Sources: 
Isaac Kohlberg, who joined Harvard in May 2005 to spearhead innovation by forging partnerships with for-profit companies, launching startups, and licensing intellectual property, announced his retirement effective at the end of the calendar year.
During his tenure, Harvard's innovation ecosystem flourished.
In the past five years alone, 96 startups were launched, raising nearly $2.8 billion, alongside more than 2,000 innovation reports and 897 U.S. patents held by Harvard. Industry partnerships also generated
$300 million in research funding.
Under Kohlberg's leadership,
industry-sponsored research more than doubled, significantly boosting Harvard's global innovation standing. By 2019, Harvard ranked third worldwide on Reuters's list of the most innovative universities, trailing only Stanford and MIT.
Despite retiring, Kohlberg will continue to contribute as an advisor to Harvard, ensuring continuity in the university's innovation strategy.
"The advancement of Harvard research has resulted in the launch of 96 startups raising nearly $2.8 billion," the announcement noted, highlighting the impact of his leadership.
Kohlberg's legacy is marked by a robust bridge between academic research and commercial application, fostering a thriving environment for technology transfer and entrepreneurship at Harvard.
His ongoing advisory role signals a commitment to sustaining and expanding Harvard's innovation momentum in the years ahead.
Sources: Isaac Kohlberg, who joined Harvard in 2005 to boost innovation through partnerships and startups, announced his retirement at year-end but will continue as an advisor. Under his leadership, Harvard launched 96 startups, raised $2.8 billion, and doubled industry-sponsored research, ranking third globally in innovation.
