Research Innovation Spotlight Series (RISS)

Program Format

The 90-minute program will feature virtual (via Zoom) presentations from up to five project leads working on important research that fit the theme of that month's topic, e.g. Small Molecules in Oncology, Neuroscience, etc.

Each mini-showcase is moderated by an expert with deep industry and technical expertise who curates which research projects are presented and helps lead the Q&A with attendees.

Each presenter is given 12 minutes of “airtime” of which we recommend 5 minutes for the presentation and the remaining 7 minutes for moderator-led Q&A to maximize engagement with the attendees. Presenters are encouraged to utilize a visual aid such as a slide deck or demo video.

How the Research Innovation Spotlight Series program works

1. Identify compelling research topics that match corporate and investor group partners' innovation agendas and R&D focus

2. Find an industry expert for each topic to moderate and curate (identifying compelling themes, selecting presentations, etc.) the virtual mini-showcase

3. Reach out to our participating R1 University tech transfer offices to solicit appropriate projects for the topic and themes

4. Select the 4-5 most compelling projects to present at the mini-showcase which typically includes at least one early stage startup that complements the research projects

5. Identify and invite 20-30 attendees from our network

6. Host the 90 minute virtual mini-showcase (via Zoom) where partners and researchers connect

Why should corporate partners participate?

• Better understand compelling innovative solutions that are being created at the university level – as well as the trends that are driving them

• Discover curated research and innovators that match your corporate innovation priorities without having to visit multiple universities or develop those relationships directly

• Virtual demo day benefits:

  • See multiple solutions and technologies in one virtual session

  • Interact directly with the innovators to discuss possible future applications and build future relationships

  • Engage critical stakeholders in these discussions without travel/time hurdles

Why should research institutions/principal investigators participate?

• Introduce their research to knowledgeable corporations and VC’s that could help fund their innovation

• Receive valuable feedback from the commercial sector and insights into the commercial applicability of their work

• Virtual demo day benefits:

  • Engage with a small group of directly relevant corporate innovation leaders and venture capitalists

  • Initiate valuable long-term relationships that are relevant to current and future research