Madison, Wisconsin will be the site for the 2011 National Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Conference to be held on April 10–13, 2011(http://wisconsinsbir.org).
The conference is designed to help attendees understand key facets of the federal SBIR/STTR (Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer) programs, and how they fit within the innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneurs will be able to meet one-on-one with federal program managers, hear from government, industry and academic experts on successful commercialization strategies, and learn how to submit competitive research proposals. Early registrants will have first pick of the available meeting times with agency representatives using the SBIR connect portal via the conference web site.
“As our nation recovers from the most devastating financial crisis in recent history, it is important that we continue to look to our citizens’ entrepreneurial spirit,” said Wisconsin Department of Commerce Secretary Paul Jadin. “Federal SBIR/STTR programs are exactly the right types of help for small businesspersons at exactly the right time.
“Madison is pleased to host this year’s national conference and announce to the world that Wisconsin is open for business. I encourage anyone thinking about submitting a proposal for funding to attend these value-packed sessions.”
The conference location is the Monona Terrace Convention Center, designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright, which provides a stimulating setting on Lake Monona adjacent to the Wisconsin State Capitol. Participants may also tour the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, a visionary public-private partnership comprised of two world-class biomedical research institutes housed in the same building (http://discovery.wisc.edu)
The event is expected to draw nearly one thousand entrepreneurs and business development professionals from across the U.S., along with federal agency program managers and directors, business executives, federal contractors and university researchers. Speakers will discuss topics covering the biomedical/health, defense/security, energy/cleantech & agricultural/food and fuel industries. The conference will be an extraordinary opportunity for entrepreneurs, business professionals and researchers to network with likeminded professionals and to gain insight on the workings of the SBIR and STTR programs.
Contact:
Gayle R. Kugler, State Director
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
Small Business Development Center Network
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network
Phone: 608-263-7812
Dr. Laura E. Strong, PhD
President and Chief Operating Officer
Quintessence Biosciences, Inc.
National SBIR Conference Co-Chair
Phone: 608-441-2950
