Registration Open for Annual Arkansas Commercialization Retreat

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 seeking expert guidance on how to commercialize your research, join the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Technology Ventures this June for the annual Arkansas Commercialization Retreat.

The retreat, held June 1-3 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.

Registration is required. To show your interest, please fill out this form by April 17.

David Hinton, U of A's associate vice chancellor for research and innovation and executive director of Technology Ventures, described the retreat as a "cornerstone" to transform university ventures.

"When Arkansas' research, innovation and entrepreneurial community comes together with a common purpose at the Arkansas Commercialization Retreat, we can accelerate the path from discovery to impact," Hinton said.

"This retreat is a cornerstone in our strategy to transform university research into new ventures, stronger partnerships and solutions that benefit communities across our state, while positioning Arkansas for long-term economic growth and competitiveness."

Topics include intellectual property 101, business model development, guidance on resources available both within the university and the broader community, funding opportunities for early-stage technologies and how to apply for SBIR/STTR grants.

The retreat aims to include faculty from multiple Arkansas college campuses who are partners in the development of the retreat content and recruiting of faculty.

"We are very intentional about making this retreat useful for participants at different stages," said Martha Papania, OEI's commercialization and research program manager.

"Participants gain a clearer picture of available resources, realistic pathways to commercialization and connections that continue well beyond the three days."

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, Startup Village, and Greenhouse at the Bentonville Collaborative, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions, and startup coaching. A unit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.