Your Pathway to Lasting Impact: Innovation, Collaboration, and Real-World Change
At the VentureWell Innovation in Action Summit, vision meets action.
True to its name—VIA, meaning “by way of” innovation—you’ll move beyond ideas to create real-world solutions that drive measurable impact in STEM education and ecosystems. Whether you’re solving regional challenges, developing pioneering innovation & entrepreneurship (I&E) curriculum, advancing cutting-edge research, or shaping policy, the VIA Summit provides the roadmap to turn your vision into reality. Throughout the event, thought leaders and experts will guide you in unlocking new partnerships, tackling pressing challenges, and leveraging innovative solutions for long-term success.
The VIA Summit isn’t just another event—it’s a transformative journey, igniting the next wave of innovation by uniting faculty, administrators, changemakers, practitioners and leaders across STEM. Drawing on the powerful legacies of both the VentureWell OPEN Conference and the Deshpande Symposium, the VIA Summit blends the best of both into a single, dynamic experience. With a focus on cutting-edge ideas, impactful partnerships, and bold leadership, this summit is designed to be the must-attend event for anyone ready to drive meaningful change in innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us as we learn to unleash the power of research translation to transform and strengthen your on-campus and regional ecosystems.
It’s also a starting point for those just beginning their journey into innovation and entrepreneurship, offering foundational insights and connections to fuel your growth. Building on the rich legacy of VentureWell’s OPEN conference, the VIA Summit unites educators, innovators, industry leaders, and government stakeholders to forge bold solutions for the future. Whether you’re creating new I&E programs and courses, developing transformative inventions, or empowering the next generation of STEM talent, this is your moment to collaborate with peers who share your passion for progress.
With unmatched networking opportunities, you’ll connect with thought leaders across sectors, build partnerships that unlock new possibilities, and gain insights from diverse perspectives. These connections will last long after the event, creating a platform for ongoing collaboration and innovation.
This is where your ideas come to life and where lasting impact across STEM ecosystems begins.
Say goodbye to attending multiple conferences to gather insights—this summit is your all-in-one destination for everything you need to drive innovation, from networking to hands-on workshops. If you’re ready to go beyond conversation and start shaping the future, this is the summit for you.
The VIA Summit brings together the pioneers and changemakers of the STEM world. Whether you’re shaping policy, building technology, or educating the next generation, this is your chance to collaborate with peers who share your drive for innovation.
Faculty, university leadership, and researchers: Take your research further than the lab. Discover actionable strategies to turn your findings into real-world impact, expand student I&E pathways, and work with STEM experts to find practical applications that extend beyond academia.
Industry leaders: Get ahead of the curve by connecting with the brightest minds in the higher education ecosystem and STEM innovation. Discover research breakthroughs before they hit the market, form strategic alliances, and showcase your leadership in driving progress and solving pressing challenges.
Early-stage innovators and aspiring researchers: Accelerate your journey from idea to impact with early-stage entrepreneurs, graduate students, and postdocs in transforming ideas into impactful innovations. Get the mentorship, resources, and exposure you need to bring your innovative ideas to life. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience and build a network alongside key ecosystem partners.
Government innovation experts: Network with institutions and industry to recruit for federal programs and establish vital partnerships nationwide. If you oversee federal research & development (R&D) programs and investments focused on ecosystem building, this conference is your premier event for STEM innovation! If you are involved in I-Corps™, U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs, National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines Small Business Administration (SBA) Innovation Clusters, Engineering Research Centers (ERC), Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC), or NSF Accelerating Research Translation (ART), join us at the conference to gain insights on demonstrating ecosystem impact for long-term regional success.
The VIA Summit is more than just an event—it’s where ideas meet execution. Here’s what sets it apart:
This is your moment to be part of something bigger. Don’t wait—secure your place at the VIA Summit and take the first step toward transforming the future of STEM.
Registration will open in November—stay tuned for details and sign up to be notified when registration opens.
Visionary keynote speakers: Hear from the innovators who are setting the course for the future of STEM ecosystems.
Immersive innovation lab: The inaugural innovation lab will showcase breakthroughs in STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, uniting cross-sector leaders to demonstrate I&E in action.
Awards ceremony: Celebrate groundbreaking innovations in STEM as we honor leaders from higher education, government, and industry who are driving ecosystem change.
Collaborative networking: Forge lasting partnerships with other trailblazers who share your vision for creating change. These connections will continue to support and elevate your work long after the summit.
Workshops and panel discussions: Gain exclusive insights from thought leaders who are revolutionizing STEM. Learn about the latest strategies, breakthroughs, and innovations to take your work to the next level.
Be a part of the movement shaping the future of STEM ecosystems. The VIA Summit is where innovation happens, connections are made, and real-world impact begins. Don’t miss your chance to lead the charge.
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