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MIND THE GAP EVENTS/WORKSHOPS

CLP CE Accredited Programs

The Mind the Gap Events/Workshops are a set of highly interactive events and webinars that showcase leading practices in university-affiliated gap funding. These discussions focus on emerging models, best practices, and trends that will be relevant today and tomorrow.

  • Current or aspiring university g ap fund managers
  • State authorities seeking a creative mechanism for funding commercialization
  • Early stage investors, public, or private organizations looking for creative ways to work with universities
  • Policy-makers, professional organizations, and others interested in this emerging innovation practice

All events come with ongoing, online access to the event and special materials that you are encouraged to share with stakeholders.

 

RECENT EVENTS

Program Summary
UNIVERSITY CROWDFUNDING In its most recent Mind the Gap landscape report, innovosource identified crowdfunding as an emerging investment vehicle that may be better positioned to support the capital requirements of translational research, proof of concept projects, and early-stage start-ups than more traditional capital sources, like venture capital and angel investment. This funding approach taps into the masses for smaller, more manageable investments versus larger investments from a few. Crowdfunding, if properly executed, could provide new avenues for gap funding of promising university technologies and start-ups; however, many questions (and curiously) still remain surrounding its adoption and useful implementation. ACCESS EVENT

 

PAST EVENT ACCESS

MIND THE GAP i-WORKSHOPS (LEADING TACTICS)

Program Summary
RAISING AND SUSTAINING GAP FUNDS This 90- minute discussion covers the process of raising gap funds through university funds or external partnership, and managing a plan for sustainability. Each discussion leader has had experience in raising multiple funds from different sources, and will share their insights and experiences. Fund Models: University of Massachusetts, Purdue University FULL DESCRIPTION/ACCESS
MANAGING THE GAP FUND PROCESS This 90-minute discussion provides a detailed walkthrough of the process of managing a gap fund. From fund promotion, to evaluation of projects, to incorporate of advisory boards, to administering the funds, this workshop has it all. In addition, a university-affiliated venture fund discusses top value development investments and optimizing partnerships.Fund Models: Children’s Hospital-Boston, University of Rochester, illinoisVENTURES FULL DESCRIPTION/ACCESS
CULTIVATING FACULTY/STUDENT/COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE THROUGH GAP FUND SUPPORT PROGRAMS This 90-minute discussion highlights three, unique gap fund support programs that incorporate students, faculty, and external advisory groups (corporate, investment, technical) along side the capital. This is a leading practice in driving innovation at top universities. Fund Models: Rutgers University Innovation Sounding Board, University of Colorado Market Assessment Program, Northeaster University Student-led IDEA Accelerator FULL DESCRIPTION/ACCESS

 

MIND THE GAP LEADERS SERIES (LEADING MODELS)

Program Summary
PROOF OF CONCEPT CENTER This 30 minute discussion with Rosibel Ochoa, Executive Director of the UCSD Von Liebig Center, takes an indepth look at the Center’s history, current programs, and its unique take on gap funding and regional community-building FREE ACCESS
UNIVERSITY FUNDS I This 90-minute discussion with the Insights Panel will introduce you to three, experienced and tested gap funding and support programs. The leaders discuss their unique gap programs and experiences, and then open it up to questions from universities of all sizes and international locations. The event is prefaced with information from Mind the Gap, an ongoing study of best practices in global gap funding programs. You will walk away from this experience with a set of best practices to move forward in your own program development.Fund Models: CalTech, U of Colorado, U of Maryland Mtech FULL DESCRIPTION/ACCESS
STATE-PARTNERED FUNDS This 90-minute discussion with the State Panel will introduce you to government-supported authorities that directly invest in university technology. These leaders have demonstrated that these “gap” investment partnerships have lead mutual impact in economic development and additional attraction of public and private dollars. Together, state authorities and universities form a powerful innovation mechanism that can assist in identifying and transitioning early stage technology into the marketplace.Fund Models: Maryland TEDCO, Michigan MIIE, Oklahoma i2E FULL DESCRIPTION/ACCESS
VENTURE-PARTNERED FUNDS This 90-minute, interactive discussion with the Venture Panel will introduce you to four, university-focused venture firms with a history of active investment into the “gap”. These leaders discuss their investments, insights related to partnering with universities and other technology authorities, and how to structure your programs to attract outside investment. The event is prefaced with analysis from the recently released Mind the Gap 2012 report, an ongoing study of best practices in global gap funding programs.Fund Models: Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network, illinoisVentures, Osage University Partners, Partners Innovation Fund FULL DESCRIPTION/ACCESS