Michael Burtov appointed executive director of Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation to lead innovation and entrepreneurship efforts

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In a significant development for Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Michael Burtov, a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and leader in the innovation ecosystem, has been named the Chief Innovation Officer of NSU and the Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center). With over two decades of experience in the startup world, Burtov’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for both the center and the broader entrepreneurial community in South Florida.

As Executive Director, Burtov will oversee the Levan Center’s mission to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancements. The center is rapidly emerging as a hub for business leaders, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs, and Burtov’s leadership is expected to enhance its position at the heart of South Florida’s growing innovation ecosystem. He will report directly to NSU’s President, Dr. Harry K. Moon, and will also serve as a member of NSU’s President’s Council, working alongside deans, vice presidents, and leaders across various university sectors to ensure strategic alignment and collaboration.

In a statement on the appointment, Dr. Harry K. Moon expressed his confidence in Burtov’s leadership: “Mike Burtov brings an exceptional combination of entrepreneurial success and innovation leadership that perfectly aligns with our vision for the Levan Center of Innovation. His record of founding and scaling venture-backed companies, coupled with his deep commitment to enhancing innovation-driven economic development, makes him the ideal leader to guide our Center into its next phase of growth and impact.”

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Burtov’s role as Chief Innovation Officer will also see him manage the Levan Center’s $3 million operating budget, oversee its 54,000 square feet of cutting-edge facilities, and lead the center’s diverse programs. The Levan Center supports entrepreneurs at all stages, from initial ideation to successful exits or global expansions. Its programs are designed to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding needed to grow their businesses, particularly within key South Florida industries such as technology, life sciences, aviation, aerospace, and marine industries.

Broward County Administrator, Monica Cepero, also welcomed the new appointment. “Broward County welcomes the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation at Nova Southeastern University’s new Executive Director. Mr. Burtov’s resume, and experience speak volumes about the bright future of the Center and our ongoing partnership, which will support excellence in innovation in the region for years to come.”

Reflecting on his new role, Burtov expressed his enthusiasm for the Levan Center’s potential: “The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation represents an extraordinary opportunity to build upon South Florida’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. I’m excited to work with NSU’s leadership, faculty, and the broader venture capital and South Florida business communities to elevate the Levan Center of Innovation as the premier destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.”

Burtov brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise to the Levan Center. He is the founder of Burtov.com, a consultancy that has supported over 1,000 startups, and co-founder of the nonprofit Connecting Giants and Unicorns (CGU.org), which aims to strengthen the South Florida innovation ecosystem. His most notable achievement comes from his time as founder and CEO of GeoOrbital, a company that created the GeoOrbital Wheel, which earned recognition on the cover of TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2019. Under Burtov’s leadership, GeoOrbital raised more than $1 million in crowdfunding campaigns, a milestone that solidified the company’s place in the world of innovative startups.

Burtov’s entrepreneurial journey extends beyond GeoOrbital. He also founded Cangrade, an AI-driven hiring platform designed to predict employee success and reduce recruitment bias. He has served as a venture mentor at Harvard Innovation Labs and has been involved with the MIT Enterprise Forum Cambridge and Florida International University’s StartupFIU program. In addition to his practical business experience, Burtov is the author of The Evergreen Startup, a guide for early-stage fundraising.

Alan B. Levan, the founder of the Levan Center of Innovation and chair of its Board of Governors, commented on Burtov’s appointment, highlighting the critical role it plays in the center’s next phase of development: “Mike’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Levan Center of Innovation as we approach our fifth year of operation. His experience building sustainable innovation ecosystems and his proven ability to generate revenue through multiple channels—from venture capital and sponsorships to earned income and philanthropy—positions him perfectly to lead the center’s next chapter.”

Burtov’s background also includes multiple patents for his innovations, as well as numerous accolades such as the Edison Award for Innovation Excellence, recognition as a Top Inventor by Business Journals, and the Brandeis University Alumni Entrepreneurship Award. He has been featured in prominent media outlets like ABC’s Shark Tank, the Discovery Channel, and CNN’s Great Big Story. These achievements, along with his track record of successful ventures, position Burtov as an ideal fit to take the helm of the Levan Center and further its mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

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The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, established in 2021 through a public-private partnership between NSU and Broward County, has quickly emerged as a cornerstone of South Florida’s entrepreneurial landscape. In 2022, the center was recognized as an Outstanding Emerging Entrepreneurship Center by the Global Consortium for Entrepreneurship Centers. Since its inception, it has provided support to over 250 startups through its core programs—Ideate, Incubate, Accelerate, and Post-Accelerate—which aim to assist entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Located on the fifth floor of NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, the Levan Center features state-of-the-art amenities, including a cybersecurity range, a media production studio, a technology makerspace, and a 3D studio. These advanced facilities make the center a hub for entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors, from technology and life sciences to manufacturing and global logistics. Through its programs and facilities, the Levan Center has become a vital part of the South Florida innovation ecosystem, helping to propel startups toward success.

With Burtov’s leadership, the Levan Center is poised to continue its growth and impact on the region’s entrepreneurial community. His expertise in startup ecosystems, innovation, and venture capital, combined with the center’s cutting-edge resources, will no doubt help further strengthen South Florida’s position as a leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship. As Burtov and his team at the Levan Center work to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs, the future of South Florida’s innovation ecosystem looks brighter than ever.