ROME — The Griffiss Institute has named Seth Mulligan as the agency’s new director of innovation and partnerships.
Mulligan, who began work at GI on Monday, will lead the GI’s technology transfer and incubation divisions, and will continue to expand GI’s mission as a non-profit talent and technology accelerator for the Department of Defense.
Mulligan comes to the GI as a serial entrepreneur with experience leading both startups and tech incubators. Most recently, he was vice-president of customer and revenue operations for StorySlab, a sales enablement software platform headquartered in Syracuse.
He specialized and saw success in partnering with innovators in incubator leadership, as well as operating as a key leader inside private, scalable companies, officials said.
“I am looking forward to working with Seth,” said Stephen Colenzo, director of the Office of Research & Technology Applications for the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate. “Seth’s diversity of thought will create breakthrough opportunities for tech transfers with entrepreneurial ventures and help advance the technology ecosystem powered by the Air Force Research Lab.”
Mulligan brings an extensive array of knowledge to elevate the GI’s approach to the vibrant and growing portfolio of technology commercialization and startup opportunities emerging from Rome Labs. His dedication to technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in Upstate New York, working knowledge of new venture strategies, and passion for excellence are similarly important to advance the mission of Innovare Advancement Center.
“Seth is committed to empowering innovation and enabling entrepreneurs,” said GI President and CEO, Heather Hage. “He has a proven record of dedication and accomplishment in leading diverse teams to drive business and technology solutions to build a better world, and his experience will significantly enhance our organization, especially in our role as partnership intermediary for Rome Labs.”
Mulligan will apply his experience to grow the impact of GI’s technology transfer and incubator programs. The GI’s Innovation and Partnerships division is home to a diverse and talented team of engineers, computer scientists, intellectual property attorneys, contracting experts and business professionals, all unified in purpose to advance national security and economic competitiveness with innovative approaches to technology commercialization.
Mulligan will assume leadership of this mission, including the GI Incubator and HUSTLE Defense Accelerator. HUSTLE stands for Helping Upstate Science and Technology Leaders and Entrepreneurs.
“I am grateful and humbled to bring my passions for innovation, entrepreneurship and building effective collaborations to GI and its partners, like the Air Force Research Lab,” said Mulligan. “The Innovare Advancement Center feels like home, and I cannot wait to build upon the great foundations already started here to advance this world-class innovation environment.”
Mulligan holds a master’s of Public Administration from Syracuse University, a master’s of Professional Studies for Community Services Administration, and a bachelor’s of science degree in Political Science from Alfred University.
He has several years of experience working with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, delivering on-base entrepreneurship for military service men and women who are within 12 months of the end of their service as part of their transition planning.