Richard DeMartino
Professor
Richard DeMartino
Professor
Education
BA, Roanoke College; MPA, Ph.D., University of Virginia
Bio
Richard DeMartino holds the Albert J. Simone Endowed Chair for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He also serves as the of director the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which promotes innovation and entrepreneurship education and activity throughout the RIT community.
Dr. DeMartino's research and teaching interests include Entrepreneurial Motivations, Technology Commercialization, and Small Business Growth. More recently he has conducted research on the entrepreneurial motivations of the deaf community, in conjunction with RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). His articles have appeared in journals including the Journal of Business Venturing, Journal of Small Business Management, and the Journal of Product and Innovation Management. Dr. DeMartino has received external funding from the Kauffman Foundation, US Department of Commerce, National Science Foundation, National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, and NY Empire State Development.
His administrative responsibilities include promotion of the RIT Innovation and Entrepreneurship eco-system. In this capacity, he works to develop diverse and inclusive experiential and multidisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship activities. In this role, he promotes and facilitates innovation and entrepreneurship activities throughout the RIT Community. His innovations include collaborative efforts founding and administering the Saunders College of Business SummerStart Program, the Technology Commercialization Clinic, the Small Business Strategic Growth Program, and the Digital Entrepreneurship Program.
Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. DeMartino worked in industry as a foreign currency, bond, and risk trader. He continues to do consulting in entrepreneurship program development, economic development and technology-related new business ventures. Dr. DeMartino has taught at the McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia, and at Virginia Commonwealth University.
For Saunders Summer Start Program needs, or to schedule a meeting/appointment with Dr. DeMartino, please contact Dana Pelliccia (dpelliccia@saunders.rit.edu or (585) 475-2176.
For all other needs, please contact Holly Yates (hyates@saunders.rit.edu or (585) 475-6042).
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In the News
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April 21, 2023
Five Fulbright students studying at RIT pursue entrepreneurship to create change back home
This semester, five graduate students attending RIT through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program have come together in one course to grow their skills in creating and running new organizations. These students intend to use their newly enhanced skills to create positive impacts in their home countries.
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September 19, 2022
RIT partners with prestigious National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Hub
In a move to further enhance an already robust innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, RIT is partnering with the NSF’s I-Corps Hub: Interior Northeast Region. RIT will join a consortium of 10 renowned regional colleges and universities that will utilize $15 million in NSF funding over the next five years to implement and execute a cohesive innovation ecosystem that delivers inclusive models of education and workforce training.
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August 8, 2022
RIT students use innovative design through Studio930 to enhance lives
RIT students participated in this summer’s Studio930 design consultancy, an interdisciplinary studio that focuses on the development of assistive healthcare solutions by leveraging the use of technology, art, and design. The 10-week long summer experience concluded with a student exhibition inside RIT’s LiveAbility Lab, a close partnership between RIT and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies.