GOED’s Talent Retention Program connects students with Nevada startups and technology companies through UNLV’s StepUp & StartUp initiative
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has secured $4.53 million in new federal funding to continue its Talent Retention Program through August 31, 2029, supporting paid STEM internships and workforce development in Nevada.
Delivered through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) as StepUp & StartUp (SUSU), the initiative connects students with startups and technology-based businesses. The program helps students gain practical experience while giving growing companies access to skilled talent.
Paid Internships Strengthen Nevada’s Technology Workforce
During its first three years, StepUp & StartUp supported 597 paid internship placements involving 313 individual students and 80 employer partners.
Participating businesses represent engineering, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, software development, cybersecurity, renewable energy and other technology-driven industries.
Students earn $21 per hour while gaining professional mentoring, hands-on experience and potential pathways to long-term employment in Nevada.
GOED developed the Talent Retention Program concept in 2023 with support from T-Mobile settlement funds provided through the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Its goals include retaining engineering and science talent in Nevada and helping startups access technical expertise during critical stages of growth.
“Most recently, we have been witnessing very promising growth of deep-tech startups and through this program we will be able to provide those highly specialized and technology-intensive firms with exactly the engineering and science talent they are seeking,” said Karsten Heise, GOED’s senior director of strategic programs and innovation.
Vena Vitals Turns Internship Placements Into Full-Time Jobs
Las Vegas medical device startup Vena Vitals is among the companies using the program to build its workforce.
The company, which develops wearable continuous blood pressure monitoring devices and operates a laboratory at Roseman University’s Bioscience Collaborative, has hired four UNLV interns. Two transitioned into full-time positions after graduation.
“The program has helped us build a strong talent pipeline by allowing both our company and the interns to evaluate each other for a potential fit before committing to a long-term salaried position,” said Ray Liu, CEO and co-founder of Vena Vitals.
Liu said assigning interns real projects helps the company assess their skills while reducing the uncertainty involved in recruiting solely through interviews.
University Partnerships Support Startup Growth
Beyond internship placements, StepUp & StartUp helps participating companies build relationships with UNLV and explore additional resources.
UNLV Vice President for Economic Development Zach Miles said the program can connect startups with university technologies, specialized laboratories, funding programs and other support for business growth.
“StepUp & StartUp opens the door to a broader relationship between local startups and the university,” Miles said.
The program’s talent needs have also expanded as employers develop increasingly complex products and technologies.
Dr. Rama Venkat, dean of UNLV’s Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, said companies are seeking students with expertise spanning mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, manufacturing, robotics, product design, artificial intelligence, mathematics, data analytics and business information systems.
Spring 2027 Internships Begin January 19
The next phase of StepUp & StartUp will begin with the spring semester. Internships are scheduled to run January 19 through May 15, 2027.
UNLV expects to place approximately 200 students with 60 companies over the next two semesters, expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the talent pipeline available to Nevada employers.
Startups and technology-based companies interested in hiring UNLV STEM interns can contact alejandro.chacon@unlv.edu.
Learn more about UNLV’s StepUp & StartUp program.
