Nevada Activates Global Outreach: Volker Huber Named DACH Special Envoy
K-EnterTechHub with Ozmen Center in UNR to support Korean startups’ U.S. entry via September’s K-Nevada Gateway
Nevada is activating a global economic-cooperation push that reaches both Europe and Asia. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced on June 4 the appointment of Volker J. Huber as Special Envoy to Germany, Austria and Switzerland — the trio known in international business as the DACH region, home to much of Europe’s advanced manufacturing and Mittelstand capital, and a prime target in the competition among U.S. states for foreign direct investment.
The move fits Nevada’s longer push to broaden an economy long anchored in tourism and gaming toward manufacturing, logistics and innovation. Placing a human channel aimed directly at European industrial capital follows the same logic.
The role is honorary and non-compensated. In it, Huber will support Nevada’s international economic development by strengthening ties with business leaders, trade organizations, investors and government stakeholders across the DACH region. GOED framed the designation around four objectives: attracting foreign direct investment, recruiting industry, building innovation partnerships, and expanding European business into the state.
“This designation reflects Nevada’s continued commitment to building meaningful international partnerships that create jobs and diversify our economy,” said GOED Executive Director Tom Burns. “Volker will play an important role in helping showcase Nevada’s strengths in innovation, workforce development, infrastructure, and business-friendly policy to companies and organizations throughout Europe.”
A German-American dual citizen, Huber brings more than two decades of international business and leadership experience to the role — and his Nevada ties run back roughly that far. Two decades ago, the Economic Development Association of Western Nevada (EDAWN) helped relocate his first U.S.-based company to the state, a decision shaped by Nevada’s favorable business climate, logistical advantages and long-term growth potential. He has since founded several Nevada companies, among them Access2America, which helps European firms gain a foothold in the U.S. market.
Huber has taught international management at the University of Nevada, Reno, and currently mentors international startups through the German Accelerator and the NATO DIANA program. GOED described the envoy designation as advisory and strategic, supporting the state’s broader international economic development and trade objectives.
Nevada’s international outreach also extends to Korea. K-EnterTechHub, a Korean entertainment-technology media and business platform, will host K-Nevada Gateway 2026 in Reno from September 28 to October 1. The four-day program supports Korean and Asian startups entering the Nevada market, with state institutions including EDAWN, GOED and NCAR taking part.
Its central partner is the Ozmen Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Led by Director Dr. Mehmet Tosun, the Ozmen Center will anchor the program’s K-Startup Showcase and one-on-one VC and partner matching meetings, extending into R&D collaboration and follow-on incubation. K-EnterTech Hub plans to sustain the partnership beyond the event through “K-Nevada Bridge,” supporting PoC and pilot matching and a link to CES 2027.
The program also includes a Korea Night reception bringing Korean and Nevadan business networks together and site visits to companies such as the Tesla Gigafactory and the Desert Research Institute (DRI), and it runs in conjunction with Reno Startup Week 2026.
Details are available at knevada.com.
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature through a joint effort of the legislature and the Governor’s Office, GOED works to diversify Nevada’s economy and to stimulate business expansion, retention and recruitment.