Already ranked as one of the 10 most influential public universities in the United States, the University of Texas at Austin has escalated its efforts to forge more and deeper connections around the world, a result of its determination to belong to a group of universities making the most significant impact on the future of the planet.
To achieve that objective, in 2001 UT Austin established the Global Innovation Lab, which has since carried out high-quality entrepreneurship training programs in 44 countries, created more than 15,000 jobs, and produced a global economic impact valued at around $1.5 billion.
“The Global Innovation Lab is an integral part of ‘Texas Global’ at the University of Texas at Austin. Texas Global advances the mission of the university by promoting the research and work of our faculty and students globally, as GIL partners with governments, other universities and industries to train and support entrepreneurs in their local communities,” explained Sonia Feigenbaum, senior vice provost for global engagement and chief international officer.
GIL formed a partnership with Aichi Prefecture to support entrepreneurs in the region and conducted a training program called Advancing Women and Youth Entrepreneurship, which was funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. GIL designed the program to provide young entrepreneurs with training, network-building and knowledge-sharing skills to grow their businesses. Top participants traveled to Texas to be introduced to mentors and venture capitalists in the Austin business community.
“We are honored and privileged to be working with numerous institutions and partners across Japan. We cherish these relationships and look forward to expanding the symbiosis between Japan and the state of Texas, specifically Austin, to address global challenges together,” Feigenbaum said.