• A group of five people conducting an experiment
  • A man pointing to a board
  • Red laser bouncing of mirrors to form a path of right angles
  • Young man in a rocket lab
  • Group of people circled around a white human-like robot

SPARK (Strategic Partnerships Advancing Research and Knowledge)

About the Program

At 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, the Strategic Partnerships Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) program is a key initiative under the Office of Economic Development and the Division of Research. The program aims to complete the following:

  • Drive the intersection of academia, industry, and community to foster economic development and diversification in Nevada.
  • Leverage 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's research capabilities and community partnerships to support sponsored research, foster high-tech startups, license intellectual property, and transform early-stage technologies into market-ready products.
  • Enhance access to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s facilities and talent through events and dialogues with researchers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs–therefore driving economic growth and technological progress in the region.

Get Involved

Whether you are a researcher eager to explore the commercial potential of your findings, an entrepreneur looking for groundbreaking technologies, or an industry veteran aiming to collaborate on cutting-edge research, SPARK provides the platform to connect, collaborate, and create.

The SPARK-51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Annual Series

Launched in 2023, SPARK-51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a three-day event designed to introduce the faculty of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, industry, and community partners to research and economic development opportunities. The event includes panel discussions, workshops, and educational sessions that are designed to enhance research capabilities, foster innovation, and create impactful collaborations between 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and industry partners.

SPARK Thursday

"SPARK Thursday" is our exclusive quarterly event designed to bring together industry leaders and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ researchers to discuss strategies for movement, growth, and collaboration. This private gathering offers a unique platform for investors to explore groundbreaking university research with the potential to ignite innovation. By fostering these high-level interactions, "Spark Thursday" aims to create a dynamic environment where cutting-edge ideas can be transformed into impactful, market-ready solutions, driving forward economic development and technological progress in Nevada.

Upcoming Events

There are no events at this time. Please check back soon.

Contact Us

To learn more about the SPARK Program, contact our team or .

Mike Fahnert

Headshot of Mike Fahnert
Office: HR1 409
Mail Code: 1049
Phone: 702-895-2825

Jamie Schwartz

Headshot of Jamie Schwartz
Office: HR1 Suite 400
Mail Code: 1049
Phone: 702-895-5641
Logo for S.P.A.R.K. or Strategic Partnerships Advancing Research and Knowledge