Capital City Innovation announced Chris Laing as its first executive director on Wednesday.

Founded by Seton Healthcare Family, Central Health and the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas, Capital City Innovation is a nonprofit that “creates partnerships in government, local school districts, community groups and the private sector to fully harness the potential of Austin’s innovation sector,” according to a Dell Medical School news release.

Laing previously served as vice president of Science and Technology at the University City Science Center in Philadelphia and is a biotechnology and health care commercialization executive. His specialties are in designing, building and implementing innovation ecosystems, according to the news release.

“Austin is blessed with many assets that will support and leverage an innovation district,” state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, said in the news release. “What we need is someone working to bring them all together in a meaningful way. We’re excited Chris will be heading up Capital City Innovation to do just that.”

Laing will begin his role at Capital City Innovation on Sept. 1.