Possibility. Connection. Impact.
The Office of Innovation & Commercialization creates an environment where innovation thrives by connecting students, faculty, researchers, alumni, industry and community partners to transform possibility into meaningful educational, societal and economic impact—positioning TCU as a leader in innovation, commercialization and connection.
Focus Areas
Collaborating with leaders across the university, the office identifies, develops and implements strategic initiatives, partnerships and technologies that enhance our academic excellence, research capabilities, societal impact and national and international reputation.
Create opportunities for the TCU community to explore ideas, build capabilities, and grow as innovators, collaborators, and problem-solvers.
Equip innovators with the mentorship, community, and resources to move ideas from validation to implementation and growth.
Connect TCU research with industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and partners to advance discoveries toward real-world impact.
Build partnerships and shared infrastructure that connect TCU with Fort Worth, North Texas, and the innovation community across Texas.
Leadership
Tom Wavering - Chief Innovation Officer
A nationally recognized leader in innovation and technology commercialization, Wavering leads TCU’s efforts to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and strategic partnerships in support of TCU’s LEAD ON: Values in Action strategic plan. He oversees the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, connecting students, faculty, researchers, alumni, industry, and community partners to translate ideas and research into meaningful educational, societal, and economic impact.
Before joining TCU, Wavering built and led Oklahoma’s largest entrepreneurial support organization, generating more than $400 million in economic impact for Oklahoma's innovation economy.
Earlier in his career, Wavering spent 18 years in industry, advancing from research scientist to executive leadership while leading technology commercialization and innovation initiatives. He holds six patents and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering, with a minor in Creative Writing, from Virginia Tech.
The Office
“Higher education is changing, but TCU’s mission, vision and values are everlasting. With that at our core, and our position in the vibrant powerhouse that is the Fort Worth community, we are poised to achieve our goals and more.”
— Tom Wavering, Chief Innovation Officer
