Richard DeMartino
Professor
Richard DeMartino
Professor
Education
BA, Roanoke College; MPA, Ph.D., University of Virginia
Bio
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).
Currently Teaching
In the News
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February 15, 2024
![a wayfinding post pointing in different directions appears in front of a multicolor sunset in the sky]()
There are alternatives to the four-year degree
The Rochester Business Journal talks to Richard DeMartino, professor of management and director of the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, about education options in career areas outside of a bachelor’s degree.
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January 22, 2024
![a group of 4 people around a table wearing headphones with microphones in front of them at the WXXI office.]()
Why are Americans becoming less confident in higher education?
WXXI’s “Connections” program features Richard DeMartino, professor of management and director for the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
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April 21, 2023
![woman with two female students looking at a laptop in Kenya.]()
Five Fulbright students studying at RIT pursue entrepreneurship to create change back home
This semester, five graduate students attending RIT through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program have come together in one course to grow their skills in creating and running new organizations. These students intend to use their newly enhanced skills to create positive impacts in their home countries.
