Experienced administrator named to lead entrepreneurship efforts

A biologist with legal and business expertise has been named interim assistant vice president for entrepreneurship and innovation partnerships at Binghamton University.

Bandhana Katoch, who joined the University in 2023 as executive director of the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, will continue to oversee the incubator in addition to her new duties. The EIP office offers support for faculty and student inventors as well as community entrepreneurs.

"As we stand at the crossroads of innovation and education, I am committed to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within our academic community," Katoch said. "Together, we can cultivate an environment to transform ideas into impactful ventures, and foster partnerships that empower students and faculty to drive meaningful change and tackle the challenges of tomorrow."

Katoch brings more than 20 years of experience in technology and market assessment, business planning and other technology commercialization topics to the position. Before coming to Binghamton, she worked at a World Bank-funded project in India, establishing infrastructure there for technology transfer and translational research.

A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, Katoch also holds an MBA from the University of Missouri. She earned three master's degrees: one in biological sciences from the University of Missouri, another in biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and a third in zoology from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Katoch did her undergraduate work at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agricultural Vishvavidyalaya.

Harvey Stenger, president of Binghamton University, noted that he has had an opportunity to work with Katoch on projects related to the incubator during the past 18 months.

"She has impressed me as an insightful and creative leader and someone with the vision and expertise to continue building our entrepreneurial ecosystem in Binghamton," he said.

Bahgat Sammakia, vice president for research, said Katoch's credentials and prior experience on campus made her a top choice for the role.

"Bandhana understands what it takes to mentor entrepreneurs and startups, and she has a track record in economic development," Sammakia said. "She is passionate about connecting people and organizations and finding ways for them to thrive."