CRI’s Devin Collins among region’s ‘Forty Under 40’

Devin Collins, assistant director business and entrepreneurial development, Charlotte Research Institute, was named by the Charlotte Business Journal to its 22nd consecutive list of the region’s “Forty Under 40.”

According to the publication, the 40 individuals named are “making major strides in their careers and having a positive impact on their communities.”

Collins, who is responsible for accelerating technology commercialization and collaborations with industry, government and academia, provides commercialization assistance to eight University partners. He also manages the Charlotte Venture Challenge a regional (N.C., S.C., Tenn. and Va.) start-up competition designed to commercialize innovative technologies and accelerate early-stage high-growth companies through opportunity assessment workshops, mentoring and resource connections. Prior to joining the University, he was a strategy consultant with RAM Consulting Inc.

In nomination materials, Collins was noted for his leadership in “transforming the Five Ventures business competition into the Charlotte Venture Challenge, which has brought Charlotte to the attention of entrepreneurs and investors from Georgia through Virginia.”

Also, he was recognized for building strong relationships with experienced researchers, investors and corporate leaders and called an “employee any organization cherishes. His personal focus on service, rather than self-promotion, in every aspect of his life is commendable and makes Devin Collins an ideal Under 40 role model.”

Later this month, Collins will travel to Africa on a professional fellowship sponsored by the U.S. State Department. He will be part of a Charlotte team to visit Zambia and Zimbabwe to discuss entrepreneurship with various stakeholders in the two countries.

A graduate of Babson College with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Collins completed a master’s degree in international affairs from American University.

“Forty Under 40” individuals will be recognized at an awards event on Thursday, March 12, at the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square.