Brandy Salmon, who has led Virginia Tech’s commercialisation efforts since 2017, has been named the university’s inaugural vice president for innovation and partnerships.
Her expanded role will see Salmon collaborate closely with colleagues from the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) to offer strategic guidance on how it can support an extension of Virginia Tech’s reach. The VTCRC offers coworking, as well as wet and dry lab space across 40 buildings, where it houses 220 companies.
Salmon, up until now the associate vice president for innovation and partnerships at Virginia Tech, is used to firsts at the university: she originally joined the institution as its first executive director for business engagement and helped build a team that became Virginia Tech Innovation and Partnerships.
Salmon has helped push the number of invention disclosures received by the tech transfer office to record levels. She has also overseen the development of new programmes, such as proof-of-concept funding, customised workshops and an annual event, Celebrating Innovation, that recognises inventors. Under her leadership, the university also introduced a Presidential Innovation Post-Doctoral Fellows programme through its Office of Research and Innovation.
Additionally, she has spearheaded industry partnerships, such as inking a $50 million commitment towards scholarships, research and outreach from Boeing, and securing a $12.5 million commitment toward quantum research and education from Northrop Grunman.
“The modern university is increasingly called upon to engage with communities, solve real-world problems, and foster innovation that extends beyond academic walls.
“As part of a presidential priority launched more than eight years ago, Virginia Tech is well positioned to lead in a rapidly evolving future — and I’m excited to help guide our response. I’m deeply honored and grateful for this promotion, which I see not only as a recognition of our team’s impactful work, but also as an acknowledgement of all of our partners — both within the university and external — who are working tirelessly to drive meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.”
– Brandy Salmon
Salmon will continue to report to the university’s senior vice president for advancement and the senior vice president and chief research and innovation officer in her new role.
“True collaboration between higher education, government, and industry is essential for success in today’s evolving landscape.
“For the past eight years, Brandy has led the development of a ‘partnership engine’ to drive sustainable innovation and economic growth. As vice president, she will elevate our efforts to create value-added partnerships with companies and foundations, encourage patenting, licensing, and new venture creation, connect our global alumni network, and prepare Hokie graduates to engage with an increasingly complex world.”
– Tim Sands, Virginia Tech president
Salmon’s earlier career stops included serving as director and programme lead, innovation advisors, for applied research institute RTI International from 2011 to 2017, and holding leadership roles in Duke University’s Office of Licensing and Ventures.