The Summit for
Research Institution Gap Fund & Accelerator Programs
October 21-22, 2022
New Orleans + Virtual
presented by
hosted by
What is Covergence?
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 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.
Right Content
Connect. Learn. Share common interests. Online platform and balance of content and relationship-building. Increase random interactions and knowledge exchange.
Thursday, October 21 (CT)
10:00 - 10:30 AM CT
Welcome/The Gap Fund/Accelerator Landscape Review from new Mind the Gap 2021 Report data
10:30 - 2:00 PM
Need-to-Know Gap Fund/Accelerator Program Discussion Panels
Leaders of proof of concept, startup, and venture university gap funds/accelerator programs will take the stage to moderate an all-participant open discussion on models, approaches, and common challenges.
Prior to the event participants can provide a formatted model review of their processes, structures, impact, and lessons-learned. These will be shared through the conference website
10:30 - 11:30 aM
Proof of Concept / Asset Development Programs
Discussion lead by Notre Dame, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Tech Launch AZ
11:30 - 1:00 pM
Luncheon
Walter Isaacson, Characteristics of Successful Innovators and Innovative Organizations
1:00 - 2:00 pM
Startup Accelerator Programs/University Venture Funds
Discussion lead by Carolina Kickstart, Indiana U, U Virginia, and U Utah
2:00 - 4:30 pM
Common Challenge Breakouts
Breakout rooms by program type and interest areas. A great opportunity to bounce around and build connections with others that are interested in the more nuanced challenges with gap fund and accelerator programs. Then we come back together for a debrief and sharing of solutions and opportunities.
5:30 pM
The Happiest of Hours
Food, Drinks, and Conversation on a Troubadour Hotel rooftop overlooking the French Quarter. An in-person mixer. Yes, please!
Friday, October 22 (CT)
10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
Corporate Innovation
Corporate Innovation and Venture teams are beginning to look past traditional partnership models (research projects, marketed licenses, etc.) to more alignment with existing programs in the university commercialization process, like gap fund and accelerator programs. The presenters/panelists will share their historical approaches, areas of interest, and opportunities for syncing with university technologies and startups.
- Henkel Tech Partners
- LG NOVA
- Philips Healthcare
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Venture Capital + Angel
Venture and angel models have evolved in recent years in ways that have opened up avenues for earlier stage investment and collaboration. Learn about emerging valuation tactics, fundraising strategies, and how these sources of investment, experience, and relationships can tie into your gap fund/accelerator process and goals.
- BDMI
- Laconia Capital
- Leonis Ventures
- Revelry Venture Partners
12:00 - 1:00 pM
Luncheon
Keynote: Trivia Fraizer
1:00 - 3:00 pM
3x 30 Min Tactical Reviews
Practitioners share their approaches to addressing common program interests
- Raising Philanthropic Support
- Providing Student/Faculty I+E Experiences through Accelerators and Competitions
- Collaborating with Private Accelerators/Studios
3:30 - 4:00 pM
Wrap-up, Learned Lessons, and Adjourn
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
1441 Canal St,
New Orleans, LA
70112
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.