Innovation Week

UW’s Innovation Hub Showcase  October 5, 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  October 5, 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 October 5,  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  October 5, 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 October 5, 4 PM - 5 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 October 5, 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 - October 7, 12-1:00 p.m. MT - Online

Register for the SBIR/STTR Webinar

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 October 7, 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: IP Overview and Resources  October 8,  12 PM to 1 PM Virtual/Webinar

Presented by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Deepak Dashairya, Innovation Specialist – National Programs

Learn the basics of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, how to identify the IP in your innovation, and why protecting it matters as you move from idea to product. The session will also highlight local resources available to help innovators and entrepreneurs navigate IP protection.

Wyoming Innovation Factory October 8, 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. 

FIRST ANNUAL UW SCIENCE INSTITUTE STEM ENGAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM 8 AM to 7 PM

The first annual UW Science Institute STEM Engagement Symposium will bring together UW faculty, staff and students to showcase efforts to engage learners and communities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The two-day symposium will feature discussions on STEM engagement in Wyoming, showcases of undergraduate and K-12 research and learning programs, and opportunities to connect with UW and outside experts through a poster showcase and reception. Come explore ways you and your students can benefit by engaging in the current programs of the SI Outreach & Engagement Programs and partnering on grant proposals!