Host an I2V!

Here are the responses to the top three questions prospective sites have commonly asked when considering whether Invention to Venture is right for their campus. If you would like to ask a specific question not addressed here, email us.

Why would I want to host an I2V?

I2V workshops can...

1) Create national visibility for your institution,

2) Build infrastructure and network on campus and throughout region that is supportive of commercializing technology,
3) Serve as an annual event/celebration of entrepreneurship, with method of training new crop of entrepreneurs, faculty who have filed invention disclosures, etc., and
4) Engage successful alums, funders and partners by bringing them back to campus and contributing to students/faculty in a highly meaningful and direct way.

What do you offer I2V host sites?

1) Tons of tools, templates and marketing materials. After holding over 75 I2V workshops since 2003, one can imagine how many best practices we've benchmarked. You would give you access to our password-protected host coordinator dashboard, which connects you to materials, I2V staff, and other site coordinators nationally who can answer questions and offer advice.

2) I2V staff coaching. We put you and your planning team on a cycle of conference calls (quick for the fast learners, longer for those who want to chat us up) during the planning phase. This provides an opportunity to discuss all the important steps in executing a successful I2V, highlighting the most pertinent resources at the appropriate time.

What do you look for in a host site?

1) Academic institutions and regions with significant research and invention activity;

2) The right faculty and administration engagement (engineering, management, medical school, materials, tech transfer office, office of research are just a few examples);
3) Adequate staffing to pull off a successful event:

i) strong cross-campus / regional partnerships with people who will collaborate to plan, market and hold event,

ii) capable logistical support,

iii) strong marketing partners, including student reach; and

4) Ability to raise sponsorship on campus from the regional business community, the state and whomever else has a vested interest in the success of such an event.

If you think you've got what it takes, we want to hear from you. Fill out the Host I2V Application.

If you're interested having an I2V workshop in your area but can't host, vote to bring I2V to you.