Virtual Workshop Series
Recordings coming soon!
A four-part workshop series designed to help researchers connect with industry, communicate value, and build lasting partnerships. Researchers gain practical tools for identifying industry needs, crafting compelling stories, networking efficiently, and navigating industry opportunities. Perfect for anyone looking to translate research into meaningful impact.
All four workshop recordings can be accessed below in each workshop description.
Workshop Descriptions and Recordings
Understanding Industry Needs
Learn how companies identify problems and discover practice tools to align your research with real-world challenges.
Storytelling for Sciences
Master the art of transforming your research into concise, compelling stories the resonate with industry.
Engaging with Industry
Gain actionable strategies for finding the right contacts and buiolding meaningful industry connections.
Navigating Industry Opportunities
Explore pathways for collaboration and learn how to maintain long-term partnerships with industry.
VentureWell Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Students
VentureWell is a non-profit organization that supports early-stage science and technology innovators. They provide training, funding and resources to help transform research based innovations into market-ready solutions. By cultivating revolutionary ideas, they help launch the next generation of emerging inventors.
Through the the University of Iowa VentureWell membership, funded by the UIRF, faculty and students have access to a considerable number of funding and training programs. To access these programs, innovators should create their own VentureWell account.
Notable VentureWell Programs
VentureWell Accelerator
The VentureWell Accelerator is a suite of programs that gives students access to immersive learning, mentorship, industry experts, and network-building opportunities. Recieve access to funding, training, networking, and mentorship.
The VentureWell accelerator includes the E-Team Program, which supports student ventures as they start on the path towards innovator and entrepreneur.
Ascend
Ascend is a six-week intensive hybrid program that prepares startups for the investment necessary to launch their venture. This program aims to help bridge the gap between customer discovery and commercial launch.
VentureWell typically selects 10-15 startups per cohort, and startups are expected to be committed and competitive, with a technology readiness level of 3 (proof of concept).
Aspire
Aspire is a five-week in-depth, hybrid program that prepares startups for investor engagement. Investor-mentors work one-on-one with startups to simulate due diligence conversations and integrate feedback into deal room materials in real time. This program aims to prepare startups to raise equity investment.
Two Aspire cohorts are offered each year: Aspire Climatetech in the spring and Aspire Medtech in the fall.
Ecosystem Futures Fellowship
This new fellowship is an evolution of our Course & Program Grants that focuses on scalable science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem solutions through the lens of environmental and social sustainability and inclusive innovation. This program offers professional development, learning experiences, and a supportive community of leaders.
Additional Resources
Innovators are encouraged to read the article "Understanding the Basics of Patenting" and "So you want to start a biotech company". Published in Nature Biotechnology, these articles review patent basics, application and prosecution, and the critical issues faced during biotech company startup.
Occasionally, UIRF becomes aware of educational webinars on topics that may interest innovators, such as applying for SBIR/STTR grants, fundraising, intellectual property, or entrepreneurship. Please visit the UIRF LinkedIn page for up-to-date information on these webinars as they are released.
Innovators interested in forming a start-up are encouraged to reach out to UI Ventures, who supports the commercialization of innovative University of Iowa technology. Additionally, UIRF has put together a list of entrepreneurial resources for faculty interested in learning more about start-up formation and invention commercialization.
Connect with the Licensing Team
If you have a question or would like to speak with one of our licensing team members, please join our Inventor Office Hours. Day and times vary monthly, so check our homepage and newsletter for up-to-date information.