Associate Director of Commercialization

Email: wordend@uoregon.edu

Drew Worden designs and leads strategic programs that support UO innovators and entrepreneurs, helping transform research into commercial impact. With over 12 years of experience across education, technology, and creative industries, Drew specializes in building scalable initiatives that foster innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

Previously at UT Austin, Drew built and managed programs supporting 76 startup ventures that raised over $700M in capital and created 4,700+ jobs. He launched four new initiatives in 14 months, including a gap funding program delivering 25x ROI, and led enterprise system improvements that saved $156K annually.

As Assistant Dean of Entrepreneurship at the New England Conservatory, he scaled funding 300%, developed curricula and coaching serving thousands of students and alumni, and produced residencies with Grammy-winning artists. He also taught courses in grant writing, fundraising, and creative entrepreneurship.

A classically trained musician and composer, Drew’s work has been featured at Carnegie Hall and The Louvre. He holds a Master’s from the Eastman School of Music, and certifications in Arts/Nonprofit Leadership, Project Management, and AI.