Michigan Technological University

Jim Baker is the Executive Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement and co-Director for Entrepreneurship for the Pavlis Honors College at Michigan Technological University. He is directly involved in connections between companies and the University in a number of areas including technology commercialization, research contracting, and industrial partnerships. In addition to working with startups and established companies that: license university technology, sponsor research, and otherwise engage with Michigan Tech, Jim is actively involved in a number of regional and statewide partner organizations including the Michigan Small Business Development Center, MTEC SmartZone, and the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance. Engagement with these organizations supports the establishment, growth, and sustainability of technology companies throughout the, largely rural, upper peninsula of Michigan. In particular he currently serves as President of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, and member of the Michigan Small Business Development Center Statewide and Region 1 Advisory Boards. Jim is a former Board Member of the Michigan Business Incubator Association and has been involved in various capacities with a number of early stage technology companies including a current appointment on the Board of Directors of a biotechnology startup company. Jim is a registered U.S. Patent Agent and holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Michigan Technological University.