Published: May 24, 2023

Brad Bernthal giving presentationThe University of Colorado Law School and the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship are pleased to announce that Professor Brad Bernthal (Colorado Law, JD ’01) has been named the new Executive Director of Silicon Flatirons.

Professor Harry Surden served as Interim Executive Director through the end of the spring semester. Professor Bernthal begins work as Executive Director effective June 1.

"I am thrilled to be taking on this new role at the Silicon Flatirons Center," said Professor Bernthal. “Silicon Flatirons helps shape technology and innovation to benefit people. This project is as important to the community today as it has ever been.”

Professor Bernthal is a widely known and respected figure in the fields of entrepreneurial law, early-stage finance, and innovation policy. He has been an associate professor of law at the University of Colorado Law School since 2007. Professor Bernthal is the founder and director of the Silicon Flatirons Center's Entrepreneurship Initiative, which has been instrumental in supporting and fostering entrepreneurship in the region and connecting CU campus with the surrounding high tech entrepreneurial community. Professor Bernthal was part of the small cadre that launched CU’s New Venture Challenge, which just finished its 16th year.

As the new Executive Director, Professor Bernthal is responsible for leading the strategic direction and operations of the Silicon Flatirons Center, which works to propel the future of law, policy, and entrepreneurship in the digital age. Through the center’s initiatives, events, publications, and student programs, he will continue to build on the Center's work to catalyze critical conversations among diverse stakeholders and develop professionals ready to lead.

"It’s an honor to work with the extraordinary scholars and entrepreneurs in our community," reflected Professor Bernthal. “We aspire to elevate the debate around technology and policy at a time when wisdom and foresight are imperative. The stakes are high, and our team is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

"We are very excited to have Brad take on this new role," said Lolita Buckner Inniss, dean of the University of Colorado Law School. "His experience, deep ties to Colorado Law, and expertise make him an excellent choice to lead the Center as we continue to explore the important legal and societal implications of developing technologies."

About the Silicon Flatirons Center:

The Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship is a leading interdisciplinary research center based at the University of Colorado Law School. The Center's mission is to explore the intersection of technology, law, and entrepreneurship and to engage in meaningful dialogue and research with stakeholders from industry, government, and academia. The Center is committed to fostering entrepreneurship in the region and to helping develop and promote a culture of innovation.