Michael Burtov Appointed Executive Director of NSU's Innovative Center
Michael Burtov, renowned for his entrepreneurial prowess and innovative leadership, has recently taken the helm as the Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). With an impressive track record spanning over two decades in the startup ecosystem, Burtov is poised to make significant strides in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in South Florida. Reporting directly to NSU's President, Dr. Harry K. Moon, Burtov's appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Levan Center of Innovation approaches its fifth anniversary, a period marked by growth and strategic collaboration.
Under Burtov's guidance, the Levan Center aims to become a central hub for innovation, technology, and research, serving as a platform for entrepreneurs and startups. This transformative center boasts a 54,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility and a $3 million operational budget dedicated to cultivating new ventures. "The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation represents an extraordinary opportunity to build upon South Florida's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem," Burtov stated, highlighting his eagerness to collaborate with NSU's leadership and the broader business community.
Throughout his career, Burtov has demonstrated an exceptional ability to nurture innovative ideas into tangible ventures. He founded Burtov.com, an innovation consultancy that has aided over 1,000 startups, and co-founded Connecting Giants and Unicorns, a nonprofit focused on enhancing South Florida's innovation landscape. Notably, he invented the GeoOrbital Wheel, which garnered recognition as one of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2019. His ventures have not only achieved commercial success but also attracted substantial investment, making Burtov a respected figure in the entrepreneurial domain.
As Burtov assumes his role, he will oversee various programs designed to support local entrepreneurs through all stages, from ideation to global expansion. The center's framework consists of the four pillars: Ideate, Incubate, Accelerate, and Post-Accelerate. These initiatives aim to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to succeed and thrive within the competitive landscape.
Michael Burtov's expertise in generating revenue through diverse channels is expected to significantly benefit the Levan Center's initiatives. His involvement with the MIT Enterprise Forum and as a Venture Mentor at Harvard Innovation Labs signifies his deep commitment to fostering innovative ecosystems. Additionally, his accolades—such as the Edison Award for Innovation Excellence—highlight his influence and thought leadership in entrepreneurship.
The center, a collaborative effort between NSU and Broward County, was established to promote technological advancement and entrepreneurial growth. It has quickly emerged as a leading force within South Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, recently recognized as an Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center. With solid support from local government officials like Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero, the center is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in the region.
Burtov's academic credentials further reinforce his suitability for this position; he holds a master's degree in international economics and a bachelor's degree in psychology. His diverse background, coupled with his entrepreneurial successes, provides him with a unique perspective on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation stands at the forefront of South Florida's entrepreneurial landscape, and with Michael Burtov as its new Executive Director, the center is set to enhance its impact in the coming years. Through his leadership, NSU envisions a flourishing ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs, fuels innovation, and drives economic growth in the region.