25% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
COVERGENCE 2025
The Research Institution Tech + Startup Gap Fund & Accelerator Program Summit
Translational Research | Proof of Concept PROGRAMS | Startup ACCELERATORS | UnivERSITY VENTURE FUNDS
October 16-17, 2025
SEATTLE, WA
presented by
HOST
presented by
HOST
SPONSORED BY
Download event overview:
BRIDGING THE INNOVATION GAP
COVERGENCE is the premier gathering for research institutions, investors, and industry leaders focused on accelerating university technologies and startups through gap funding and accelerator programs (GAP).
Early-stage capital and development support remain critical hurdles in transforming groundbreaking research into viable commercial ventures. Over the past 20 years, university gap funds and accelerators have evolved into powerful engines that bridge this “valley of death,” providing translational research, proof of concept, venture support, and commercialization expertise.
At COVERGENCE, we come together to share insights, forge partnerships, and explore new strategies to fuel innovation and growth. Join us to be part of the collaborative ecosystem shaping the future of technology commercialization through gap fund and accelerator programs.
Best Practice and Tactical Areas:
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Staffing and Structuring GAP Operations
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GAP Process Management and Governance
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GAP Diligence and Evaluation Tactics
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Leveraging Talent for GAP Mentorship and Support
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Attracting Follow-on Investment and Other Commercialization Partners
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Delivering and Communicating GAP Impact and Value
Emerging Topics:
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Venture and Innovation Philanthropy
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International POC and Venture Models
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Therapeutic/ Medtech Translational Research and Maturation
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New Realities and Opportunities: Funding the GAP in 2025 and Beyond
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Right People
University POC/startup/venture GAP programs, corporate innovation, and investment leaders converge to share and learn about early stage innovation trends, collaboration practices and emerging IP, proof of concept projects, and startups
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
GAP Core Content
Sessions and discussions led by fund managers and leaders focused on best practice areas and common challenges (directed at GAP fund managers)
GAP Relationship-building
Plenty of opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange through open discussion, online event platform, breaks, Partnering Receptions, and The Happiest of Hours
Did You Know...?
Over the past 20 years, research institutions have deployed nearly $700MM of their own gap fund capital to support promising technologies and startups. GAP program efforts have resulted in nearly 1000 corporate licensed technologies and 1500 startup companies, attracting more than $8B in direct-follow-on private and corporate investment. What’s more is that 80% of these opportunities originated from institutions outside of Boston, New York, and Silicon Valley.
BEFORE COVERGENCE
COVERGENCE starts long before we meet in Salt Lake City! Some opportunities for registered participants include:
- Access to COVERGENCE event platform to begin connecting with participants, provide input on Summit agenda, and access shared resources
- Research Institutions can apply to provide a GAP program/portfolio brief and submit to COVERGENCE GAP opportunity platform for review and feedback from corporate/investor participants
- Corporate Innovation and Investors gain access to GAP program portfolio briefs and COVERGENCE GAP opportunity platform, where they can rank, rate, assess, and connect with exciting GAP opportunities and startups
- Pre-event participant communication and resources
AGENDA
4:00 - 7:00PM
OCTOBER 23: WELCOME TO COVERGENCE
A smooth landing in Atlanta to jumpstart conversation and relationship-building. Food, drinks, tours, and fun hosted at Portal Innovations new facility.
SPONSORED BY
Thursday, October 16
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM PT
Welcome/State of Gap Fund and Accelerator Programs (GAP)
Landscape review of best practices and trends at research institution tech/startup gap fund and accelerator programs (GAP), including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds with fresh data from our Mind the Gap 2025 Report to coincide with its release.
*Participants will receive an organization license the the full Report.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM PT
GAP Tactical 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 many of the following challenges/opportunities.
Targeted Discussion Topics
- Reinvesting Royalties and Equity Returns
- Raising Philanthropic Support
- Influencing Campus Strategic Budgeting Priorities
- Leveraging Federal and State Government Programs
- Strategies to Sustain and Grow GAP Program Funding
Targeted Discussion Topics:
- Staffing with required skill sets, using FTEs, contractors, and volunteers.
- Budgeting for non-staff related operations.
- Leveraging relationships with other campus units (Technology Transfer Office, Development/Advancement, Colleges, etc).
Targeted Discussion Topics:
- GAP process management
- Decision-making/authority
- Protecting against conflicts of interest
Targeted Discussion Topics
- Approaches to evaluating technologies and startups for awards or investments
- Tools, scorecards, and rubric examples
Discussion Topics:
- Identifying technical SMEs and business talent for funded projects and startups
- Managing advisory boards
- Building a mentor network
- Implementing innovation fellows programs
- Working with CROs and outside services
Discussion Topics:
- Graduated project and startup portfolio management / relationship maintenance
- Programs to incorporate commercialization and investment partners into active and graduated projects and startups
- Corporate and investor network-building strategies
Impact Areas:
- Catalyzing the commercialization process.
