Devin Collins

About Devin Collins

I help transform early-stage technologies into scalable ventures by bridging the gap between research, entrepreneurship, and industry. With 15+ years leading commercialization efforts across startups, universities, nonprofits, and international agencies, I specialize in turning bold ideas into funded, partnered, and market-ready businesses—especially in AI, optics, and deep tech.Currently, I lead strategy for the Carolinas Innovation Center for Optics and Metrology EDA Tech Hub, a federally backed effort to grow advanced manufacturing and AI-driven innovation across the Carolinas. We’ve brought together partners like Broadcom, Bosch, Corning, and Zeiss to build a globally competitive tech cluster rooted in university talent and industrial capability.Over the years, I’ve worked directly with 100+ scientists and 500+ entrepreneurs—from lab bench to venture funding to exit. I’ve raised funding from the NSF, EDA, SBA, and private investors, and I’ve trained innovators in over 25 countries through U.S. State Department programs.Specialties:Tech commercialization (SBIR/STTR, NSF I-Corps, licensing, IP strategy)Corporate partnerships and industry alliancesStartup acceleration, team building, and venture fundingInternational entrepreneurship training and ecosystem buildingIf you’re working at the intersection of AI, science, and commercialization—I’d love to connect.

Experience

1. Grant Review Committee

   Nc Idea

   Jan 2013 — Present · Durham, NC, US

   NC IDEA provides seed grants to North Carolina based high-growth and technology startup companies bi-annually through a competitive process. The process is supported by a statewide review committee of investors and other stakeholders.

Education

• Università di Trento

  Balkan Economic Development

  2004 — 2004

• Babson College

  Bachelor’s Degree

  1998 — 2002

• American University

  Master’s Degree

  2003 — 2005