Leadership Team

The Leadership Team at UF Innovate drives innovation and entrepreneurship with diverse expertise in strategic planning, business development, and industry collaboration. Our dedicated professionals support startups and transform groundbreaking ideas into successful ventures, positioning UF Innovate as a leader in technological advancement.

Jim-O-Connell
Jim O’Connell
Assistant Vice President

Jim O’Connell

Assistant Vice President

Jim serves as the Assistant Vice President for Commercialization, leading UF Innovate, the umbrella organization over Tech Licensing, Sid Martin Biotech and The Hub. Jim is also the director of Tech Licensing. He works with internal and external constituents to provide strategic leadership and direction in building and capitalizing on facilities, expertise and technology at UF.

Before joining UF Innovate, Jim directed the tech transfer office at the University of Miami and served as the director of the Michigan Venture Center at the University of Michigan. Jim came to tech transfer with 20 years of industry experience. He worked in two startups in the medical device industry. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot.

Jim earned his M.S. in engineering management from the University of Maryland and his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic.

Sid Martin Biotech

12085 Research Dr, Alachua, FL 32615

Mailing Address

mail@mail.test

Phone Number

The Hub

747 SW 2nd Ave STE 160, Gainesville, FL 32601

Mailing Address

mail@mail.test

Phone Number

(352) 294-0885