The University of Mississippi is looking to raise a venture fund to accelerate the growth of its spinout portfolio.
The university is keeping the plans quiet for now, revealing its intention only in a job advert for an assistant vice chancellor for innovation and economic engagement, whose primary responsibility will be the development and management of the fund.
The position will also be responsible for developing and leading strategies that drive commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and community and regional economic development.
The role will sit within the Office of Research and Economic Development.
The University of Mississippi, also known affectionately as Ole Miss, is an R1 institution, the highest Carnegie classification, meaning it boasts very high research activity.
Venture funds at these institutions remain the exception, with just over a third having a spinout investment fund, although that number has been steadily increasing. Some of the recent additions include UC Davis, which now has two funds, the University of Pennsylvania, which also now has two, the University of Arizona has one, and Tulane University also has one.
