U of A Names Innovation Ambassadors to Advance Commercialization and Entrepreneurship

The U of A has selected nine faculty members to serve as the inaugural cohort of Innovation Ambassadors, a new initiative designed to strengthen the university's innovation ecosystem by expanding mentorship, commercialization expertise and entrepreneurial support across campus.

The inaugural Innovation Ambassadors are:

• James Abbas
• Kartik Balachandran
• Bob Beitle Jr.
• Ingrid Fritsch
• Christa Hestekin
• Khoa Luu
• David McNabb
• Paul Thibado
• Wenchao Zhou

The program brings together accomplished faculty innovators from a variety of disciplines who will help guide colleagues through the process of transforming research discoveries into real-world products, services and ventures. Ambassadors will serve a two-year term from July 2026 through July 2028.

"Developing solutions to society's most pressing challenges is one of the university's greatest strengths," said David Hinton, assistant vice chancellor for Research & Innovation and executive director for Technology Ventures. "The Innovation Ambassador program creates a peer-to-peer support network that helps demystify the commercialization journey, navigate opportunities and challenges, and ultimately increase the impact of their work."

The primary purpose of the Innovation Ambassador program is to provide trained faculty mentors equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the university's commercialization framework. Ambassadors will help disseminate critical information about innovation and entrepreneurship, mentor faculty pursuing commercialization activities, and help researchers develop realistic expectations about the time and effort required to bring technologies and discoveries to market.

The program is also designed to build a sustainable, campus-wide support network that enhances the U of A's overall commercialization impact.

The ambassadors were selected from members of the U of A chapter of the National Academy of Inventors and represent a broad range of colleges, departments and areas of expertise. The program is structured to ensure balanced representation across the university while leveraging the experience of faculty who have successfully navigated the innovation and commercialization process.

"The Innovation Ambassador program is a great opportunity for faculty to learn from and support one another," said Erin Drewke, venture development program manager for Technology Ventures. "These ambassadors are continuing to build and refine their commercialization knowledge so they can become a resource for their peers. Their contributions will help grow the support system across the university and give faculty and students more people they can turn to for guidance as they explore innovation and commercialization."

Faculty interested in mentoring support will be able to participate through a formal matching system. Researchers may self-nominate for mentorship, while the Office of Sponsored Programs, Technology Ventures and department heads will also identify faculty who could benefit from commercialization guidance and connect them with an ambassador whose expertise aligns with their goals.

All ambassadors receive specialized training on university policies and best practices for research commercialization. Throughout their appointments, ambassadors will dedicate up to 10 hours per month to mentoring faculty and, when appropriate, student innovators within their colleges or subject matter areas. They will also participate in semester group meetings to share best practices, identify new opportunities and strengthen the U of A's commercialization network.

Technology Ventures partnered with the College of Engineering to launch the inaugural cohort of ambassadors

"Research creates impact when great ideas can move beyond the lab and into the hands of the people who need them," said Laura Moix, innovation and impact strategist for the College of Engineering. "The Innovation Ambassador program strengthens that pathway by connecting faculty innovators with peers who have experience navigating commercialization and entrepreneurship. By building a culture of mentorship around innovation, we're helping more discoveries achieve real-world impact for Arkansas and beyond."

In recognition of their service, Innovation Ambassadors will receive reportable university service credit that can be included in promotion and tenure materials. They will also be recognized annually at the Innovator Awards Banquet and will have opportunities to help shape and expand the institution's growing commercialization ecosystem.

As the U of A continues to advance research impact, the Innovation Ambassador program represents a significant investment in faculty-driven innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that researchers have access to experienced mentors who can help translate discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace.

The program aligns with the U of A's commitment to fostering innovation, supporting faculty success and accelerating the economic and societal impact of research conducted across campus.