2025, marking a decade of innovation, entrepreneurship and community impact in Northern Nevada. The event welcomed University leaders, elected officials, industry partners and community members to reflect on the center’s journey and its role in shaping the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Guests explored all three floors of the downtown Reno facility, engaging with startup showcases, partner booths and live demonstrations in the Makerspace. The celebration featured a speaking program emceed by Tom Simpkins, director of Manufacture Nevada, who opened by recognizing the center’s evolution from a bold idea into a thriving hub for collaboration and economic growth.

Since its founding in 2015, the Innevation Center – alongside the Nevada Center for Applied Research and supported by the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development's Knowledge Fund – has generated more than $384 million in sponsored research, created 925 high-tech jobs, supported 18 spin-out companies and attracted $345 million in venture capital. It has also helped 26 companies relocate to Nevada, drawn by the collaborative environment and access to University resources.

President Brian Sandoval, who supported the center’s launch during his time as Governor of Nevada, reflected on its transformation into a nationally recognized innovation hub. He emphasized the University’s ongoing commitment to empowering talent, accelerating discovery and strengthening ties between campus and community.

Vice President for Research and Innovation Mridul Gautam shared personal memories of the center’s early days, recalling how the concept began as a sketch on a napkin and evolved through curiosity, experimentation and collaboration.

"We were in beta mode from day one, and truth be told, we’re still in beta mode today," Gautam said. "That’s exactly where I like to be – testing, adapting, creating and pushing boundaries. Because that’s what innovation really is: staying curious, staying uncomfortable, and staying open to what’s next."

Taylor Adams, president and CEO of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), spoke about the center’s role in attracting scalable startups and high-tech industries to the region.

The event concluded with raffle giveaways and a call to continue exploring the center’s spaces and engaging with its vibrant community.

As the University continues to expand its research and innovation capacity, the Innevation Center remains a cornerstone of Nevada’s entrepreneurial landscape.