Engineering launches new Office of Innovation and External Collaboration

A newly restructured, student-focused Office of Innovation and External Collaboration will prepare Cornell Engineering students for career success and provide a clear point of entry to industry partners and employers looking to engage with the college's students and faculty.

"Through many discussions in recent months, our leadership community identified support for students and faculty through enhanced industry engagement as an important strategic priority," said Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering. "The thoughtful design of this new office addresses this pressing need in creative ways, and we are lucky to have committed leaders in place to advance this effort."

Emmanuel Giannelis, associate dean for innovation and the Walter R. Read Professor of Engineering, will lead the office. Among other leadership roles, Giannelis previously served as Cornell's vice president for research and innovation.

By repurposing positions, reallocating effort, and recruiting volunteer mentors with expertise in innovation, technology translation and partnering with industry, the office will build out two core teams. One will be dedicated to corporate and employer engagement, while the other one will provide cutting-edge student experiences and programming centered around innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship.

The teams will report to Patrick Govang, who has been named senior director of the Office of Innovation and External Collaboration. Govang is an accomplished entrepreneur, consultant, academic and corporate leader. He joined Cornell Engineering in November 2024 as the associate director of what was then called the Office on Innovation.

The Office of Innovation and External Collaboration will leverage partnerships with multiple entities, including Cornell Engineering's Office of Inclusive Excellence, Alumni Affairs and Development division, and its support team for Master of Engineering programs. The office will also tap into the broad expertise of Cornell's employer engagement and career development teams.

"As we embark on this journey, our student-focused vision serves as our North Star," Giannelis said. "There are many entities and organizations that stand to benefit from the expertise of Cornell engineers, and we are excited to now be well-positioned to make those meaningful connections."