University of New Haven Names Its Pioneering Innovation Hub “The Elevation Center”

The University of New Haven announced that the transformational innovation hub it is developing will be named The Elevation Center, recognizing a significant strategic investment in the University’s vision to redefine how students learn, work, and launch their careers.

The naming marks a major milestone in the development of The Elevation Center that will be located in a 133,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the University’s campus on Campbell Avenue. The facility will serve as a first-of-its-kind ecosystem connecting students, faculty, and industry partners to solve real-world challenges and drive economic growth across Connecticut and the region.

“This naming represents a powerful affirmation of the vision behind The Elevation Center,” said Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president of the University of New Haven. “It reflects a shared commitment to creating a dynamic environment where innovation, education, and industry intersect and thrive. The Elevation Center will be a game changer for our students and the employers and communities who will benefit from their talent and ingenuity.”

The Elevation Center is being developed through a combination of public and private investment, including a recently announced $5 million grant from the State of Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund 2030 Program and more than $10 million raised in private support. The naming further accelerates the University’s efforts to bring the Center fully to life.

Designed as a collaborative engine for innovation, the Center will feature flexible, technology-enabled workspaces where students will work side-by-side with leading companies on applied research, product development, and market-driven solutions. The initiative is a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to ensuring graduates are career-ready and positioned to lead in emerging industries.

“The Elevation Center will redefine experiential education,” said Paul Lavoie, vice president of innovation, corporate partnerships, and career success and chair of the University’s Corporate Partnership Council. “By integrating academic learning with direct industry engagement, we are creating a ‘Better-Than-Ready’ model that empowers students to build critical skills, expand professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to solving complex challenges before they even graduate.”

Significant momentum is building around The Elevation Center, with the University already securing master research agreements (MRAs) with leading Connecticut-based companies, including Bausch+Stroebel, Eastern Metal Works, C3 Medical Device Consulting, Capewell Aerial Systems, The Lighting Quotient, i5 Services, and Hanwha Aerospace. Additional partnerships are currently under negotiation.

These collaborations are expected to generate significant research activity and revenue, while also creating unparalleled opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in high-demand fields.

The naming of The Elevation Center underscores the University’s broader mission to drive innovation, strengthen industry partnerships, and deliver exceptional outcomes for its students and graduates while elevating talent, technology and innovation for business and industry in Connecticut and across the region.