Innovation Week

University of Wyoming Technology Showcase  10 AM – 12 PM  

 Join us for a look at how university research is translating into real-world impact. The session opens with a keynote from Michael Urynowicz, CEO of EnWyo, followed by presentations from University of Wyoming inventors sharing their innovations firsthand. Attendees can also view a display of patent coins recognizing UW's patented technologies.  

UW’s Innovation Hub Showcase  1 pm - 4 pm or 4:30 pm     

Three one-hour sessions highlighting the University of Wyoming's contributions to talent development, innovation, and place-based economic development.  

Talent Development  1 pm - 2 pm  

Sessions will highlight UW's role in workforce development, experiential learning, and industry partnerships that connect classroom training to real jobs in Wyoming - building the pipeline of talent that keeps the state's businesses and industries competitive. 

Innovation Development  2 pm - 3 pm  

This session showcases how three University of Wyoming startups are helping solve real-world challenges through new technologies and entrepreneurship. Featuring Power Theory, IronForge Automation, and EcosAtlas, the panel will explore how UW innovation moves from campus into the marketplace, creating practical solutions, new opportunities, and economic impact across the state. 

Place Development  3 pm - 4 pm  

This session highlights UW’s role as a community and economic partner across Wyoming, showcasing the impact of the university’s economic and entrepreneurial development efforts statewide. It explores how UW supports entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and regional economies through outreach, innovation, entrepreneurship, and place-based initiatives that create new opportunities and strengthen Wyoming’s economic vitality. 

TTO Technology Poster Showcase 10 am - 12 pm

Gateway Center Breezeway and Legacy Hall 

Join us for a look at how University of Wyoming research is translating into real-world impact and an introduction to the NSF Accelerating Research Translation program. The session opens with a keynote from Michael Urynowicz, PhD, PE, Professor of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management and CEO of EnWyo, LLC a UW licensee, followed by presentations from UW inventors sharing their innovations firsthand, and then presentations from our some of our NSF ART Seed Translational Acceleration for Research together with the industry partners helping move those technologies toward commercialization. The program will highlight UW research spanning biomaterials, rare earth elements, atmospheric science, and pharmaceutical sciences. 

Reception 

5 PM – 7 PM  

Gateway Center Breezeway 

Cap off the summit with an evening of casual networking. Connect with fellow attendees, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners over drinks and light bites while continuing the day's conversations about innovation and economic engagement. 

From Innovation to Impact: How to Compete for USDA SBIR/STTR Funding - 12-1:00 p.m. MT - Online

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s SBIR/STTR programs fund innovative technologies. Join Wyoming SBDC Network and Impact307 for a live conversation with Dr. Erika Kraus, USDA NIFA SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator, as she shares what has changed since reauthorization, where current opportunities exist, and what it takes to develop a competitive proposal.

This webinar will cover:

• Key updates to the USDA SBIR/STTR program following reauthorization
• An overview of USDA's SBIR/STTR proposal process, from application to award 
• Common questions applicants ask, elements often missing from proposals, and what sets the strongest applications apart, so you know exactly what to focus on 
• Live Q&A with our USDA speaker 

Attendees will learn how federal R&D funding can help move promising research and technologies toward commercialization. If you’re building the next big idea in AgTech, this session is a chance to ask questions, gain practical insights, and better understand how to strengthen your proposal.

Meet the Founders 

2 pm – 4 pm 

Wyoming Union Family Room 212 

Hear firsthand from Wyoming-based companies Power Theory, IronForge Automation, and EcosAtlas as they share their journeys from UW students to startup founders. This panel offers students an inside look at what it takes to turn an idea into a company, navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, and build a startup while connected to the UW community. 

USPTO: Understanding Intellectual Property Webinar  

Virtual  

Time: TBD 

Presented by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), this session will explore the value of intellectual property and how to protect and leverage your innovations. The session will cover how the patenting process works, where people commonly get tripped up, and how innovators can use IP and available resources to move an idea from concept to impact. 

Wyoming Innovation Factory 

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm 

Wyoming Union Family Room 212 

The Wyoming Innovation Factory is a fast-paced, 60-minute innovation challenge designed specifically for UW students. Teams will combine a Wyoming problem, an emerging technology, and a real-world constraint to develop a new product or business idea, create a rough prototype, develop a manufacturing and supply-chain plan, and pitch their solution—all while UW facilitators challenge them to think like entrepreneurs and manufacturers.