## Innovation Talks: From Research to Market
On Wednesday, October 30th, from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM in the Longs Peak Ballroom on UNC Campus Center, we are hosting Innovation Talks, which will focus on the theme of translating research into commercial success. This session will include expert presentations on intellectual property, venture development, and fundraising, featuring prominent leaders such as:
- Emily Klein: Director of Venture Development, Venture Partners at CU Boulder
- Steve Foster: Director of Licensing, CSU Strata
- Dr. Rose Nash: CEO & Founder, Biota
- Allie Reitz: Program Manager, gBETA Greeley
- Derrek Jerred: Economic Development Manager, City of Greeley
## AGENDA
- 2:30PM - 3:00PM: Networking with light appetizers
- 3:00PM - 3:10PM: Welcome from our Dean at the Monfort College of Business
- 3:10PM - 3:40PM: Unlocking the Power of Your Research with Emily Klein, Director of Venture Development, Venture Partners at CU Boulder
- 3:40PM - 4:10PM Intellectual Property and Licensing with Steve Foster, Driector of Licensing at CSU Strata
- 4:10PM - 4:20PM Break
- 4:20PM - 4:50PM Building & Funding Research Ventures with Dr. Rose Nash, CEO & Founder of Biota
- 4:50PM - 5:00PM Intentional Fundraising with Allie Reitz, Program Manager at gBETA Greeley
- 5:00PM - 5:25PM Building a Business in Greeley Panel moderated by Derrek Jerred, Economic Development Manager, City of Greeley
## About Innovation Talks
As one of the fastest-growing small metropolitan regions in the country, Greeley is poised for transformation, yet it faces unique challenges in becoming a hub for the jobs and industries of the future. While the region is renowned for its strengths in agriculture, energy, and food production, it currently lacks a cohesive ecosystem to support and scale advanced industries like agritech, smart mobility, clean technologies, and high-tech services. Compared to peer cities in Colorado, Greeley has more ground to cover in developing the infrastructure and networks needed to attract dynamic companies and cultivate the next generation of tech-enabled ventures.
Innovation Talks aims to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration and creating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Initiated by Professor Isaac Wanasika from the Monfort College of Business in partnership with the City of Greeley, Innovation Talks hosts free, biannual workshops at the University of Northern Colorado to:
- Convene business leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers to share insights and strategies for turning research into commercial success.
- Highlight emerging opportunities for innovation and business growth in Northern Colorado.
- Provide networking and learning platforms for students, faculty, and local business professionals to connect, collaborate, and build solutions that will shape the future of Greeley.