David Sheehan has deep experience in evaluating the commercial potential of inventions reported by University researchers and managed the commercialization process from initial report, to patent, through license to a commercial entity. Technology areas managed include material science, envirotech, chemical engineering, medical devices, and marine science.

David also serves as the Executive Director of the Quest Center, a marine science and technology business incubator in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

He works closely with the academic institutions and businesses that comprise New England’s marine science and technology industry to commercialize new marine related technologies. Before assuming this position, he was Associate Director of the University of Massachusetts’ Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property.

Prior to his positions at UMass, Dave worked for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development concentrating on early stage technology companies. He instituted a bi-annual Venture Capital Forum affiliated with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, screening and advising participating companies participating in this event that linked technology start-ups with private investors and professional venture capital firms. Dave was a Director of Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation for 12 years; a venture capital firm focused on early stage technology start-ups in Massachusetts. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Suffolk University.