Jim Baker is the Executive Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement at Michigan Technological University. He is involved in connections between companies and the University in a number of areas including technology commercialization, research contracting, and industrial partnerships. In addition to working with startups and established companies that license university technology and sponsor research at Michigan Tech, Jim is actively involved in a number of partner organizations including the Michigan Small Business Development Center, MTEC Smartzone, and the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance in order to enable the establishment, growth, and sustainability of technology companies throughout the upper peninsula region. He currently serves as President of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, and member of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center Statewide and Region 1 Advisory Committee. Jim is a former board member of the Michigan Business Incubator Association and has been involved in various capacities with a number of technology startups including a current Board Membership with a Kalamazoo based biotechnology startup company. Jim is a registered U.S. Patent Agent and holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University.