VentureWell Connect
VentureWell
We support early-stage science- and technology-based inventors driven to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
Week of March 29, 2024
Every week, we share a quick digest of stories and resources related to the science and technology innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Meet the Winners of the 2024 OPENminds Innovator Showcase
Three VentureWell E-Team Program alumni teams have been named winners of the 2024 OPENminds Innovator Showcase, taking home a combined prize pool of $7,000! Congratulations to Car Seat Companion from Elizabeth City State University, WAVED Medical from the University of Maine, and U-Care from Texas A&M University. These student entrepreneurs had the opportunity to show off their innovations in-person at OPEN last week, engaging in professional development and receiving live feedback from attendees. Applications for our next E-Team Program cohort are open through May 1. We are actively seeking student teams that are working to develop scalable innovations which address crucial societal, health, and environmental challenges.
Successful Startup Teamwork Relies on Three Communication Strategies
Successful teamwork is built on three essential elements: communication and information sharing, trust and psychological safety, and handling conflict well. For startup teams striving to succeed—and for educators teaching the hands-on skills of entrepreneurship—understanding what makes a team function well together is essential. In their white paper, Roni Reiter-Palmon (University of Nebraska) and Derek Abrams (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) partnered to explore the models and frameworks that describe how teamwork works. Discover more about their implementation ideas for the classroom and tools for assessing the success of teams—all based on solid social science research.
There Are About Two Weeks Left To Apply For Aspire Climatetech
Every year, we select 10 to 15 compelling seed-stage startups to participate in Aspire Climatetech. Through five weeks of customized training, startups connect directly with investors to gain deep insight into what is required during the due diligence process. By the end of the program, participants build out their deal room materials and develop a viable fundraising plan—all culminating in an exciting in-person workshop! Applications are due April 15. We invite you to register for our final Info Session on April 1, at 6:00 p.m. ET to receive more information about what we look for in submissions and what to expect during the program.
Upcoming Summer Events for Educators
If you are looking for professional development opportunities this summer, we invite you to attend two upcoming events specifically tailored to faculty and administrators in entrepreneurship education! The 13th Annual Deshpande Symposium is set to take place June 12-14 at the University of Maryland, convening academics, policy planners, and practitioners across the innovation and entrepreneurship higher education ecosystem. This year, the conference theme will delve into navigating the challenges and opportunities of regional ecosystem building.In addition, the Engineering Innovation Leadership Council (EILC) National Workshop, which will also take place at the University of Maryland on June 12, will explore topics that aim to advance the innovation environment at research institutions. Don’t delay—reserve your seat at both events early!
Innovation & Entrepreneurship News
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Job Posting: Director, Higher Education Ecosystems
We’re looking for a Director, Higher Education Ecosystems, with experience as a leader in higher education supporting capacity building in innovation and entrepreneurship. This person will be responsible for spearheading VentureWell’s growth and new strategic focus in ecosystem development with colleges and universities by providing leadership and day-to-day management of the unit’s staff, existing programs, and new initiatives.
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