Malandro Named Founding Director of University’s Innovation Institute

Marc  S. Malandro has been appointed founding director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Innovation Institute, which is Pitt’s hub for activities that promote and foster innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Malandro has served as the Innovation Institute’s interim director since its launch in November 2013. During its first year under Malandro’s leadership, the institute helped launch six startup companies based on Pitt innovations, filed 74 patents for Pitt inventions, and counseled 646 business owners in the region about business-growth issues. The institute sponsors popular competitions and educational opportunities for students, hosts executives in residence, and works toward infusing innovation and entrepreneurship as a foundational element of the University at every level.

“Dr. Malandro’s vision for the Innovation Institute is well matched to our efforts in innovation and entrepreneurship at the University,” said Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson when announcing Malandro’s appointment. “He is committed to deepening both student and faculty interest in innovation across the University, and his vision for promoting and fostering innovative ideas and practices will both strengthen and expand the University’s activities in these areas.”

Malandro’s expertise is in commercialization of technologies based on university research, intellectual property, industry-academia relations, business development, licensing, and alliance management. He also has scientific expertise in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, agriculture, and oncology. 

Malandro arrived at Pitt in 2004. He has served as director of the University’s Office of Technology Management and of the Office of Enterprise Development, two entities that now fall under the aegis of the Innovation Institute. He was named the associate vice chancellor for technology management and commercialization in 2006 and worked to oversee the University’s technology commercialization, licensing, and startup company activities in that role. 

He also serves as an adjunct professor with appointments in the School of Medicine, Swanson School of Engineering, and Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. 

He is the assistant vice president for publications for the Association of University Technology Managers. He also serves on the boards of directors of Pennsylvania Bio, Pennsylvania Life Sciences Institute, and Pittsburgh Technology Council and is a certified licensing professional and registered technology-transfer practitioner.

Prior to joining the University, Malandro cofounded Sagres Discovery, a systems biology company focused on understanding the molecular basis of cancer, where he served as vice president of technology and strategic alliances and was involved in all aspects of intellectual property, licensing, and alliance management.

“I am excited that Dr. Malandro has agreed to serve as founding director of the Innovation Institute and have great confidence that his proven leadership capabilities will help us continue the momentum we have built in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Beeson said.