ECOSYSTEM BUILDER
Implementing innovative concepts in emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems with significant results.
Jess Edwards is a systems leader that can quickly identify talent and resources from various industries to mobilize them. She has an exceptional ability to maintain a bigger picture vision while developing a comprehensive implementation plan to advance ecosystems. Jess has a vast ability to help people, organizations and communities reach their greatest potential.
TOP SKILLS:
Strategic Implementation | Project Management | Program Design | Strategic Partnerships | Marketing & PR | Product Launch | Building and Leveraging Networks | Community Development
Life Sciences Innovation District
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region, Virginia, USA
Lab to Launch
Jess Edwards currently serves as the Innovation Studio Director for a $25M regional biotech hub project to accelerate and create life sciences startups, a key strategic element in the broader innovation district development initiative. The Roanoke-Blacksburg region is home to one of the largest healthcare systems in Virginia, Carilion Clinic, and world-renowned engineering talent at Virginia Tech.
Learn more about the Roanoke Biotechnology incubator →
DRR Ecosystem Development
Dan River Region, Virginia, USA
Rural Matters
In 2020, Ms. Edwards held the position as the Dan River Region Entrepreneur Ecosystem (DRREE) Principal. A three year, rural entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem development project primarily focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work with a hyper-local lens.
Alaska Ocean Cluster
Anchorage, Alaska, USA
New Economy
Jess was the Director of Outreach & Engagement to launch the Alaska Ocean Cluster across the state. The Blue Economy is emerging as the last economic frontier. With a projected 3 trillion dollars in the "Ocean Economy" by 2030, there are more than 50 blue growth initiatives underway around the world and clusters are the engines behind these economic development strategies.
Learn more about AOC →
NEST Dubai Coworking Space
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Going Global
In 2017, with the success of her first coworking space, Ms. Edwards was internationally recruited to build and launch a new coworking and hospitality concept in Dubai. NEST Coworking Space at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai is one of the world’s first fully integrated coworking spaces within a major internationally branded hotel.
Learn more about NEST →
dig Buffalo Coworking space
Buffalo, New York, USA
Hometown
Beginnings
Jessica moved back to her hometown of Buffalo, New York in 2010 to contribute to the redevelopment of the city. She was hired to build and run one of the first coworking spaces in the city. She rapidly took dig (design innovation garage) from concept to entrepreneurial epicenter in Buffalo. dig is inside the 4-story business incubator (The Innovation Center), on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
Learn more about dig Buffalo →
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
— Nelson Mandela
500+
programs and events
250+
strategic partnerships
4
countries
To date, Jess Edwards has created or facilitated over 500 programs and events, secured 250+ strategic partnerships, and streamlined resources to advance innovation and collaboration throughout each community.
Programming details →