Matchmaking Events: Conference and One-on-one Meetings and Presentations

Date Change

Due to the shortage of services and electrical energy after the passage of Hurricane Irma we have postponed the events scheduled for September 18 and 19, 2017.

The new dates will be announced very soon. Thanks for your understanding and support.

CONFERENCE

Collaborative R&D: Feeding an Innovation Ecosystem

CHALLENGE

The 21st century economy is being built upon dynamic innovation and within knowledge-based ecosystems. Regions, states, and countries are designing and implementing policies and practices to face their unique challenges and support ecosystems where research, intellectual property, entrepreneurial ventures, investment, and the private sector can engage and collaborate.

Few small technology-based businesses have resources to support internal R&D. Universities have researchers and undeveloped technologies available that may meet those needs. Further, there are limited opportunities for the academic and small business communities to come together and explore collaborations that match needs with feasible solutions. The challenge for technology transfer is to support an environment where researchers and businesses interact.

OPPORTUNITIES

Existing companies can find highly specialized researchers and facilities at universities, but may not know where to start. Entrepreneurs can create startups to leverage R&D capabilities or seek partnerships with existing companies for development and commercialization. Matchmaking Event programs are focused upon the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) which provide grant awards from 11 federal agencies to small technology-based businesses, totaling more than $2.5 billion each year. This program will provide most of the funds needed to prove feasibility and develop a commercial prototype.

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“Trust”) provides a $100,000 match to qualified winners of SBIR/STTR grants.

THE PROGRAM AND EVENTS

To promote these opportunities, the Trust is delivering a series of Matchmaking Event programs. Two workshops were delivered in August to provide direct assistance in preparing successful proposals to the SBIR and STTR programs. And two more events are scheduled for September.

SEPTEMBER EVENT DETAILS:

September 18, 2017- Matchmaking Conference (one-day)

Universidad Metropolitana, Sistema Ana G Mendez, 1399, Avenida Ana G. Mendez, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico

A full-day Matchmaking Conference focused on collaborations, opportunities, and learning from experts in the public, academic, and private sectors involved in building innovation ecosystems.

September 19, 2017- Matchmaking Meetings and Presentations (half-day)

PR Science, Research & Technology Trust, Antigua Penitenciaria Estatal Carr. # 21,Bo. Monacillos

San Juan, 00927, Puerto Rico

A half-day/morning Matchmaking Meetings and Presentations to provide opportunities for one-on-one pre-arranged meetings and researcher/business presentations.

For immediate questions, contact: sbir@prsciencetrust.org