Rich Giersch

Rich Giersch has extensive expertise in technology commercialization and entrepreneurial ecosystem development. With a career spanning leadership roles in academia, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, he has a proven track record of driving innovation and securing substantial dilutive and non-dilutive funding for high-impact projects.

While in senior leadership positions at two venture capital firms Rich led technology due diligence and mentored portfolio companies in non-dilutive funding acquisition. Then as a senior leader at two R1 universities he developed novel technology commercialization and incubator programs with cross campus faculty and NIH support. Rich understands what it takes to develop technology, launch a company and secure funding.

As program director of multiple US SBA funded FAST grants in both Washington and West Virginia he built statewide SBIR/STTR education and mentoring programs that resulted in millions in awards to first time applicants. Additionally, he built matching grant programs in both those states in partnership with state legislatures and the departments of commerce. He has a long history of building ecosystem partnerships including being a principal investigator for a $3.5 million STTR funded NIH Southeast Accelerator Network, consisting of 24 academic institutions and a small business.

With a career in managing large, multidisciplinary consortia, including his role as Chief Science Officer at Rutgers based Armed Forced Institute for Regenerative Medicine, securing over $75 million in non-dilutive funding commitments at 21 Ventures, founding CEO of Valtari bio, Rich is a formidable force in the innovation and commercialization landscape. His commitment to fostering public/private partnerships and mentoring future leaders, positions him as a valuable asset to organizations seeking to build SBIR/STTR capability, and drive technological and entrepreneurial success.