DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire was one of three universities to be awarded the innovation and economic prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) for its commitment to regional economic development at APLU’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017.

UNH was recognized for promoting faculty/student innovation and entrepreneurship, excelling technology transfer, contributing to talent and workforce development, establishing strong partnerships with government and industry, and fostering community through public service, engagement and outreach.

In addition to ramping up its commercialization and licensing efforts overall to ensure UNH’s expertise is accessible to a broader audience, the NH Small Business Development Center provided support to 661 clients with an economic infusion of $30 million in 2016, dozens of commercial fishermen received assistance with gear technology and how to cultivate new markets, and UNH Law offers four clinics that provide assistance to businesses, immigrants, consumers and low-income clients. UNH’s annual economic impact on New Hampshire is $1.5 billion.   

“We’re honored APLU has recognized our efforts to advance economic engagement in the state and the region,” said UNH President Mark Huddleston. “Fewer than 60 institutions in the country have earned this designation and we’re proud of the hard work that has been done to get us to this point. We remain committed to supporting communities and businesses throughout the state and surrounding region through workforce development, technology and research."