- Building the innovation ecosystem.
- Creating startups and jobs.
- Leveraging follow-on funding.
- Realizing return on investment (ROI).
Methods:
- Marketing and reporting methods.
- In-person events and showcases.
- Communicating audience-appropriate messaging.
- Getting the attention and support of leadership and stakeholders.
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM PT
GAP Affinity Group Breakouts / Full Group Common Challenge Discussion
Concurrent, 45-min breakouts to do deep dives in key opportunity/challenge areas from earlier Day 1 discussions. Current breakout themes subject to change, additions, or re-grouping:
Breakout 1: GAP Process and Program Support
- POC Project Planning/Management
- Startup Accelerator/Venture Support and Management
Breakout 2: Tech Focus
- Therapeutic/Medtech GAP Maturation Programs
- Hardtech GAP Programs
Breakout 3: Partnerships, Talent, and Network-building
- Mentor/Expert Programs
- Corporate Partnerships
- Building Investor Networks
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM PT
The Happiest of Hours
Debrief the day on a beautiful patio with a mountain view. Let’s go!
Friday, October 17
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM PT
GAP Emerging Topics
Evolving Early-stage Capital and Support Landscape
Government, philanthropic, corporate, and venture models have evolved in recent years/months, changing the avenues for earlier stage investment and collaboration to advance research institution technologies and startups. The panelists will share their insights the current and future state of external funding and collaboration
The Innovators GAP Journey
This session features an all-innovator panel—faculty, post-docs, students, and founders—sharing firsthand accounts of using GAP funding and accelerator support to advance their innovations. Panelists will discuss the impact of these programs on their commercialization journeys and offer practical insights on building optimal support systems for future innovators. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to design and deliver resources that truly accelerate the path from research to real-world impact.
International POC and Startup GAP Programs
This session brings together global leaders and practitioners to explore how international proof-of-concept (POC) and startup GAP funding models are advancing innovation in their countries and across borders. Panelists will discuss diverse approaches, share insights from different regions, and highlight best practices for supporting early-stage technology commercialization through POC and GAP programs.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM PT
GAP Strategy and Launch Case Studies
This session features three leading institutions presenting in-depth case studies on the evolution of their GAP funding strategies. Each institution will guide attendees through an experiential walkthrough, highlighting the journey from initial concept to full deployment and sharing lessons learned at every stage.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM PT
Wrap-up/Adjourn
Thursday, October 24
9:00 - 9:30 AM ET
Welcome/State of GAP
Landscape review of best practices and trends at research institution tech/startup gap fund and accelerator programs (GAP), including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds with fresh data from our Mind the Gap 2024 survey
9:30 - 4:00 PM
Gap Fund/Accelerator Program Tactical 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.
Targeted Discussion Topics
- Reinvesting Royalties and Equity Returns
- Raising Philanthropic Support
- Influencing Campus Strategic Budgeting Priorities
- Leveraging Federal and State Government Programs
- Strategies to Sustain and Grow GAP Program Funding
Targeted Discussion Topics:
- Staffing with required skill sets, using FTEs, contractors, and volunteers.
- Budgeting for non-staff related operations.
- Leveraging relationships with other campus units (Technology Transfer Office, Development/Advancement, Colleges, etc).
Targeted Discussion Topics:
- GAP process management
- Decision-making/authority
- Protecting against conflicts of interest
Targeted Discussion Topics
- Approaches to evaluating technologies and startups for awards or investments
- Tools, scorecards, and rubric examples
Discussion Topics:
- Identifying technical SMEs and business talent for funded projects and startups
- Managing advisory boards
- Building a mentor network
- Implementing innovation fellows programs
- Working with CROs and outside services
Discussion Topics:
- Graduated project and startup portfolio management / relationship maintenance
- Programs to incorporate commercialization and investment partners into active and graduated projects and startups
- Corporate and investor network-building strategies
Impact Areas:
- Catalyzing the commercialization process.
- Building the innovation ecosystem.
- Creating startups and jobs.
- Leveraging follow-on funding.
- Realizing return on investment (ROI).
Methods:
- Marketing and reporting methods.
- In-person events and showcases.
- Communicating audience-appropriate messaging.
- Getting the attention and support of leadership and stakeholders.
4:00 - 6:00 PM ET
The Happiest of Hours
Debrief the day on a beautiful patio with a mountain view. Let’s go!
Friday, October 25
10:00AM - 12:00 PM ET
GAP Collaborators
Venture Capital + Angel
Venture, and angel models have evolved in recent years, opening up avenues for earlier stage investment and collaboration. The presenters and panelists will share their historical approaches, areas of interest, and opportunities for collaborating and investing with research institutions, GAP technologies, and startups.
