MNSBIR Inc.

USPTO Series - Intellectual property basics and helpful resources
2025-09-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-02 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual – Zoom
USPTO IP Basics and Helpful Resources Date: Monthly
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Unfamiliar with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from USPTO experts about intellectual property (IP) basics and potential ways to protect your innovation as you transition from idea to product.
The USPTO’s Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office offers this session for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and students the first Thursday of each month. Space is limited, so register early.
The discussion will cover:

An overview of intellectual property types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
Why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider protecting their IP
Local resources and assistance available through the USPTO and other agencies

For more information, contact the Midwest Office by email at midwest@uspto.gov or call 313-446-4800.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.
View all USPTO Events and Register: https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events
Register

APEX Accelerator - Preparing for MySBA Certification
2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:00
APEX Accelerator Preparing for MySBA Certification Date: 7/3/2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (CDT)
Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Natt Lee
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Certifcation
Description:
This webinar will include an overview of MySBA certification benefits, basic eligibility criteria, steps to prepare for the application (i.e. account creation/login, SAM registration, document checklist), and live demo of the application. See if your business is ready to be certified and learn how to apply.
Register

NSF I-Corps: All About I-Corps – Unlocking Innovation with the Great Lakes I-Corps Hub
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00
NSF I-Corps Hub Great Lakes Region
All About I-Corps – Unlocking Innovation with the Great Lakes I-Corps Hub
September 18, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT | Virtual Join this webinar for an insightful overview of the NSF and Great Lakes Hub I-Corps programs, followed by a Q&A session.
Learning Objectives

Learn what the NSF I-Corps program is and how it can help move your team forward
What to expect during the application process and the program itself including team formation and timing
The difference between the Regional and National I-Corps program
Learn what customer discovery is and when to do it

This is a one-hour synchronous webinar on Zoom. I-Corps experts will give an overview of the program. The session will end with 30 minutes of open Q&A
Register

Office Hours: Intro to America's Seed Fund at NSF
2025-09-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-13 13:00 - 14:00
Office Hours: Intro to America’s Seed Fund at NSF 2025 Dates: July 24 | August 21 | September 18 | October 16 | November 13
Time: 1:00 PM CT
NSF regularly hosts virtual Question and Answer sessions for startups and small businesses to learn about the program and the proposal submission process.
If the virtual sessions don’t work for your schedule, consider watching the YouTube recordings:
Introduction to America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF
Preparing your NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal
Intro to NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Pilot
Register
register

NSF I-Corps: Project Management and Leadership – Pathways to Impact
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:00
NSF I-Corps Hub Great Lakes Region Project Management and Leadership – Pathways to Impact
September 25, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT | Virtual This free webinar explores project management skills and how they can help you in your academic and professional career.
Topics Covered

What is Project Management?
Project Life Cycle
Project Roles & Stakeholders
Managing Participation, Teamwork, and Conflict
Basic Project Planning Tools & Techniques
Recommended Resources

Learning Objectives

Project management concepts, techniques, and tools to facilitate project success
Identify and demonstrate strategies

Register

NSF I-Corps Hub Great Lakes Region: I-Corps Jumpstart
2025-10-03 08:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Zoom
I-Corps Jumpstart
October 3, October 10, October 24, November 7, and November 21
Fridays | 11:00AM-1:00PM CT
Free I-Corps Jumpstart will help you explore the commercial viability of your STEM-based innovation idea. I-Corps uses the Lean LaunchPad approach (also called Lean Startup), and it will help you systematically test key assumptions about your technology and the customer problems it might be able to solve better than current alternatives. This assessment of “technology-problem fit” is the critical first step toward commercial success for any technology venture. This free, online course is for faculty, researchers, and students with STEM-based ideas or Intellectual Property and a strong interest in commercializing their technology.
Learning Objectives

Develop familiarity with Lean LaunchPad concepts and tools such as customer discovery, value proposition design, and business model canvas
Understand customers’ problems (“pain points”) from THEIR perspective
Map your customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, requirements, and decision processes
Identify modifications to your technology assumptions required to achieve product-market fit
Build connections to the commercial ecosystem (i.e. customers, suppliers, funders) for your innovation
Develop a commercialization roadmap identifying key milestones and required resources to move your idea forward

