VIA Summit Call for Proposals

What Is VIA?

VIA is a dynamic new convening, scheduled for June 10-12, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, that draws on the powerful legacies of both the VentureWell OPEN conference and the Deshpande Symposium and 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. The Call for Proposals for VIA is now closed.

VIA connects higher education with industry and government to advance innovations, prepare future leaders, and strengthen research & development (R&D) efforts to translate research into real-world impact.

Our Focus for 2025: Igniting Ideas to Impact

This year, plan to lead the conversation and contribute to the field of STEM I&E by proposing a session for the 2025 VIA summit. Our theme this year is “Igniting Ideas to Impact.”

Click to download a PDF version of the full Call for Proposals.

Session Areas of Focus

We are seeking diverse ideas and perspectives for conference sessions across five key areas of focus. Though all proposals fitting our areas of focus are welcome, special consideration will be given to submissions that:

• Integrate equitable and environmentally responsible practices in I&E curricula and programs, while championing student engagement through the latest technology;
• Prioritize collaboration between faculty and university leadership to embed I&E as an institutional priority, strengthening the innovation ecosystem from within;
• Highlight case studies from industry and government that center successful collaborations with higher education institutions to address real-world challenges;
• Emphasize programs and practices that foster access and engagement of students from historically underrepresented groups (URGs*);
• Share findings from I&E education assessment, evaluation, or research;
• Discuss institutional best practices to showcase the benefits of “entrepreneurial universities”** and their ability to create I&E pathways for student and faculty innovators;
• Include Minority-Serving Institutions, emerging research institutions, and/or community colleges.

*URGs (Underrepresented groups) include individuals who identify as Black, Latinx, and Indigenous; women from all backgrounds; individuals from low-income backgrounds; and others marginalized due to racism, sexism, classism, or other forms of bias.

**“Entrepreneurial universities” refers to higher education institutions that actively contribute to regional and national economic development through structured innovation and entrepreneurship efforts.

Session Topic Tracks

We are accepting proposals within the following five areas of focus (download and view the full Call for Proposals for detailed top areas in each track):

1. Synergy in Action: Bridging Audiences for Ecosystem Growth

Explore strategies for building strong partnerships between higher education, industry, and government. This track highlights successful collaborations, showcases ecosystem models, and provides tools for creating sustainable innovation networks.

2. Teach To Innovate: Redefining STEM I&E Education

Focus on the latest trends and best practices in developing I&E curriculum and programs. Sessions cover integrating I&E into traditional disciplines, aligning programs with industry and government needs, and fostering a culture of innovation.

3. Funding & Policy Powerhouse: Government’s Role in Shaping the Future of I&E

Explore how government policies, funding, and partnerships can accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education. Learn how to leverage government strategies to support ecosystem growth.

4. Collaborative Breakthroughs: Case Studies in Industry-Academia Innovation

Explore how industry and academia can collaborate to drive innovation. Learn strategies for building partnerships, aligning industry needs with research, and creating impactful programs.

5. Bold Innovations: Pioneering New Research & Programs To Advance I&E

Explore groundbreaking research and transformative programs shaping the future of I&E. Sessions in this area will highlight emerging trends and provide actionable insights.

Session Formats

We offer three interactive session formats to foster engagement:

• Interactive Workshop (60 minutes): Participants engage in hands-on activities that foster collaboration and creative problem-solving. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies.
• Partnerships in Action Session (60 minutes): Fast-paced presentations followed by Q&A, offering dynamic insights into successful projects or innovative ideas.
• STEM I&E Expert Panel (60 minutes): Panel discussions with experts on emerging practices and trends, followed by a Q&A segment to engage directly with participants.

Exhibit Opportunities

Innovation Lab Opportunity

This exciting immersive experience will allow participants to experience I&E in action! New innovations through play, experimentation, and demonstration will be present in this exciting space. Each Innovation Lab station will invite participants to consider new STEM I&E solutions to address important societal challenges. Please reach out to via@venturewell.org if you are interested in facilitating an Innovation Lab station.

Sponsorship & Exhibit Opportunities

If you are interested in presenting or demonstrating a specific tool, product, or service, we welcome your participation. Please contact sponsor@venturewell.org to discuss your ideas.

How To Apply

All proposal materials must be submitted through VentureWell’s online application system. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. ET on January 15, 2025.

To start, you’ll need to sign in or create a VentureWell account. Click on community.venturewell.org/VWCommunitiesLogin to access your account or create a new one. Log in, find the VIA Call for Proposals link, and complete the steps!

To create and submit your proposal, you will need to provide the following:

• Proposed session title: Make it descriptive and compelling.
• Session presenters and facilitators: Names, titles, organizations, and emails.
• Area of focus: Select the one that most fits your proposed session.
• Target audience: Who will benefit and why?
• Preferred format type: Select one of the three available session formats.
• Full session description: What will your session cover? What are its goals? (Limit to 150 words.)
• Abbreviated session description: A short, clear description with three actionable takeaways. (Limit to 50 words.)

Key Dates

• January 15, 2024: Call for Proposals closes
• February 28, 2025: Notifications sent
• March 14, 2025: Deadline for speakers to accept/reject

Questions?

Have a conference-related question? Contact via@venturewell.org. Having technical difficulty with the application? Contact grants@venturewell.org.