The Research Park at the University of Illinois will host the Illinois tour stop – an outreach effort that connects innovators and entrepreneurs to non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known as “America’s Seed Fund.” The event features programming, and 1:1 meetings between innovators and Federal Agency Representatives, to help attendees navigate over $4 billion in early-stage funding opportunities through America’s Seed Fund. 

NOTE: this event is in-person only and will not be recorded for later viewing. 

AGENDA
Below are sessions that are typically included. An updated agenda and additional event details will be accessible from the event website at https://go.illinois.edu/2024SBARoadTour.  

• One-on-One meetings with Federal Agency Representatives (up to 4 agencies, 15 minutes each)
• Overview of America's Seed Fund
• Reverse Pitches from Federal Agency Representatives
• Opportunity to meet and network with Illinois innovation & entrepreneurial support organizations
• Panels & Presentations - examples could include agency OR technology specific SBIR/STTR sessions, sessions featuring successful tech startups that received SBIR funding, Illinois SBIR/STTR Phase I Grant Match Program, venture fund programs, and Help & Support resources available through the Illinois FAST Center and other supporting agencies such as NSF I-Corps, United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC), and Illinois Small Business Administration (SBA).

Additional event details will be shared via the event website. Information on how to sign-up for 1:1 meetings with Federal Agency Representatives will be provided upon paid registration (via confirmation messaging). A completed quad chart will be required to request 1:1 meetings. The Illinois FAST Center will offer a pre-event webinar on April 30 that provides tips and guidance on how to prepare for these meetings. The session will also lead teams through how to complete a quad chart - a tool that helps to facilitate discussion during your meetings.  

Additional information about the national America's Seed Fund Road Tour outreach effort is available online at https://www.americasseedfund.us/road-tour.

The primary sponsor for this event is the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). Other sponsors include the University of Illinois Research Park and the Illinois FAST Center.