PARTNERING TO POWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATION
Merrimack College Ventures (MCV) is a bold new initiative that invites companies, startups, investors, agencies and not-for-profit leaders to partner with our faculty experts. Together, we co-create the future of innovation in fields such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, education technology and human performance.
ABOUT US
Grounded in Merrimack’s strategic vision and supported by the infrastructure built to sustain our trajectory to become a national R2 research university, Merrimack Ventures is a cross-cutting and fast moving unit designed to:
Address major regional business and workforce challenges.
Engage corporations and community partners in co-designed solutions.
Incubate scalable innovations across disciplines.
Expand Merrimack’s applied research enterprise and deepen corporate, government, university and not-for-profit engagement.
Leverage philanthropic capital, venture funding, and federal and state grants.
WhY PARTNER WITH US
STARTUP COLLABORATION
Engage with a pipeline of ventures solving real-world problems with access to early-stage funding, talent and intellectual property.
WORKFORCE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Partner with Merrimack Ventures to design short-term, credentialed programs that rapidly upskill your workforce in high-demand areas like AI, biotech and engineering.
APPLIED RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Co-develop research solutions with catered teams through sponsored projects or collaborative grant opportunities.
INNOVATION-IN-RESIDENCE
Access space, resources and talent through residencies and co-location opportunities at Merrimack’s innovation hubs.
STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY & INVESTMENT
Join a growing network of corporate leaders supporting applied research and venture incubation through mission-aligned giving and venture support.
Our PARTNERS
Merrimack Ventures projects
Merrimack Ventures is engaged in a number of projects and serves as a bridge between Merrimack’s deep academic and entrepreneurial expertise and the real-world needs of the regional and national economy.
THE KNOWLEDGE TOWN
A Catalyst for Corporate Partnership and Innovation
The Knowledge Town concept is based on creating innovation-centered districts that blend research, talent development, housing, entrepreneurship and corporate partnerships into a single integrated ecosystem. At the heart of this vision is a bold commitment: to build a place-based platform for change, where industry and academia collaborate to solve the region’s most pressing challenges.
Our Organization
A Project-Based Model
Our structure supports agility, scalability, and integration. It is designed to reflect: a project-based model that allows for rapid response to opportunities, demonstrated leadership and project management, subject matter expertise, and flexibility to build and scale with external partners.
Executive Facilitator (EF) – Vice President in the Office of the President
Strategic leader and primary liaison between Merrimack College leadership, corporate partners and project teams.
Project-Based Operating Teams
Organized around a specific initiative (e.g., startup accelerator, corporate challenge, short-term credential launch, commercialization pilot), teams include an EIR project lead, partners, and operations staff.
Executives-in-Residence (EIRs) Network
Industry experts embedded within Merrimack Ventures on a rotating, project-specific or thematic basis. EIRs lead specific projects and/or accelerator tracks, advise on investment strategy, commercialization, and go-to-market planning, and facilitate strategic matchmaking between industry partners and Merrimack assets.
Operations Staff
Proven skills in navigating internal systems and coordinating with external entities, staff provide high-level support for both incubating ideas and for moving initiatives forward.
Executive Facilitator (EF) – Vice President in Office of the President
Strategic leader and primary liaison between Merrimack College leadership, corporate partners and project teams.
Jonathan Lyon, Ph.D.
Vice President, Planning & Institutional Impact
Merrimack College
Jonathan Lyon, Ph.D.
Vice President, Planning & Institutional Impact
Merrimack College
Executives-in-Residence (EIRs) Network
Industry experts embedded within Merrimack Ventures on a rotating, project-specific or thematic basis. EIRs lead specific projects and/or accelerator tracks, advise on investment strategy, commercialization, and go-to-market planning, and facilitate strategic matchmaking between industry partners and Merrimack assets.
Kirk Dombrowski, Ph.D.
Vice President, Research & Economic Development
Professor of Anthropology
University of Vermont
Kirk Dombrowski, Ph.D.
Vice President, Research & Economic Development
Professor of Anthropology
University of Vermont
Dominic Endicott, M.B.A.
Special Advisor to the President, Merrimack College
Strategic Advisor, Northstar Ventures
Venture Partner, Nauta Capital
Dominic Endicott, M.B.A.
Special Advisor to the President, Merrimack College
Strategic Advisor, Northstar Ventures
Venture Partner, Nauta Capital
Todd Leach, Ph.D.
Chancellor Emeritus, University System of NH
Clinical Professor, University of New Hampshire
Todd Leach, Ph.D.
Chancellor Emeritus, University System of NH
Clinical Professor, University of New Hampshire
Operations Staff
Proven skills in navigating internal systems and coordinating with external entities, staff provide high-level support for both incubating ideas and for moving initiatives forward.
Mark Gould, Ed.D.
Dean, Professional Studies & Corporate Engagement
Merrimack College
Mark Gould, Ed.D.
Dean, Professional Studies & Corporate Engagement
Merrimack College
Ainsley Watt, M.B.A.
Associate Vice President, Planning, Analysis, & Strategic Initiatives
Merrimack College
Ainsley Watt, M.B.A.
Associate Vice President, Planning, Analysis, & Strategic Initiatives
Merrimack College
Project-Based Operating Teams
Organized around a specific initiative (e.g., startup accelerator, corporate challenge, short-term credential launch, commercialization pilot), teams include an EIR project lead, partners, and operations staff.
Strategic Advisor, Northstar Ventures
Venture Partner, Nauta Capital
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to engage in and build dynamic partnerships within an inclusive innovation ecosystem that blends academic excellence with industry responsiveness, preparing companies and organizations as well as an evolving talent workforce to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
ENGAGE
Determine high-priority needs of the regional ecosystem (companies, workforce, places) surrounding Merrimack College.
INVENT
Create, adapt, partner, franchise and build coalitions around ideas with high potential; demonstrate proof of concept and ROI.
SCALE
Raise significant investor capital and leverage human expertise, real assets and other resources to achieve outcomes at scale and “move the needle.”
VENTURE CAPITAL FUND
A $100M GOAL
Our goal is to raise and invest $100 million in a venture capital fund to support innovation and growth in the Merrimack Valley, helping to seed 100+ projects and start 25+ companies and spin-outs. The fund exemplifies Merrimack College’s identity as an innovative, entrepreneurial, and values-driven institution. It strengthens the College’s role as a regional anchor, a research university, and a workforce development pipeline, and invites corporate and community stakeholders to co-create the future of work, living, and learning. Through MCV, the fund will not only facilitate the region adapting to change, with our partners we will lead it.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
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