Gerald O. Wilson, PhD, MBA

Gerald O. Wilson, PhD, MBA, serves as the Director of Entrepreneurship at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Technology Entrepreneur Center (TEC) within the university. In this role, he is responsible for fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports research commercialization and innovation across various academic disciplines at UIUC.124

Educational Background

Wilson holds a PhD and an MBA, equipping him with a robust foundation in both research and business management. His academic background enables him to bridge the gap between scholarly research and practical entrepreneurial applications.

Professional Experience

Before his current position, Wilson was involved in several entrepreneurial initiatives, including serving as the President and CEO of Autonomic Materials, Inc. (AMI). He has a history of engaging with startups and fostering collaboration among faculty and researchers to translate innovative ideas into viable business ventures.16

Contributions to UIUC

As the first Director of Entrepreneurship at UIUC, Wilson is tasked with developing strategic initiatives to enhance entrepreneurship across the university's research institutes and colleges. This includes leading programs like Amplify, which aims to accelerate the commercialization of research by connecting faculty with resources and mentorship opportunities.14 His leadership is pivotal in cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that not only supports academic excellence but also contributes to economic development.35

Contact Information

For more details about his work or initiatives at UIUC, Gerald O. Wilson can be reached through his university email or via his LinkedIn profile under the username wilsongerald.3