At the forefront of a new innovation paradigm
Mark Crowell, KAUST vice president of Innovation and Economic Development (I&ED).
“Everyone at KAUST is collaborating, innovating and thriving,” said Mark Crowell, KAUST vice president of Innovation and Economic Development (I&ED). “This creativity is helping to establish a culture that will make KAUST a global destination, and I look forward to being a part of this exciting journey.”
Crowell was named vice president of I&ED in July. He brings over 25 years of experience to the Kingdom as a leader in academic innovation and business development. Before joining KAUST, Crowell was the founding executive director of UVa Innovation at the University of Virginia.
In 2010 and 2011, he testified twice before the United States Congress on the importance of innovation and proof-of-concept funding. Crowell has consulted widely for organizations such as the World Bank, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and many others.
“What struck me immediately about KAUST is the culture of innovation that is celebrated on campus,” Crowell said. “The University is at the forefront of a new innovation paradigm, and I hope to lead I&ED in leveraging this foundation to contribute to President Chameau’s vision of KAUST as a destination.”
Crowell believes I&ED plays a vital role in achieving this goal. He also believes that KAUST stands alone in offering such a wide array of strategically connected innovation and economic development programs.
“Our Research & Technology Park, industry engagement, technology transfer, Innovation Fund and Entrepreneurship Center programs are connecting our research and technology to the world,” he noted.
These programs provide industry with a gateway to KAUST and attract a number of key industry partners such as the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Saudi Aramco and many others.
“At KAUST, you have great academics, world class facilities and resources, a vibrant community and industry partners that leverage these resources into innovation,” said Pablo Carrasco Zanini, an employee from Saudi Aramco’s Corporate Research & Development Center at KAUST.
Crowell credits President Chameau for his vision in building the University’s talent pipeline and for elevating innovation throughout the campus.
“I want to build upon this momentum by creating a destination where people connect, create, collaborate, build culture and commercialize,” Crowell said.