A collection of upcoming events and opportunities, both from VentureWell and the innovation & entrepreneurship community.

From VentureWell

E-Team Program

The E-Team Program, part of the VentureWell Accelerator, supports students’ ventures as they embark on the path they’re likely to take as innovators and entrepreneurs. The program offers a powerful mix of entrepreneurship training, mentorship by dedicated staff, up to $25,000 in grant funding, national recognition, and networking with peers and industry experts. Apply to be a part of this cohort by February 1, 2023.

Webinar: Class Activities To Stimulate Inventor-Entrepreneurs

Have you struggled to bolster student engagement in your classroom? If the answer is yes, don’t fret! During our webinar Class Activities To Stimulate Inventor-Entrepreneurs, on February 3, 2023, at 1 p.m. ET, you will hear from Taryn Mead from University of Arkansas, Bayo Ogundipe from James Madison University, Nancy Ruzycki from University of Florida, and Carlee Bishop from Agnes Scott College. They will provide you with actionable strategies and activities you can begin deploying immediately. Register here.

Ascend Medtech Accelerator, powered by VentureWell and LEAP

We are seeking 20 startups that are launching high-impact medical devices, diagnostics, or software to participate in the Ascend Medtech Accelerator, powered by VentureWell and LEAP. This 12-week intensive program will prepare startups for the partnerships and investment necessary to launch their venture. Applications are open until February 22, 2023. Learn more here.

Deshpande Symposium Call for Proposals

Now is the time to submit to the Call for Proposals for the 12th Annual Deshpande Symposium for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education, taking place June 5-7, 2023, at Skysong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. Through inspiring keynote speakers, practical breakout session panels, and welcoming networking activities, we will showcase the institution’s role in advancing the translation of research results from lab to market, accelerating technology commercialization, and bolstering regional innovation ecosystem development both inside and outside the walls of an institution. Application closes February 13, 2023.

OPEN 2023

The OPEN Conference gathers together engaged faculty, administrators, global innovators, and students from across disciplines to network, share stories, start new collaborations, and learn emerging best practices in STEM entrepreneurship education. We are thrilled that this year’s event will be held in-person March 21-23, 2023, in the D.C. metro area. Registration is now open. Grab your ticket early to save! Register here.

ASPIRE Climatetech

Are you part of a climatetech startup preparing for investment and strategic partnerships? Apply for ASPIRE Climatetech, our intensive five-week program where your startup will spend one-to-one time with investors, vet your fundraising strategy, stress-test your company with mock boardroom conversations, and network with fellow founders. This program is offered in partnership with Greentown Labs, Cooley LLP, and The Lemelson Foundation. Learn more and apply by April 10.

Partner with VentureWell: National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines

The National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) has announced  the NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program, designed to jumpstart a region’s innovation ecosystem with up to $160M of NSF funding for up to 10 years. The NSF Engines funding opportunity is a unique chance to drive economic growth in regions that haven’t fully participated in the technology boom of the past few decades. The program is seeking regional teams of industry, academia, government, nonprofits, civil society and communities of practice to catalyze and foster innovation ecosystems across the US. VentureWell is interested in supporting NSF Engines through collaborative proposals. We bring expertise in STEM innovation programming, research commercialization, and multi-sector network-building, as well as extensive experience working with NSF. We are eager to partner with you and leverage our capabilities to help build innovation ecosystems across the country. Contact us.

From the I&E Community

NASA MITTIC

The time is here to start forming a team for the next iteration of the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition (NASA MITTIC). This unique spinoff challenge spurs the development of new ideas for commercialization by seeking proposals from multidisciplinary student teams enrolled at minority-serving institutions (MSIs). NASA MITTIC provides the unique opportunity to advance the world of tomorrow—and the Artemis Generation—by building new and advanced commercial products from NASA-created technology. It’s a great opportunity to engage with NASA technology, experts, businesses, and partners. Proposals for NASA MITTIC Spring will be accepted from January 3 through March 15, 2023. Learn more.

Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market Course

Developed in collaboration with the Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard and the University of California San Diego, this self-paced, introductory course is being offered free on the edX platform. Enroll today to learn how entrepreneurs match technology with customer needs and bring cutting-edge innovations to market. The course will run over five weeks, with the option to pursue a verified certificate. Learn more.

ACRE @ Urban Future Lab 

Rapidly scale and transform your startup into a vehicle for solving the world’s greatest challenge, climate change. ACRE provides unmatched access to strategic advisement, introductions to industry stakeholders, marketing and branding support, investor networks, and access to a community of like-minded founders solving real challenges in energy, water, waste, infrastructure, transportation, and resiliency. Learn more and apply.

Dorm Room Fund

Dorm Room Fund (DRF) is a student-run venture fund, backed by First Round Capital, that supports college students and recent graduates looking to grow their startups. Selected teams receive a $20,000 investment, plus access to mentors, resources, and the DRF community. At least one team member must be an undergraduate or graduate student to be eligible for the program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Hosted by the National Science Foundation, the SBIR program aims to support scientific discoveries and technological innovation that is moving from the lab to the market. The program provides non-dilutive funding and entrepreneurial support at the earliest stages of company development. Consider applying if your discovery can be transformed into an innovation with commercial potential and/or societal benefit. Applications are accepted throughout several seasonal cycles. Learn more.

Wells Fargo Startup Accelerator

The Wells Fargo Startup Accelerator allows new ventures to tap into a growing global network of business mentors, venture capitalists, and enterprise executives. The program helps startups enter the Fortune 500 market and provides up to $1,000,000 in potential investments if your company is selected. Over the course of 6 months, companies will get access to coaching and learn how to commercialize their business. Applications for this virtual, non-exclusive program are accepted year-round.

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