Are we doing enough to help students and postdoctoral scholars translate hard-tech discoveries into solutions for a more sustainable future? This session addresses that question and explores resources to support emerging entrepreneurs. The session also features the finals of the 2025 Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Challenge (NTEC), where student and post-doc led teams from across the US will pitch nano-enabled innovations and compete for start-up funding. Attendees will learn about funding opportunities, training and mentorship programs, and infrastructure aimed at inspiring and supporting future hard-tech innovators and entrepreneurs. This session is open to all students (from community college through graduate school) and postdocs as well as those interested in supporting future innovators.

Submit Abstract - due December 17 »

Please first review the information for authors — abstract submission guidelines.

Select Topic / Application AreaChallenges facing future innovatorsFunding opportunities and resourcesTraining, education, and mentorshipRegional innovation infrastructureStudent and postdoctoral scholar perspectivesNTEC 2025OtherGo