Gilberto Santana-Rios, PhD

Director, Center for Innovation and Technology

PR Small Business & Technology Development Centers

Puerto Rico

Professional Summary

A PhD Chemist with experience in business development, academic institution administration and within the Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industry. Currently working as director of a specialized Innovation and Technology business development center. Evaluate client ideas and proposals for technical feasibility and grant submissions. Assist client with business development and commercialization of innovative ideas in the science and technology fields. Provide orientation and technical assistance to technology clients with respect to the SBIR/STTR program. Assistance to clients have resulted in the successful approval of the first SBIR for a PR researcher during the last 3-year period. Experienced in the administrative and academic aspects of a post-secondary, science and technology specialized academic Institution. Lead a project to fully equipped two pilot plants coordinating meetings with the supplier, setting timeline for the installation of the equipment and managing the investment of a special $1.8MM private development donation. Have over eight years of experience in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, particularly with technology transfer, method development, method validation, plant and method troubleshooting, and equipment qualification. Challenge driven, open minded, and task oriented person. Bilingual, proficient in the written and verbal forms of Spanish and English. Excellent interpersonal communication skills.