Venture Development + Studios
Emerging models of venture creation, venture development, and venture studio are bringing their funding, talent, space, and networks to research institutions for applied research, proof of concept, and startups. Find out how they work and how they can help supplement your GAP programs.
Federal + State GAP Programs
Federal and state agencies have stepped up their support of research institutions, technologies, and startups through dedicated accelerator programs. Let’s have a discussion on how to partner with these programs to advance GAP priorities.
12:00 - 2:30PM
Breakout Groups by GAP Program Type / Full Group Common Challenge Discussion
In the first hour, small groups will break out by affinity and GAP program types to share insights into their program and process. These include:
- Intake and Innovator Engagement Process
- Tech/Startup Development and Portfolio Management Solutions
- Diligence and Evaluation Methods
- Incorporating Outside Expertise
- Managing Conflict of Interest
- Decision-making and Providing Feedback
- Measuring and Reporting Impact
In the second hour, the full group will come together to discuss common challenges, lessons learned, and key takeaways from their small group discussions.
The output from this exercise and full event discussion will be consolidated into a COVERGENCE brief that will be provided to all participants.
Thursday, October 24
9:00 - 9:30 AM ET
Welcome/State of GAP
Landscape review of best practices and trends at research institution tech/startup gap fund and accelerator programs (GAP), including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds with fresh data from our Mind the Gap 2024 survey
9:30 - 4:00 PM
Gap Fund/Accelerator Program Tactical 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.
Targeted Discussion Topics
- Reinvesting Royalties and Equity Returns
- Raising Philanthropic Support
- Influencing Campus Strategic Budgeting Priorities
- Leveraging Federal and State Government Programs
- Strategies to Sustain and Grow GAP Program Funding
Targeted Discussion Topics:
- Staffing with required skill sets, using FTEs, contractors, and volunteers.
- Budgeting for non-staff related operations.
- Leveraging relationships with other campus units (Technology Transfer Office, Development/Advancement, Colleges, etc).
Targeted Discussion Topics:
- GAP process management
- Decision-making/authority
- Protecting against conflicts of interest
Targeted Discussion Topics
- Approaches to evaluating technologies and startups for awards or investments
- Tools, scorecards, and rubric examples
Discussion Topics:
- Identifying technical SMEs and business talent for funded projects and startups
- Managing advisory boards
- Building a mentor network
- Implementing innovation fellows programs
- Working with CROs and outside services
Discussion Topics:
- Graduated project and startup portfolio management / relationship maintenance
- Programs to incorporate commercialization and investment partners into active and graduated projects and startups
- Corporate and investor network-building strategies
Impact Areas:
- Catalyzing the commercialization process.
- Building the innovation ecosystem.
- Creating startups and jobs.
- Leveraging follow-on funding.
- Realizing return on investment (ROI).
Methods:
- Marketing and reporting methods.
- In-person events and showcases.
- Communicating audience-appropriate messaging.
- Getting the attention and support of leadership and stakeholders.
4:00 - 6:00 PM ET
The Happiest of Hours
Debrief the day on a beautiful patio with a mountain view. Let’s go!
Friday, October 25
9:30AM - 2:30 PM ET
GAP Affinity Group Breakouts / Full Group Common Challenge Discussion
Concurrent, 45-min breakouts to do deep dives in key opportunity/challenge areas from Day 1 discussions. Current breakout themes subject to change, additions, or re-grouping:
Breakout 1: GAP Process and Program Support
- POC Project Planning/Management
- Startup Accelerator and Management Support Programs
Breakout 2: Tech Focus
- Therapeutic GAP Maturation Programs
- Non-Life Science GAP Programs
Breakout 3: Partnerships and Network-building
- Mentor/Expert Programs
- Corporate Partnerships
- Building Investor Networks
Breakout 4: Staffing and Operations
- Small office
- Large office
1:00-2:00 PM ET
GAP Type Common Challenge Discussion
Breakout to gather those interested in de-risking, POC (non-startup) programs and those looking at startup support and investment.
Each will discuss remaining, common challenges, lessons learned, and key takeaways from COVERGENCE.
2:00-2:30 PM ET
Wrap-up/Adjourn
GAP BEST PRACTICE DISCUSSION LEADERS
EVENT VENUE
Husky Stadium
3800 Montlake Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98105
HOTEL
REGISTER
25% early bird discount available through July
GAP COA member institutions receive one complimentary registration. To learn more about membership, visit group page here. Members, please select your complimentary registration through the form below
Corporate Innovation and Investors, please inquire about partnering events at connect@innovosource.com
Service providers and professional organizations, please inquire about remaining access via sponsorship at connect@innovosource.com
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
