Program Outline

Keynote Presentations: Transforming Research into Market Ready Solutions

Attendees will hear from leading experts and innovators who have successfully bridged the gap between academic research and commercial application. These presentations will share details on the journey from lab discoveries to marketable products, strategies for effective technology transfer, how to leverage funding opportunities, and the role of partnerships between universities and industry. This session promises to inspire and equip researchers with the knowledge, tools, and roadmaps needed to transform academic work into impactful, real-world solutions.

Panel Discussion: It Takes a Village: Innovation Ecosystem Building

This panel will focus on the key stakeholders who drive innovation ecosystem building. What is the technology transfer arch, and how does that influence ecosystems? How are ecosystems built, how are they scaled? What is the role of industry, of universities, of venture capitalists, or strategic investors? Who else needs to be at the table, why, and when? How do we educate stakeholders so they are not only aware of best practices, but also have the tools and skills to implement them?

Primer / Tutorial: Commercialization of Academic Research

Attendees will learn from subject matter experts and thought leaders on the process of patenting, licensing, and creating spin-offs from university research projects. Topics covered include: Do's and don'ts of intellectual property management, demystifying technology transfer, and strategies for licensing innovations—and more! In addition, this tutorial will cover how innovators can leverage local innovation ecosystems to translate academic research into commercial products.

Fireside Chat: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry

Jim O'Sullivan of O'Sullivan Solutions, LLC will moderate a discussion with Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics and Allie Stachiowak, Managing Director of Goose Capital, on how an idea goes from research in the lab, to a fully-fledged, VC-backed, globally known startup. They will describe what it takes to develop the systems and structures that enable vision-aligned and intentional scale, highlighting tangible pathways for funding for hard-tech startups like Syzygy, and revealing how industry works with startups to fund a cleaner, greener future.

Tech Demos and Startup Showcases

A series of invited and contributed talks/pitches from university-affiliated tech startups, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, prototypes, and research breakthroughs.

Networking and Collaboration Sessions

Dedicated time for participants to connect, pitch ideas, and discuss potential collaborations between universities, tech companies, and investors.