Arkansas Commercialization Retreat to Aid Higher-Ed Faculty Statewide

Cari Humphry

Need help exploring the world of intellectual property and patents? Want to understand the resources available for developing startup companies and licensing new innovations?

If you are a faculty member seeking expert guidance on how to commercialize your research, join the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Office of Technology Ventures this September for the annual Arkansas Commercialization Retreat.

The retreat, held Sep. 26-28 at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, will feature guest speakers and workshop providers, including a range of faculty members from universities and organizations across Arkansas who have successfully licensed innovations to industry partners or further developed them through a startup.

"This retreat is a wonderful opportunity for faculty who are just beginning to think through the possibility of commercializing their research, to learn about viewing their research through a different lens then perhaps they are used to, licensing the intellectual property they are developing to a company, testing a business model, founding a startup company and how to take advantage of the many resources that the university offers to accelerate these processes," said David Hinton, associate director of Technology Ventures.

Topics include intellectual property 101, business model development, understanding the needs of customers, funding opportunities for early-stage technologies, the art of the pitch and how to apply for SBIR/STTR grants.

The retreat will include faculty from four Arkansas campuses: the U of A in Fayetteville, UAMS, Arkansas State University and UA-Little Rock, all of whom are partners in the development of the retreat content and recruiting of faculty.

"Intent to commercialize is not a prerequisite," said Sarah Goforth, OEI's executive director. "But a willingness to step slightly outside one's comfort zone and fully engage in the interactive portions of the retreat and networking opportunity is a must."

Registration is required. The sign-up period closes Sept. 15.

About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio and Startup Village, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.