Richard DeMartino holds the Albert J. Simone Endowed Chair for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He also serves as the of director the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which promotes innovation and entrepreneurship education and activity throughout the RIT community.

Dr. DeMartino's research and teaching interests include Entrepreneurial Motivations, Technology Commercialization, and Small Business Growth. More recently he has conducted research on the entrepreneurial motivations of the deaf community, in conjunction with RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). His articles have appeared in journals including the Journal of Business Venturing, Journal of Small Business Management, and the Journal of Product and Innovation Management. Dr. DeMartino has received external funding from the Kauffman Foundation, US Department of Commerce, National Science Foundation, National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, and NY Empire State Development.

His administrative responsibilities include promotion of the RIT Innovation and Entrepreneurship eco-system. In this capacity, he works to develop diverse and inclusive experiential and multidisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship activities. In this role, he promotes and facilitates innovation and entrepreneurship activities throughout the RIT Community. His innovations include collaborative efforts founding and administering the Saunders College of Business SummerStart Program, the Technology Commercialization Clinic, the Small Business Strategic Growth Program, and the Digital Entrepreneurship Program.

Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. DeMartino worked in industry as a foreign currency, bond, and risk trader. He continues to do consulting in entrepreneurship program development, economic development and technology-related new business ventures. Dr. DeMartino has taught at the McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia, and at Virginia Commonwealth University.

For Saunders Summer Start Program needs, or to schedule a meeting/appointment with Dr. DeMartino, please contact Dana Pelliccia (dpelliccia@saunders.rit.edu or (585) 475-2176.

For all other needs, please contact Holly Yates (hyates@saunders.rit.edu or (585) 475-6042).