Jump to main content

Innovation Talks

Wednesday, October 30th 
2:30PM - 5:30PM 
University Center, Longs Peak Ballroom

RSVP TODAY to Reserve Your Seat!


Speaker Lineup

Guest Speakers

  • Emily Klein, Director of Venture Development, Venture Partners at CU Boulder
  • Steve Foster, Driector of Licensing at CSU Strata
  • Dr. Rose Nash, CEO & Founder of Biota
  • Allie Reitz, Program Manager at gBETA Greeley

Startup Panel

  • Moderator: Derrek Jerred, Economic Development Manager, City of Greeley
  • From Ideas to Impact: Navigating the Research-to-Market Journey
  • More details coming soon! 

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.

Join us at Innovation Talks 2024 to engage with thought leaders and innovators as we explore actionable strategies for transforming research into marketable ventures and unlocking the region’s potential for economic growth.


student smiling and engaged in conversation

Connecting Students with the Community

Innovation Talks is not just about making connections; it's about fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. By bringing together students and the local community, Innovation Talks is creating a powerful ecosystem where ideas can flourish, partnerships can be formed, and the community as a whole can thrive.

handshake icon

Expand Your Network:
Forge meaningful connections with seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs, and fellow students. The relationships you build at Innovation Talk can open doors to internships, mentorship opportunities, and even future career paths.

globe icon

Gain Real-World Insights:
Engage with industry leaders and entrepreneurs through panel discussions. Learn from their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, gaining valuable insights that can't be found in textbooks.

briefcase icon

Discover Local Opportunities:
Connect with businesses and organizations in the Greeley community actively seeking fresh talent. Discover internship opportunities, collaborative projects, and potential career paths right here in your local area.

entrepreneurship icon

Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:
If you dream of launching your own business, Innovation Talks is the perfect place to find inspiration, guidance, and potential collaborators. Learn from those who have successfully navigated the entrepreneurial journey.


speaker at innovation talk event

Share Your Insights as a Speaker or Panelist

Are you a seasoned professional, entrepreneur, or thought leader passionate about shaping the next generation of business minds? We invite you to take center stage at Innovation Talk as a Speaker or Panelist and share your insights, experiences, and expertise with a dynamic audience of university students and the local business community.

EMAIL OUR EVENTS TEAM TO LEARN MORE


Stream the Latest Innovation Talk

The Innovation Talk series made its comeback on October 25th to provide the most recent and thrilling updates in Greeley and Weld County. View the live stream and listen to presentations from notable speakers representing organizations such as Prospanica, Diverge/Hensel Phelps, CNE Creative Enterprises, Tracks NA, Orion Labs, Vuba, and Alquist 3D, among numerous others.


Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Speaker Lineup

RSVP TODAY to Reserve Your Seat!

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 From Ideas to Impact Panel: Navigating the Research-to-Market Journey moderated by Derrek Jerred, Economic Development Manager, City of Greeley
  • 5:25PM - 5:30PM Thank you and close 

Thank you to our partners! 

cityofgreeley     gbeta     gener8tor

csustrata     cu     biota


Contact

If you have any questions or want to learn more about Innovation Talk, you can contact Rachel Roberts, Director of Community Partnerships and Impact for the Monfort College of Business. 

Email

Innovation Talk is made possible by National Science Foundation EPIIC (Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity) Grant.

event attendees speaking in a group, professional networking