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MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC |
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. 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.
Back to Top ↑Sessions | ||
Wednesday March 11 | ||
| 9:30 | TechConnect Horizons Workforce Development Program, Future Innovators – Panel Discussion | |
| 10:30 | Future Innovators – Opportunities and Student/Postdoc Pitch Contest for Emerging Entrepreneurs | |
| 11:30 | Future Innovators – Keynote | |
2026 Detailed Program | ||
Wednesday March 11 | ||
| 9:30 | TechConnect Horizons Workforce Development Program, Future Innovators – Panel Discussion | Marriott State C |
| Session chair: Matthew Hull, Virginia Tech, Tim Martin, North Carolina State University, & Jacob Jones, North Carolina State University | ||
| M. McKee, UNC innovate Carolina, US | ||
| E. Hornstein, elysia bio, US | ||
| S. Furst, Smart Material Solutions, LLC, US | ||
| 10:30 | Future Innovators – Opportunities and Student/Postdoc Pitch Contest for Emerging Entrepreneurs | Marriott State C |
| Session chair: Matthew Hull, Virginia Tech, Tim Martin, North Carolina State University, & Jacob Jones, North Carolina State University | ||
| Nano-Engineered BioFET Neural Probes Enabling Closed-Loop Neurochemical Sensing and Modulation S. van Rijs, Stanford University, US | ||
| Anodeless Battery Electrode Design for Next-generation Transportation Z. Wylie, University of Washington, US | ||
| ExoVerse Solutions (EMPLOY- Engineer Micropillar Platform for Ligand-based Optimized Yield) A. Kumari, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, US | ||
| VitaFilm H. Dahlstrom, Des Moines Area Community College, US | ||
| 11:30 | Future Innovators – Keynote | Marriott State C |
| Session chair: Matthew Hull, Virginia Tech, Tim Martin, North Carolina State University, & Jacob Jones, North Carolina State University | ||
| TBA H. Inam, DGMatrix, US | ||
| Back to Top | ||
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SBIR/STTR Innovator Training Workshop
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