Rosibel Ochoa is a leader in championing innovation at NAI Member Institution the University of California, Riverside. As the Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Partnerships, she and her team work to accelerate economic development by transferring UC Riverside research from the lab to the private sector, facilitating academic-industry collaborations, and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and throughout the region.
Programs under her leadership have supported over 600 technology ventures and more than 2,500 students. Dr. Ochoa is also a prolific inventor named on two U.S. patents. Read below as she discusses what inspires her to be an innovator, her advice for institutions looking to bolster their entrepreneurship programs, and more!
Q: What words would you use to describe yourself?
A: entrepreneurial, leader, empathy, passionate
Q: What inspired you, and continues to inspire you, to be an inventor?
A: The thought process of creating something new after always thinking “there has to be a better way to do this”.
Q: Why are you passionate about being an innovator?
A: I am a scientist by training and an entrepreneur. I love technology and how it can be used to solve real problems that benefit our planet and society.
Q: In your spare time, in addition to working in your field, what do you love to do?
A: I love to read history of civilizations from around the world. It give me a perspective and a better understanding on why some things are the way they are today.
Q: What advice do you have for innovators looking to take their innovations from bench to market?
A: Be patient and resilient. Try to belong to a community or build a network of innovators like yourself where you can support each other and learn from each other.
Q: What do you feel the value of STEM education is, especially to young innovators?
A: The world in which we live today has been transformed by technology and science. Innovations in fields like agriculture, manufacturing and health have improved the lives of many people around the world. STEM education is crucial to be able to participate and contribute to a better world.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self, or young innovators, pursuing a career in research and/or innovation?
A: Always be curious and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Trust your instincts and be confident.
Q: What was your journey into the innovation ecosystem?
A: I was trained as a scientist in Chemical Engineering that started first a career in research and then worked for industry. As part of my role in industry, I learned the importance of intellectual property as a competitive advantage for a company.
Q: What do you feel is the importance of engaging next-generation inventors in the innovation space?
A: If our country wants to remain as a leader in innovation and technology, it is imperative that young people, are exposed to the innovative process at an early age.
Q: What advice would you give to institutions looking to bolster their innovation and entrepreneurship programs for the next generation of innovators?
A: A small investment can have a significant impact in the culture of the campus as well as of the community. It also gives an opportunity for its graduates to give back to the university once they become successful entrepreneurs. There are many examples around the country of universities that are just doing so and it is now considered part of the university mission.
Dr. Ochoa was a speaker at the National Academy of Inventors’ 2025 Annual Conference, where she participated in a fireside chat taking an in-depth look at the University of California system’s innovation strategy, barriers, and breakthroughs. The full chat, Bridging Innovation – The State of Innovation in California Universities, can be watched on our YouTube channel here.