Nik Rokop

Nik Rokop is the Coleman Foundation Teaching Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Stuart School of Business, Illinois Institute of Technology. He holds multiple leadership roles including Director of the Master of Technological Entrepreneurship, MBA Technological Entrepreneurship, and the Center for Sports Innovation. With over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, engineering, and international operations, Rokop focuses on developing educational frameworks and practical tools to support student entrepreneurs. His career spans roles in manufacturing, consulting, and academia, emphasizing innovation networks and strategic business development.

Education: M.D.M. from Illinois Tech’s Institute of Design (2012), B.S. Mechanical Engineering from University of Pittsburgh (1978), and B.S. Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University (1974). His professional certifications include Professional Engineer (PA) and memberships in NSPE, PSPE, AISE, and ISS.

Research interests center on fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems through university programs, enhancing collaboration in innovation networks, and applying engineering principles to business strategy. His work integrates global industry insights with educational innovation, aiming to bridge academic theory with practical entrepreneurship.

Rokop has received the Top 100 In Technology in Chicago Award in 2002 and 2012. He leads initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Academy Council and Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation, while managing partnerships with industry and global clients. His prior roles include Managing Director of the Knapp Entrepreneurship Center and leadership in ventures such as Iron Dynamics Process International and Nlake Technology Partners.

Lab/Team Affiliations: Center for Sports Innovation, Stuart School of Business entrepreneurship programs, and the Institute of Design at Illinois Tech.