“STTR/SBIR Collaboration Session For Universities and Small Businesses”
February 8, 2008, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

The Center for Innovative Technology is proud to partner with James Madison University to host the latest “SBIR/STTR Collaboration Session for Universities & Small Business". Attendees will learn collaborative proposal strategies, keys to collaborative research and successful technology transfer, business assistance available to foster collaboration and tech transfer, how to position research with DOD priority areas, and how to address intellectual property issues unique to collaborative proposals.  DOD, NIH, and other SBIR/STTR program representatives have been invited to attend, present their initiatives, and meet with attendees.  Small tech firms and university researchers are all invited to attend.  Lunch provided. 

AGENDA:

8:30AM-8:40AM:  Introductory Remarks, Dr. John Noftsinger, Vice President of Research, James Madison University

8:40AM-9:30AM:  "STTR & SBIR -- what's in it for the University/Researcher".  This 1 hour overview serves as an excellent primer on the benefits a university and surrounding community receive through the STTR and SBIR programs. 
Presented by John Davis of the SBIR Resource Center  

9:30AM-9:50AM:  Funding Support from CIT:  CIT will detail the Federal Funding Assistance Program and Capital Access Program, both available to help small tech firms access needed federal and private R&D capital.
Presented by Robert Brooke, Director of Federal Funding, and Melissa Bradley, GAP Investment Director, Center for Innovative Technology

9:50-10:00AM: BREAK

10:00AM-11:30 AM:  STTR STRATEGIES -- Why, when, and how to partner and issues you need to be aware of.  
Presented by John Davis of the SBIR Resource Center

11:30AM-12:00PM:  University Resources – An informative overview of JMU’s tech transfer process, procedures, programs, and relevant resources available from the university to help foster tech transfer and collaboration. 
Presented by Mary Lou Bourne, Director of Tech Transfer, JMU

12:00PM-12:30PM:  JMU Research Areas – Small businesses will learn about the key technology focus areas and university research facilities at JMU and how to make contact with them to discuss research collaboration. 
Presented by Ken Newbold, Associate Director for The Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance, James Madison University

12:30-1:15:  LUNCH Presentations:  DOD (invited), NIH (confirmed) and other agencies (invited) – presentations by federal agency SBIR/STTR Program Managers, describing some of the key areas of interesting the upcoming STTR & SBIR cycles.  One on one meetings available at end of day.
Presenters include:  Kay Etzler, NIH SBIR/STTR Program (Confirmed);
ARMY STTR Program (Invited)

1:15-2:15:  STTR Collaboration & Teaming Considerations --  Presented by John Davis of the SBIR Resource Center

2:15-3:15:  Intellectual Property Panel discussion:  A university rep, IP and Patent attorney, and a successful small business with university collaboration experience will discuss important IP issues that are key to effective collaboration between small business and universities. 
Presented by:  Mike Gunther, VP Patents & Licensing, Luna Innovations, Inc.; Mary Lou Bourne, Director of Tech Transfer, JMU;

3:15-4:15:  One on One networking – an hour long networking session will allow attendees to meet with each other and with the presenters for further collaboration discussions. 

COST:
$25 for Small business
FREE for university researchers and economic development professionals

Location:
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Festival Center Ballroom B

Directions to James Madison University:  http://www.jmu.edu/jmuweb/directions.shtml

Register:
Small Technology Business, Register here
University Personnel, Register here

Contact:
Robert Brooke, rbrooke@cit.org, 703-689-3080