Snow Named Executive Director of Technology Ventures

Google. Dropbox. Facebook. Dell. What do these companies have in common? Hint: it’s more than leading-edge technology and tons of money.

They’re all university startups.

What began with an idea or innovation in a lab or dorm room grew into a world-changing corporation.

David Snow

The University of Arkansas is investing in its researchers and the potential of their inventions to change the world and, maybe, to launch the next Fortune 500 company. David Snow, recently named executive director of U of A Technology Ventures, will be at the forefront of the university’s drive to protect and commercialize the groundbreaking work of its innovators – faculty, students, staff and research scientists.

“David brings an impressive track record of success in commercializing intellectual property at a time when the University of Arkansas is coming off a record year for invention disclosures,” said Stacy Leeds, vice chancellor for economic development. “His expertise will help bring the outstanding work of our researchers to the marketplace and help the university build on what is already a $2.2 billion annual impact on the state’s economy.”

Snow joins the university from Texas Tech University, where he served as senior managing director in the Office of Research Commercialization. In this role, he was responsible for intellectual property review and protection, licensing and venture development activity across all four Texas Tech campuses. Since June 2015, the office quadrupled the number of executed license/option agreements, invention disclosures and licensing revenue received on an annual basis. Prior to his work as senior managing director, Snow served in a variety of roles including as president of Scientific Liaisons Inc. and as a research scientist in molecular pathology.

“Our goal is to position Technology Ventures as a primary access point for the Arkansas innovation ecosystem,” said Snow. “We will work with our researchers to protect their inventions and bring them to the marketplace, connecting them with industry partners and investors in Arkansas and beyond.”

Technology Ventures, a unit of the University of Arkansas Office of Economic Development, helps faculty, staff, students and research scientists identify, protect and commercialize intellectual property developed from their research or other university supported activities.

Snow’s hiring will build on the momentum of Technology Ventures’ most successful year to date. In fiscal year 2019, Technology Ventures had 47 invention disclosures, which not only was a record for the university but was an increase of 90 percent relative to the office’s historical average and a 52 percent increase compared to fiscal year 2018. The office also saw great success in provisional patent applications, non-provisional patent applications, patents issued and license/option agreements.

Snow holds a doctor of philosophy degree in chemistry, master of science in electro-analytical chemistry and bachelor of arts in biochemistry, all earned at Texas Tech. He is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is a Certified Licensing Professional.