Kimberly Gramm, Managing Director of the Innovation Hub at Research Park joined Texas Tech University in April 2016. Gramm's background includes economic and business development, technology venture startups, angel and venture funding, entrepreneur/innovation academic programming, public-private partnerships, government and external relations, and strategic collaborations. Gramm's collective experiences make her a forward thinking catalyst for regional development of a knowledge-based economy. Her contributions to building a culture of entrepreneurship through collaborative efforts has resulted in performance driven strategic initiatives recognized by the state of Florida. Her plans for Texas Tech University is to continue to build on the innovation tradition and create a renowned dynamic " hub" with engaged alumni, faculty, students, investment and business community that fosters organic growth to drive economic development in the West Texas region and beyond.
Gramm's entrepreneur academic experience began at Florida Atlantic University in 2008 as director of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business, one of the top ten largest business school in the country. She championed academic programs and co-curricular programs which included the FAU Business Plan Competition where more than 700 entrepreneurs gained access to start-up funding and mentoring. During her time as director, she raised over $1.2 million in cash and prizes awarded to student and local entrepreneurs. In 2010, she became Assistant Dean of Community Relations, leadership in key strategic College of Business initiatives with an emphasis on business development and community engagement.
In 2014, she co-founded FAU Tech Runway, securing $4.5 million to establish a new public-private funded accelerator program to identify, grow and launch companies. The initiative was developed and is currently a key component to the regions' eco-system. Prior to leaving FAU in April 2016 through her work with University leadership and the Board of Trustees, the program received additional funding of $750,000 from the state of Florida to provide seed grants to startups. A total of 15 companies were launched from the inception of the program in October 2014, during her time at FAU. The startups generated more than $3 million in revenue, 73 employees, and more than $8 million in angel and/or venture funding.