Arkansas Commercialization Retreat to Engage Higher-Ed Faculty Statewide

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The annual Arkansas Commercialization Retreat will feature guest speakers, panel discussions, and workshops intended to lower the barrier to entry for technology commercialization and entrepreneurship.

Are you a faculty member who is interested in the world of entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and intellectual property? Are you eager to understand the resources available for developing startup companies and licensing your innovations to industry partners?

The U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will host the annual Arkansas Commercialization Retreat this September. The two-and-a-half day retreat is intended for faculty members and other researchers across the state who are interested, but may have little to no prior experience, in commercialization.

The retreat will be held Sept. 21-23 and is open to any faculty member or researcher with an affiliation with one of four partner institutions: the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Arkansas State University; and the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Held in the peaceful setting of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Mount Petit Jean, the retreat will feature guest speakers, panel discussions, and workshops intended to lower the barrier to entry for technology commercialization and entrepreneurship. Participants will hear from experienced entrepreneurs and investors, entrepreneurial support organizations, and peers from universities across Arkansas who have successfully licensed innovations to industry partners or further developed them through a startup.

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.

"Intent to commercialize a product or start a company 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 opportunities is a must."

Registration is required. The sign-up period closes Sept. 9.

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.