The Institute is sponsored by the Economic Development Administration of the US Government. It serves the Greater Monterey Bay region by providing a venue for innovative ideas and the commercial transfer of research. Dr. Tao founded and directed the School of Computing and Design at California State University Monterey Bay between 2002 and 2015. The innovative school offers several academic programs and R&D facilities involving more than 50 faculty/staff members and over 1,000 students in undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, Media Design, Learning Science and Instructional Design. Dr. Tao teaches and conduct research in innovation, financial technology, e-learning, and globalization.
Dr. Tao received his doctorate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of California Irvine while receiving full scholarship. His expertise is in innovation, information systems, higher education management, and globalization. He has published over 30 papers in medical information systems, e-learning systems, and innovation processes. He has served on the boards of, WASC-Western Association of Colleges and Schools, Silicon Valley Research Institute, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, Leadership Monterey Peninsula, California Institute for Global Education, Zeuss Group Inc. among others. He often speaks at international conferences and universities on global innovation and education. He travels abroad frequently and provides speeches and workshops worldwide. In addition to education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Tao has deep interests in innovation, global economic development, classical music, travel, cycling, seafood, and tennis.