General Information
What is the FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Arkansas program?
The FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Arkansas program is an innovative initiative designed to drive technology-based economic development across Arkansas. This seven-month pilot program empowers university-affiliated individuals and small 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 Arkansas-based postgraduates, faculty, university-affiliated staff, and administrators across the state. Applicants may apply individually or in teams of two or three members. Solo applicants will be matched with like-minded innovators to form a three-person team. Participants should have a curiosity for innovation and a drive to make a difference, but no advanced technical background is required.
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 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 sourced from federal research labs. 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 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 December 4, 2024.
Funding and Support
How much funding is available?
Each participant will receive $2,000 in financial support to help cover costs and time for participating in the program. Additionally, the FLIPspace program offers substantial support, 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
- Info Sessions: October 9 and October 11, 2024
- Application Deadline: December 4, 2024
- Participants Notified: December 13, 2024
- In-Person Foundational Workshop: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
- In-person Module 1: Workshop, January 9, 2025
- Virtual Module Module 2: Workshop, February 6, 2025; Open Innovation Lab: February 20, 2025
- Virtual Module 3: Workshop, March 6, 2025; Open Innovation Lab, March 20, 2025
- Virtual Module 4: Workshop, April 3, 2025; Open Innovation Lab, April 17, 2025
- Virtual Modules 5 and 6: Workshop, May 15, 2025; Open Innovation Lab, May 21, 2025
- Final In-Person Pitch Event: May 22, 2025
- Program Evaluation: January-May 2025
What is the expected time commitment for participants?
The FLIPspace program requires an estimated time commitment of 4-6 hours per week per team member from January 2025 to June 2025. This includes a combination of virtual and in-person sessions.
What will participants 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 participants will receive an acceptance notification no later than December 13, 2024. The acceptance letter must be signed and returned to VentureWell before participant support funds are 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.