Event Information
When:
Where:
Event Type
Join us for a special keynote conversation with Patric Young as he shares his inspiring journey of resilience, perseverance, and purpose. (Questions? Go here.)
Experience innovation up close at the Standing InnOvation Showcase, where researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and startup founders from across the University of Florida and UF startup community bring their breakthrough technologies to life.
From working prototypes and demonstrations to interactive exhibits, guests can explore some of UF’s most exciting innovations and meet the people driving them forward.
Showcase participants are selected through a competitive review process to ensure their technologies are ready for public display and appropriately protected through intellectual property safeguards.
Event Information
When:
Where:
Event Type
Do you have the type of invention we want to showcase at Standing InnOvation? Only one way to find out! Apply! (Questions? Go here.)
Standing InnOvation is UF Innovate’s annual event to recognize the achievements of the hundreds of innovators who have disclosed, optioned or licensed, or been issued a patent in FY26. We named it Standing InnOvation because it’s our “standing ovation” for our innovators, a “standing invitation” to work with our offices, and a nod to the fact that the networking event lends itself to a lot of standing vs. sitting.
The event is largely a reception celebrating these inventors. Whether you’re joining us because we’re honoring you or because you want to join us in encouraging others, we’re glad you’ve chosen to be a part of Standing InnOvation.
Event Information
When:
Where:
Event Type
Meet founders, investors and change makers.
Recognize innovation and entrepreneurship
See emerging technologies and breakthrough ideas.
Build meaningful relationships that drive impact.
We’ve provided some FAQ below. If you have a question we haven’t answered there, please ask us by emailing marketing@research.ufl.edu.
If every invited guest brought a “plus one,” we’d run out of space (and spring rolls). So, let’s leave it at this: If you won’t come alone but would come with a significant other or a fellow researcher, please bring a guest. We’d love to have both of you. No children, please, unless they’re children 18 or older.
Check-in and the Standing InnOvation Showcase begin at 4 p.m. The networking reception and awards portion of Standing InnOvation begin at 5 p.m. (But you may want to arrive much earlier to catch former Gator basketball star Patric Young’s keynote fireside chat and Q&A. That special event begins at 2 in the Rion Ballroom and requires separate registration. You can register to hear Patric Young here.)
We know parking is one of life’s great mysteries. As soon as we finalize arrangements with Transportation and Parking Services, we’ll post complete details here and send them by email.
Clothes, please. And comfortable shoes.
Formal attire is admired but unnecessary. Pajamas disdained. Business casual is a safe middle-of-the-road choice, but since our business varies across campus, that, too, is up to interpretation. Most people will be arriving from work, so your work clothes are likely fine.
Dare we suggest you should wear comfortable shoes again? Although we will have some seating, many guests will stand and walk around during most of the event. Food is in one hallway, awards (for pickup after 6:30 p.m.) in another, and tables, activities, and colleagues scattered all around the Grand Ballroom.
The upside is that we’re at the Reitz Union this year, and you will be in a climate-controlled environment. We want you to be comfortable – maybe not pajamas-and-slippers comfy – and prepared for air conditioning, but prepared for air conditioning. Bring a sweater if you’re usually cold. Wear what makes you comfortable and confident.
You do not need to print your registration confirmation. However, if your name is commonly misspelled or misheard, having your registration handy may be helpful. We will have name badges pre-printed at the check-in tables.
We will have alcoholic drinks at the event, and if you’re fortunate enough to look significantly older than 21, you probably won’t need an ID. Or, of course, if you don’t ask for beer or wine.
Yes, of course! The more time at Standing InnOvation, the merrier you! We’re presenting awards about 6 p.m., but the Standing InnOvation Showcase will highlight the latest and greatest innovations by your colleagues across campus and UF startups. We’ll start serving appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages at 4 p.m., and add some additional food, wine, and beer at 5 p.m.
Here’s the lowdown:
Mostly no. But a little bit yes. If you are an innovator who disclosed, licensed or optioned technologies or received an issued U.S. patent in FY26, you do need to accept an award, but we won’t make you come up on stage or give a speech to receive it. At a magical moment during the evening, we will invite you to pick up your award(s) on display in the south hallway.
We will invite the one selected Innovator of the Year to the stage to speak and will bring the teams receiving an Invention of the Year award to the stage to receive an award, but the other recipients can stay on solid ground. (All of those special awardees already are aware they have won the award.) Most of the event is intended for enjoying refreshments and each other in a lovely space. But if you’re an innovator who has worked with us in FY26, you won’t leave empty-handed.
We are not livestreaming the event because we’re trying to provide an equitable experience for all our guests, and video and in-person events are not created equal. (Livestreamers can’t taste the meatballs, for example, or see what’s happening in the hallway or at each Showcase table.) You, however, can visit all areas and try our caterer’s fabulous fare. (It’s better than alliterative; it’s delicious!)
We’ll have hearty appetizers from Palm & Pine’s finest, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Whether you call that dinner is between you and your stomach, but we don’t think you’ll leave hungry.
Yes. Registration helps us plan seating, food, awards, and name badges. It also prevents us from ordering enough spring rolls for a full house if only half a house is attending. Or the opposite, which is more likely if you don’t register.
