Yale’s Josh Geballe Discusses Innovations in Entrepreneurship

Yale University’s Senior Associate Provost for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Josh Geballe, recently discussed his role and the university’s initiatives to foster entrepreneurship during an episode of the series “Yale Afternoons with Alison.” This series, hosted by Alison Cole, the executive director of the Yale Alumni Association (YAA), aims to connect alumni with university leaders to explore how the alumni community can support various priorities.

In his position, Geballe oversees a broad array of services and programs designed to assist students, faculty, and the local New Haven community in launching startups that leverage Yale research. He is also responsible for providing training in entrepreneurship and innovation, expanding external research partnerships, and promoting the growth of the local innovation ecosystem.

Yale Ventures, an initiative Geballe launched in 2022, plays a key role in these efforts. It aims to create a vibrant entrepreneurial environment at Yale, enhancing collaboration between the university and the surrounding community. Geballe’s vision is to cultivate an atmosphere where innovative ideas can flourish and lead to the establishment of successful businesses.

Before taking on his current role, Geballe served as the Chief Operating Officer for the State of Connecticut under Governor Ned Lamont. He managed all executive branch agencies, which employ approximately 30,000 individuals. His tenure included notable accomplishments, such as modernizing government operations and leading Connecticut’s acclaimed response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Geballe’s extensive background in the technology sector includes serving as the CEO of Core Informatics, a venture-backed scientific software firm acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he later became the Vice President and General Manager of Digital Science. His experience also encompasses over a decade at IBM, where he held various international executive positions.

Beyond his roles in entrepreneurship and public service, Geballe is actively involved in numerous non-profit organizations. He serves on the boards of directors for several groups, including ClimateHaven, where he is the founding board chair, as well as Connecticut Innovations, AdvanceCT, BioCT, and the Mory’s Association.

The conversation at Rose Alumni House highlighted Geballe’s commitment to advancing Yale’s entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of community engagement in fostering innovation. The insights shared during this episode not only underscore Yale’s dedication to entrepreneurship but also reflect the university’s broader mission to contribute positively to society.