Michael Shimazu Appointed to Oversee UAlbany's Public-Private Partnerships, Entrepreneurial Initiatives

Michael Shimazu, new Associate VP of Business Partnerships and Economic Development at UAlbany. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 18, 2013) -- The University at Albany today announced the appointment of Michael Shimazu as Associate Vice President of Business Partnerships and Economic Development. In the newly developed position, Shimazu will manage and advance public-private partnerships at the University, including UAlbany's Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex (E-TEC) initiative and the University’s START-UP NY program. He brings to the post nearly 30 years' experience in technology commercialization with start-up companies, universities, and government.

E-TEC is the signature initiative of UAlbany’s NYSUNY 2020 plan and is designed to be a transformational hub of innovation. It will bring together researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs, and investors, and provide the technology transfer and commercialization resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance New York’s competitiveness in key industries.

In addition, UAlbany will play an integral role in advancing the governor’s START-UP NY tax-free incentive program. Shimazu will lead efforts to attract out-of-state and newly formed businesses to locate in or near campus facilities as research and business partners, increasing access to the University’s nationally recognized academic and research programs, while creating jobs and other opportunities in the community.

"We have high expectations for the E-TEC and START-UP NY initiatives," said University at Albany President Robert J. Jones, "We welcome Michael’s expertise and leadership in developing and expanding public-private collaborations, creating long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships with companies, increasing industry-sponsored research, and fostering the development of University spinoff companies."

Vice President for Research James A. Dias said, "Mike will play a major role in setting the table for engaging industry, so that our faculty can bring their research expertise and intellectual resources to that table to help local businesses large and small succeed. We are excited to have a talented individual like Mike connecting the University to business innovation and engaging our faculty and students in that entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s a win-win for both sides and further demonstrates the University’s commitment to Governor Cuomo’s challenge to public higher education to take a leading role in driving economic development."

Most recently, Shimazu oversaw the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) clean energy venture development programs, including the authority’s award-winning Clean Energy Business Incubator Program. Prior to joining NYSERDA, he advised technology startups and developed industrial collaborations at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and provided business development consulting to technology companies and incubators. He has been a co-founder of a venture-backed technology startup, where he successfully raised capital and launched several profitable new products. Shimazu holds an undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Master of Science from RPI.

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