That’s entirely up to you. Some guests arrive for the Showcase and stay through the awards program. Others network until the last meatball disappears. We hope you’ll stay long enough to enjoy the exhibits, celebrate your colleagues and pick up your award if you’re receiving one.
Congratulations! Your awards will be grouped together and available for pickup in the south hallway after the awards presentation.
Yes, although Standing InnOvation is intentionally designed as a networking event rather than a seated banquet. We’ll have seating available throughout the Grand Ballroom for those who prefer to sit during portions of the evening.
Absolutely. In fact, we’re providing a 360 photo booth because we hope you will. Feel free to share your photos on social media and tag UF Innovate—and use the hashtag #StandingInnOvation.
We’ll open the doors at 3:45 p.m. If you want the best parking space – more on that in a moment – arrive earlier rather than later. However, we’ll start serving food and beverages at 4.
We will actively send you event reminders once you register. You can save this web address to check back for information, such as weather updates that could affect our event. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Sara Dagen, our fearless leader, at saradagen@ufl.edu or (352) 294-0998.
Patric Young is a former University of Florida basketball standout, SEC Network analyst, philanthropist, and founder of the Patric Young Foundation. Known for his leadership on and off the court, Young earned honors as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and an Academic All-American during his time as a Florida Gator. Following a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2022, he has become a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, and champion for resilience, sharing powerful lessons on perseverance, leadership, and finding opportunity in the face of adversity. His inspiring story resonates with entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone navigating change or pursuing ambitious goals.
At Standing InnOvation, Young will share insights on overcoming setbacks, embracing change, and building a purpose-driven life and career, making his message especially relevant for innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Innovation is about more than technology and startups. It also requires resilience, adaptability, leadership, and the ability to overcome setbacks. Patric’s journey from student-athlete to entrepreneur, advocate, and motivational speaker offers valuable lessons for innovators navigating challenges and pursuing ambitious goals.
Patric will share his personal story and discuss leadership, perseverance, mindset, and finding purpose through adversity. The conversation will explore the qualities that help individuals and organizations thrive in the face of unexpected obstacles.
No. While Patric will draw on lessons from his athletic career, this keynote is focused on leadership, resilience, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. His message is designed to resonate with entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and professionals from all backgrounds.
Yes. The keynote will be presented in a fireside chat format, followed by Q&A, and book signing. (You can purchase Patric’s book Sit to Rise at the event or bring your own copy.)
No. While Standing InnOvation is an invitation-only event, we welcome all interested entrepreneurs and innovators to attend the keynote even if they are not attending the awards ceremony.
The keynote is ideal for:
The keynote session starts at 2 and should end about 3:30 p.m.
Registration is free.
Patric will linger for a book signing after engaging the audience in the fireside chat and Q&A. Your best best for photos or meeting Patric is to bring or buy a copy of Sit to Rise and have him sign it.
Attendees will leave with practical insights on resilience, leadership, adapting to change, and maintaining focus when facing adversity. Patric’s story offers a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define us, but our response to them does.
Entrepreneurs rarely succeed without facing setbacks. Patric’s story demonstrates how resilience, adaptability, and purpose can turn life’s biggest challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. His message is especially relevant for anyone building something new, leading through uncertainty, or pursuing a bold vision.
The InnOvation Showcase is open to University of Florida faculty, researchers, students, staff, and UF-affiliated startup companies with innovations, technologies, products, or prototypes that are ready for public demonstration.
We’re seeking engaging, high-impact innovations that can be demonstrated or experienced by event guests. Technologies may include prototypes, products, software, devices, research tools, or other inventions that showcase the breadth and impact of innovation emerging from UF and the UF startup ecosystem.
Successful exhibits are interactive, visually engaging, and easy for a general audience to understand. The best demonstrations invite conversation and allow guests to see, experience, or interact with the innovation firsthand.
Not necessarily. While working prototypes are encouraged, applicants may also showcase physical models, demonstrations, interactive software, videos, or other compelling ways to communicate their innovation.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee that evaluates factors such as innovation impact, audience engagement, demonstration readiness, and appropriateness for a public showcase environment.
Yes. Because the event is open to a broad audience, technologies selected for the showcase should have appropriate intellectual property protections in place before public display. The review process will help ensure innovations are ready for exhibition.
Exhibitors will receive a designated display space (a grandiose name for an 8-foot table with a tablecloth). Most tables will be located by an electrical outlet.
Exhibitors should provide demonstration materials, display items, and knowledgeable representatives who can engage with guests and answer questions during the event.
The showcase is held in conjunction with Standing InnOvation and attracts university leaders, alumni, investors, entrepreneurs, industry partners, elected officials, community leaders, and supporters of innovation across Florida.
Yes. UF-affiliated startup companies are encouraged to apply, particularly those with compelling products, technologies, or prototypes that can demonstrate the impact of UF innovation beyond the university.
Applications Open: Mid-August
Applications Close: 11:58 p.m., September 20
Selection & IP Review: September 21-30
Exhibitor Notifications: October 1
Exhibitor Information Deadline
(Photo, description, etc.): October 8
Final Logistics Briefing: Week of October 12
Showcase: October 21
After we celebrated Standing InnOvation virtually in 2020, we continued to create videos of our Innovators of the Year and our six annual Inventions of the Year.
