WORDS OF WISDOM:
Innovation does not belong to just one industry, just one degree, or just one area of expertise – it belongs to everyone. Solving problems requires courage, creativity, and collaboration. All of us can be empowered to ideate, but our strength is in the collective.

I have always thought an Innovation Ecosystem is most like the fire triangle we learned about as kids – you need fuel, oxygen and heat (or a spark). These three components are critical to start a healthy fire and keep it burning longer. If you equate these three in the simplest of terms to Community, Academia, and Companies – we have the key elements to start and maintain a healthy Innovation Ecosystem right here.

We have long been known for our music and our healthcare, and now we need to showcase the diversity of our innovation: tech, auto, biomedical, food, manufacturing, fashion, crypto, web3, blockchain, sustainability, finance, academia, #and… Greater Nashville is ready for a most brilliant Innovation Ignition.

Nashville Innovates. Come join us, there’s room by the fire.

Yesi B. Sevilla is the Director of Strategic Engagement and Ecosystem Development for the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University. Yesi has 20+ years of experience in leadership roles across varying global biotech and healthcare industries, consulting, and higher education. Her diverse industry background, global business acumen and multilingual skills make her an invaluable resource in innovating, collaborating, building, and leading.