Innovation Talk
Save the Date
Join us for our next Innovation Talk on
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM
in the Multi-Purpose Room in the UNC Campus Commons
About Innovation Talk
While one of the fastest-growing small metropolitan regions in the country, Greeley has yet to unlock its potential as a destination for advanced industries or companies creating the jobs of the future. While Greeley is a hub for agriculture, energy, and food, it currently lacks the ecosystem needed to attract and support dynamic companies at scale and grow next-generation industries like advanced agriculture, smart mobility, advanced manufacturing, clean tech, or high-tech services. Many peer cities in Colorado are further ahead in building the amenities needed to accelerate emerging industries, small tech-based ventures, next-generation skills training, entrepreneurs, startups, and local investor markets to spark innovation and stimulate business growth.
To orchestrate innovation and stimulate business growth, Innovation Talks was initiated by Prof. Isaac Wanasika, Monfort College of Business, and Dr. Phil McCready, City of Greeley, with the goal of entrepreneurial ecosystem-building by facilitating a series of biannual workshops at the University of Northern Colorado to:
- Bring together business and thought leaders to share and explore recent entrepreneurial innovations in the region.
- Accelerate and grow innovation opportunities in Northern Colorado
- Provide learning and collaboration opportunities among business leaders, entrepreneurs and UNC faculty and students.
Connecting Students with the Community
Innovation Talk 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 Talk is creating a powerful ecosystem where ideas can flourish, partnerships can be formed, and the community as a whole can thrive.
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.
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.
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.
Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:
If you dream of launching your own business, Innovation Talk is the perfect place
to find inspiration, guidance, and potential collaborators. Learn from those who have
successfully navigated the entrepreneurial journey.
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 Coordinator 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.
October 25, 2023 Event Speaker Lineup
Headliners
- MC/Host: Phil McCready - Economic Development Manager at the City of Greeley
- Ken Colwell - Dean of the Monfort College of Business
- Jackie Bouvier - President of Prospanica - Denver Chapter
-
David Prichard - CEO at Denver Angels
Speaker Panel
- Eric Fitzsimons - CNE Creative Enterprises
- Richard Lopez - Diverge, Hensel Phelps
- Caleb Holt - TRAX North America
- Sara Jennings - Orion Labs
- Paul Klahn - Vuba
- Patrick Callahan - Alquist 3D
Contact
If you have any questions or want to learn more about Innovation Talk, you can contact the Communications and Event Planning Specialist at the Monfort College of Business, London Yates.
Innovation Talk is made possible by National Science Foundation EPIIC (Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity) Grant.