General Information
What is the FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Northwest Arkansas program?
The FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Northwest Arkansas program is an innovative initiative designed to drive technology-based economic development in the Northwest Arkansas region. This seven-month pilot program empowers university teams to explore, develop, and commercialize federal intellectual property (IP) related to advanced mobility. The program includes intensive training in tech transfer, lean startup methodologies, and venture capital, culminating in a final pitch event.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply for the program?
The program is open to university teams across the state of Arkansas, with a special emphasis on teams from Northwest Arkansas. Teams should consist of three members who are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship in advanced mobility. While there is flexibility in how teams are composed, at least one team member must be a student affiliated with a university.
Join a community of innovators dedicated to shaping the future of transportation.
Access cutting-edge federal IP for development
Participants in the FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Northwest Arkansas program will gain exclusive access to a portfolio of federal intellectual property (IP) related to advanced mobility. While participants are encouraged to bring their own innovative ideas, they will also have the unique opportunity to select and further develop existing breakthrough technologies. These technologies may include:
- Self-driving vehicle technologies
- Software solutions to improve battery life for electric cars
- Lightweight materials for faster and more efficient vehicles
- Artificial intelligence (AI) systems to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion
- Data sharing, data privacy, and cybersecurity for electronic systems, network monitoring, and advanced analytics
Participants will receive mentorship and resources to translate these and other cutting-edge innovations into market-ready solutions, driving technology-based economic development in Northwest Arkansas.
Can multiple teams from the same institution apply?
Yes, multiple teams from the same institution can apply. Teams can also include members from different universities, as well as individuals from the local community or industry.
Application Process
How do I apply for the program?
Here’s how the process works in three simple steps:
- Make a copy of the application document, then gather all the information you need.
- Once you’ve collected everything, submit your team application.
- After that, we’ll send each team member an individual application to fill out.
Ready to get started? Here’s a link to the application questions.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 23, 2024.
Funding and Support
How much funding is available?
Each person will receive financial support to help cover costs and time for participating in the program. The FLIPspace program also offers other substantial support for selected teams, including:
- Mentorship from experienced industry experts
- Access to a resource library and a collaborative network of mobility innovators
- Participation in workshops, training sessions, and a final pitch event
Program Requirements
What are the key dates and the events participants must attend?
- Application Opens: September 16, 2024
- Virtual Info Sessions: October 9 and October 11, 2024
- Application Deadline: October 23, 2024
- Teams Notified: November 1, 2024
- Foundational Workshop: November 19-20, 2024
- Program Evaluation: January-May 2025
- Final Pitch Event: April 2025
What will students learn?
Participants will develop a commercialization plan for their selected federal IP, focusing on:
- Intellectual Property and Licensing Basics
- Early-Stage Commercialization of Inventions via Startup (Basics)
- Business Development and Analysis
- Advanced Mobility Research/Technology Field Introduction
- Pitch Techniques and Best Practices
Additional Information
What happens after I am selected?
Selected teams will receive an acceptance notification no later than October 25, 2024. The letter must be signed and returned to VentureWell before participant support funds will be distributed. Additional details about funding disbursement and support will be provided at that time.
Who can I contact for more information?
General inquiries: Email VentureWell Senior Program Officer Katie Dzugan.