Knowledge Fund

The Knowledge Fund is a catalyst for the new Nevada. Facilitated by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), it was created to further research, innovation and commercialization at Nevada's research universities and institutions. It was passed by the Nevada State Legislature and signed into law in 2011 as a part of Assembly Bill 499, and received initial funding in 2013.

Return on investment

Nevada Center for Applied Research and the Innevation Center

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$8.7M

Knowledge Fund
investment
over 8 years

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$201M

in venture capital
raised by affiliated
startups

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600+

companies, agencies &
orgs engaged through
memberships or agreements

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725+

jobs created
by affiliated
companies

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66

companies with
University-based
operations

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$150M+

in grants,
contracts, gifts
& agreements

As of February 2023

The Knowledge Fund recognizes and strengthens the connection between the research and innovation capabilities of the University and the development of Nevada's new, knowledge-intensive economy. It is an investment in innovation, economic development and workforce development.     — Dr. Mridul Gautam, Vice President for Research and Innovation

The University's Knowledge Fund supported projects

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Nevada Center for Applied Research

NCAR spurs an environment of innovation and ideas by supporting faculty, students and local industry to further their entrepreneurial pursuits. With the support of the Knowledge Fund, NCAR leverages the laboratories, equipment and expertise of the University and encourages industry growth while creating new jobs.

Some of the University efforts supported by NCAR include:

Visit the Nevada Center for Applied Research
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Nevada Advanced Autonomous Systems Innovation Center

Developing robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, with current research that includes:

  • Drone and unmanned aerial operations, driverless cars, advanced manufacturing systems, underground and underwater robots.
  • Underground robotics applications for exploration and safety being tested through industry and federal partnerships.
  • Development of a large high-bay area to conduct University or industry drone tests with accuracy of position and orientation.
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Sierra Accelerator for Growth & Entrepreneurship

Initially launched by the University, SAGE expanded to University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and Southern Nevada with Knowledge Fund support in 2020. SAGE is designed to put Nevada’s small technology-based businesses on the path to earn federal grant funding through the competitive SBIR and STTR programs, known as “America’s Seed Fund.”

Visit the Sierra Accelerator for Growth and Entrepreneurship