Event Type : Community

To join us for the fall cohort of the NSF I-Corps at UF Regional Course, you must apply by September 10 here. This 6-week program, beginning September 24, invites researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and companies to transform innovations into market-ready solutions through the proven I-Corps customer discovery process. Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship by experienced industry experts, gaining critical insights into market demands and customer needs to refine their technologies for real-world applications.

The six-week regional course will be held on Thursdays this Spring from 1-4 p.m. on the following days:

September 24

October 1, 8, 15, and 29

November 5

You can save your work and return to this form later. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications are due by Friday, August 28.

Are you developing a promising cancer-focused technology and seeking funding to move it toward commercialization?

Join the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Small Business Innovation Research Development Center for an in-person seminar and one-on-one meetings with NCI SBIR Program Directors. During the morning session, you’ll learn about funding and commercialization resources available through NCI.  In the optional afternoon session, selected attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their projects directly with Program Directors.

Designed for early-stage companies, academic innovators, and entrepreneurial researchers, the event will cover non-dilutive funding opportunities, strategies for developing competitive proposals, and resources to support commercialization. The event also includes a lunchtime resource fair and networking opportunities.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are a critical source of non-dilutive federal funding for early-stage companies. NCI SBIR/STTR programs provide approximately $200 million annually to US small businesses advancing innovative cancer technologies, including therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, digital health tools, and research technologies. In addition to funding, the NCI SBIR Development Center offers a range of commercialization resources to help small businesses bring their products to market.

Please register by 5 PM on September 11th. 

UF Innovate is seeking innovative technologies, products, and prototypes to feature in the InnOvation Showcase, a new interactive component of this year’s Standing InnOvation celebration on October 21 in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom, from 4-6 p.m. Apply here.

The showcase will highlight some of the most engaging innovations emerging from across the University of Florida and the UF startup ecosystem. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate their technologies and connect with university leaders, alumni, entrepreneurs, investors, industry partners, and other supporters of innovation.

Based on the impact and engagement potential of your work, we would like to invite you to apply.

We’re particularly interested in innovations that:

• Demonstrate a compelling solution to a real-world problem
• Can be shown through a prototype, product, demonstration, model, software, or interactive display
• Engage a broad audience and spark conversation
• Are appropriate for public display

If you’re interested, please apply below before 11:58 p.m. September 20. Apply here.

Please register by 5 PM on September 21st. 

Workshop at UF Innovate | Sid Martin

Workshop at UF Innovate | The Hub

The fall cohort of the NSF I-Corps at UF Regional Course meets six Thursdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. starting September 24. In this program, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and companies learn to transform innovations into market-ready solutions through the proven I-Corps customer discovery process. Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship by experienced industry experts, gaining critical insights into market demands and customer needs to refine their technologies for real-world applications.

The virtual six-week regional course will be held on Thursdays this Spring from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the following days:

September 24

October 1, 8, 15, and 29

November 5

To participate, apply by Friday, August 28. If you missed the August 28 application deadline, get the details on the next regional course here. Those who have been accepted into the spring cohort will have received instructions on how to access the course. Email NSF I-Corps at UF with any questions.

The fall cohort of the NSF I-Corps at UF Regional Course meets six Thursdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. starting September 24. In this program, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and companies learn to transform innovations into market-ready solutions through the proven I-Corps customer discovery process. Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship by experienced industry experts, gaining critical insights into market demands and customer needs to refine their technologies for real-world applications.

The virtual six-week regional course will be held on Thursdays this Spring from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the following days:

September 24

October 1, 8, 15, and 29

November 5

To participate, apply by Friday, August 28. If you missed the August 28 application deadline, get the details on the next regional course here. Those who have been accepted into the spring cohort will have received instructions on how to access the course. Email NSF I-Corps at UF with any questions.

The fall cohort of the NSF I-Corps at UF Regional Course meets six Thursdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. starting September 24. In this program, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and companies learn to transform innovations into market-ready solutions through the proven I-Corps customer discovery process. Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship by experienced industry experts, gaining critical insights into market demands and customer needs to refine their technologies for real-world applications.

The virtual six-week regional course will be held on Thursdays this Spring from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the following days:

September 24

October 1, 8, 15, and 29

November 5

To participate, apply by Friday, August 28. If you missed the August 28 application deadline, get the details on the next regional course here. Those who have been accepted into the spring cohort will have received instructions on how to access the course. Email NSF I-Corps at UF with any questions.

The fall cohort of the NSF I-Corps at UF Regional Course meets six Thursdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. starting September 24. In this program, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and companies learn to transform innovations into market-ready solutions through the proven I-Corps customer discovery process. Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship by experienced industry experts, gaining critical insights into market demands and customer needs to refine their technologies for real-world applications.

The virtual six-week regional course will be held on Thursdays this Spring from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the following days:

September 24

October 1, 8, 15, and 29

November 5

To participate, apply by Friday, August 28. If you missed the August 28 application deadline, get the details on the next regional course here. Those who have been accepted into the spring cohort will have received instructions on how to access the course. Email NSF I-Corps at UF with any questions.

Join us for a special keynote conversation with Patric Young as part of UF Innovate | Tech Licensing’s annual Standing InnOvation event on October 21 in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom. Registration is free but required to attend. Seats are limited.

