OCTOBER 20-21, 2022 / SALT LAKE CITY, UT

PRESENTED BY

HOSTED BY

A GATHERING OF THOSE INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING AND COLLABORATING WITH UNIVERSITY TECH AND STARTUP GAP FUND AND ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS 

The lack of true early-stage capital and innovation developmental support is a major challenge in advancing promising university technology from the lab to commercial and investment partners. 

Research institutions are leading through the implementation of university gap funding (proof of concept, startup, venture) and accelerator programs to bridge this “valley of death”. Over the past 15 years, these programs have evolved into sophisticated investment, evaluation, development, and commercialization support mechanisms to nurture the most promising opportunities in emerging, high-growth technology areas.

Smart companies and investors are taking notice and making it a strategic, external innovation and investment priority to partner with these university gap fund and accelerator programs through applied research, proof of concept projects, corporate venture investments, and advisory/mentorship in return for insights, competitive positioning, and access to future technology and start-ups.

COVERGENCE is where we meet, learn, and talk about what we can do together to catalyze innovation through university gap fund and accelerator programs.

RIGHT PEOPLE

University POC/startup/venture, industry, and investor leadership converge to connect those interested in developing and accessing emerging IP, proof of concept projects, and startups through gap funds/accelerator programs; share and learn about early stage innovation trends and collaboration practices.

RIGHT CONTENT

Connect. Learn. Share common interests. Online platform and balance of content and relationship-building. Increase random interactions and knowledge exchange.

RIGHT SIZE

We all know that oversubscribed events lead to many hit-miss, high-level exchanges. Our strategy is to go targeted to allow everyone to meet and forge foundational relationships. We do this by making sure that we are inviting the right people to fill those seats.

What attendees are saying

“COVERGENCE was a great conference to learn more about the complexities of gap funding at Universities, from grants to venture. Great topics, networking, and even a little bit of fun thrown in.”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“COVERGENCE was a fantastic opportunity to engage with others involved in startup formation and success! Thank you, innovosource!”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“COVERGENCE was worth the intercontinental travel. With a high concentration of experts, entrepreneurs and investors, it really was an eye-opening experience.”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“COVERGENCE was a great opportunity for a small program like ours to compare notes with more established, larger programs to compare best practices.”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“Excellent meeting to tap into current best practices in university gap/seed funds. Well worth the time.”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“Great opportunity and format to go deep on topics and best practices of interest and importance to universities supporting startups!”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“COVERGENCEoffers insight into a niche industry that the corporate and investment worlds are neglecting. There is a huge opportunity for collaboration and partnership to help university-founded startups scale their businesses.”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“Great organization and assistance.”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
“Thanks for having us! we are definitely coming again next year.”
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT
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Keynote: Walter Isaacson

Topic: Characteristics of successful innovators and innovative organizations

Walter Isaacson is an American author, journalist, and professor. He has been the President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair and CEO of CNN, and the editor of Time. 

Mr. Isaacson will share characteristics of successful innovators and innovative organizations from his breadth of experience through research and writing about Steve Jobs, Jennifer Doudna, and other prolific innovators.

Topic: Scaling from startup

Dr. Trivia Frazier is an Entrepreneur, Researcher, and Business Professional with over 10 years of experience in the fields of stem cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. 

Dr. Frazier is currently the CEO and president of Obatala Sciences, a biotech firm whose “fat-on-a-chip” technology facilitates faster testing for new drugs than traditional methods

Dr. Frazier will share her experiences and challenges in scaling from a startup company in New Orleans

Keynote: Trivia Fraizer

EVENT VENUE

New Orleans BioInnovation
Center (NOBIC)

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center is a private, not-for-profit business incubator, supporting entrepreneurship and dedicated to the development of bioscience innovation throughout Louisiana.

1441 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112 (Map)

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