CTNext announced the addition of Ali Berman to the CTNext team as program manager. In her role, she will primarily oversee the Innovation Places program and the Higher Education Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund.
Berman is a graduate of Skidmore College with a Bachelor of Arts in business, Spanish and international affairs. Most recently, Berman worked for Techstars in Boulder, CO, a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to the market. At Techstars, Berman served in several capacities, including as interim director of the Techstars Foundation.
“We are delighted to welcome Ali to the CTNext team,” said Glendowlyn Thames, Executive Director of CTNext.
“She joins at a critical time, as the Innovation Places program is gaining momentum and the Higher Education Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund begins the award process for the first group of grant recipients,” she added. “Her experience working directly with CEOs and founders in a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem will be a great addition to the team as we move forward in accomplishing the mission of CTNext.”
The Innovation Places program seeks to support entrepreneurs and leaders developing places that will attract the talent high-growth enterprises need. The goal of the Higher Education Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund is to support programs that establish sustainable relationships and lasting partnerships among the state’s higher education institutions while also creating lasting value through increased students’ attraction and retention, strong alumni connections and expanded roles as economic and community anchors.
About CTNext
CTNext is a Connecticut-based resource for entrepreneurial support. The program’s goal is to build more robust community of entrepreneurs and accelerate startup growth by providing access to talent, space, industry expertise, services, skill development, and capital to foster innovation and create jobs for people in Connecticut. Learn more at ctnext.com.