In this keynote session, “The Florida Way Forward,” Patric shares his inspiring journey of resilience, perseverance, and purpose. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants more motivation and direction should join us for the fireside chat, audience Q&A, and book signing. RSVP here.

The Florida Way Forward With Patric Young
Wednesday, October 21
2 – 3:30 PM
Reitz Union Rion Ballroom

Patric is a former Florida Gator standout (2010-2014), professional basketball player, and current ESPN SEC Network analyst whose life changed after an accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Find out why Patric is joining us at Standing InnOvation, along with other FAQs, here.

Now a motivational speaker, author, and founder of the Patric Young Foundation, he shares a powerful story of faith and perseverance, exemplifying how setbacks can create opportunities for growth and that progress is not always linear. His foundation supports individuals and families facing life-altering injuries, so no one faces hard days alone. You can learn more about Patric and his mission here: https://www.patricyoung.com/

The fall cohort of the NSF I-Corps at UF Regional Course meets six Thursdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. starting September 24. In this program, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and companies learn to transform innovations into market-ready solutions through the proven I-Corps customer discovery process. Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship by experienced industry experts, gaining critical insights into market demands and customer needs to refine their technologies for real-world applications.

The virtual six-week regional course will be held on Thursdays this Spring from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the following days:

September 24

October 1, 8, 15, and 29

November 5

To participate, apply by Friday, August 28. If you missed the August 28 application deadline, get the details on the next regional course here. Those who have been accepted into the spring cohort will have received instructions on how to access the course. Email NSF I-Corps at UF with any questions.

Lunch & Learn at UF Innovate | Sid Martin

Join Eppendorf and USA Scientific at UF Innovate | Sid Martin for a Lunch & Learn focused on laboratory automation, liquid handling, and real-world applications. From 11 AM – 1 PM in the Sid Martin main lobby, attendees are invited to enjoy lunch and refreshments while connecting with laboratory automation specialists and discussing workflows across the Sid Martin community, including PCR and qPCR, NGS, genomics, cell-based assays, sample preparation, assay development, plate-based workflows, reagent dispensing, normalization, and dilution series. An Eppendorf automated liquid handling platform will also be available for demonstrations and application-focused discussions. The session will explore how automation can improve reproducibility, consistency, hands-on time, and throughput, as well as considerations for transitioning from manual protocols to automated workflows.

Following the Lunch & Learn, from approximately 1 – 1:30 PM, Eppendorf will host a focused 20 – 30 minute educational presentation in the conference room covering the fundamentals of laboratory automation, common applications, workflow development, and key considerations when transitioning from manual pipetting to automated liquid handling.

Please register by noon on November 4th.

GatorPitch, UF Innovate’s premier startup pitch competition, showcases a curated group of high-potential companies to South Florida’s vibrant investor and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The 2026 event will take place on Thursday, November 5, bringing together founders, investors, corporate leaders, and innovation stakeholders from across Florida and beyond.

Since launching in 2024, GatorPitch has attracted hundreds of attendees and created meaningful opportunities for startups to connect directly with investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders. Participating companies gain valuable visibility, expand their networks, and accelerate opportunities for growth and investment. Register to attend!

Previously focused exclusively on University of Florida-affiliated startups, GatorPitch Miami is expanding in 2026 to welcome Florida-affiliated startups from across the state to apply for the opportunity to pitch before Miami’s active investor and innovation community. Those interested in applying can apply now. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 4. 

The fall cohort of the NSF I-Corps at UF Regional Course meets six Thursdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m. starting September 24. In this program, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and companies learn to transform innovations into market-ready solutions through the proven I-Corps customer discovery process. Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship by experienced industry experts, gaining critical insights into market demands and customer needs to refine their technologies for real-world applications.

The virtual six-week regional course will be held on Thursdays this Spring from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on the following days:

September 24

October 1, 8, 15, and 29

November 5

To participate, apply by Friday, August 28. If you missed the August 28 application deadline, get the details on the next regional course here. Those who have been accepted into the spring cohort will have received instructions on how to access the course. Email NSF I-Corps at UF with any questions.

Book Tour + Fireside Chat at UF Innovate | The Hub

Join Professor Robert Blacklidge at UF Innovate | The Hub for an interactive fireside chat and author discussion on translating operational discipline into technical execution and founder resilience. Drawing on lessons from military service and enterprise IT leadership, this session explores practical strategies for taking decisive action, overcoming project inertia, and building lasting community impact.

Please register by noon on November 8th. 

About the book:

Off The Couch is the story of what happens when service becomes a habit instead of an assignment. It traces a path from the discipline of the United States Air Force to the messy, hopeful work of building startup ecosystems in places that were told they’d never have one.

Along the way, Robert unpacks the practical machinery of resilience: how to keep moving when the plan collapses, how to turn data and hard truths into better decisions, and how to build the kind of network that catches founders before they fall.

Part memoir, part playbook, this book is written for the person still sitting on the couch — the veteran in transition, the founder waiting for permission, the community leader wondering whether one person can move an entire ecosystem forward. The answer, gathered across hundreds of pitches, mentors, and midnight launches, is yes.

About our speaker:

Robert Blacklidge

Robert Blacklidge is an educator, technology strategist, and veteran with over twenty years of experience spanning military service, enterprise data architecture, and academic leadership. As a startup mentor and ecosystem builder, he has guided over 100 founders through venture validation and scaling.