Course Benefits

Become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Teams program and $50,000 grant for qualifying technologies and teams (only deep-tech, university-based teams who complete at least 20-30 customer discovery interviews).
Upon completion of the workshop and the customer discovery interviews, you and/or your team may be eligible for a mini-grant of up to $500. Funds may reimburse customer discovery interview travel expenses.
Prepare for applying to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Gain valuable market insight to inform the next steps in your research and/or development.
Develop network connections and receive mentoring from experienced industry experts and entrepreneurs
Develop the entrepreneurial mindset and toolset needed for a career in academia, industry, startups, or government
Receive a digital certificate upon course completion

This course is for faculty, researchers, postdocs, and students with STEM-based ideas or Intellectual Property and a strong interest in commercializing their technology.
Course Schedule
All course events will occur virtually on Zoom on Fridays from 12:00-2:00PM ET (11:00AM-1:00PM CT): October 3, October 10, October 24, November 7, and November 21.
In between the formal course sessions, you will conduct 20-30 customer discovery interviews, complete online learning assignments, apply the tools to your own tech, and receive feedback and coaching from a team of experienced instructors/mentors.
Please note that there will be a considerable amount of work between the workshop dates and times – approximately 8-10 hours/week. We highly recommend completing this course as a team due to the workload.
Questions can be directed to info@greatlakesicorps.org.
Register Here

2025 Minnesota Energy Innovation Summit
2025-10-13 07:30 - 17:00 | McNamara Alumni Center, Minneapolis, MN
2025 Minnesota Energy Innovation Summit
October 13, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | McNamara Alumni Center
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Minnesota Energy Innovation Summit!
For the first time ever, six of Minnesota’s leading energy and electrification organizations are joining forces to create the most comprehensive energy innovation event of the year.
Join us at the McNamara Alumni Center for a day filled with vibrant discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. This in-person event brings together industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the energy sector to explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of energy and electrification in Minnesota.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with Minnesota’s energy community, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversation driving energy innovation in the state.
More event details → https://mnenergysummit.org/
Organizing partners:
This event is a joint effort between the MN Center for Electrification Opportunity, Grid Catalyst, Recharge America, MN Center for Transportation Studies, and the Beneficial Electrification League.
This year’s summit brings together the annual Electroposium, Recharge Minnesota Symposium, Electrify MN, and MN Cleantech Innovation Summit events under one roof.
Early bird pricing now until August 1, 2025.
Register
register

21st Annual Greater MN SADBOC Government Procurement Fair
2025-10-21 09:00 - 15:00
APEX Accelerator 21st Annual Greater MN SADBOC Government Procurement Fair Date: 10/21/2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (CDT)
Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Christina Nebel-Dickerson (651) 201-2629
Location: Black Bear Casino Resort 1785 Highway 210, Carlton MN 55718
Program Format: Multi-session Course
Training Topics: Certifcation, Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness, Legal Issues, Procurement Fair, SBIR/STTR/Other Innovation Programs, Selling to Government, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Woman-owned Businesses
Description:
A premiere event on selling products and services to the government. Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend. The fair will provide an opportunity for small businesses to learn about special programs designed to provide better access to the government marketplace. A trade show will be open throughout the day in addition to a variety of workshops including Basics of Selling to the Government, Federal Certifications, Contracting with the State of MN and TG/ED/VO Certification, etc. You will have 8 workshops in 2 tracks to choose from, along with the opportunity to visit with 20+ representatives from State & Federal Government Agencies, Large Businesses, and Resource Providers on the trade floor. The event is free and open to all businesses.
Workshops offered:

Intentional Networking
Basics of Selling to the Government
Putting American Manufacturing First
TG/ED/VO Certification and Navigating the SWIFT Supplier Portal
Blatnik Bridge & Other MnDOT D1 Project
Federal Certifications (8(a); HUBZone, WOSB/EDWOSB, SDVOSB
Legal Insights on Prevailing Wage Compliance for Construction & Service Contracts
Preparing for Minnesota Paid Leave
Construction Workforce Training: Finding Employees Who Work For You

Registration is free, but required: https://forms.office.com/g/D8euqshJGg
Register

APEX Accelerator - Crafting Effective Capability Statements & Marketing Materials for Government Contracting
2025-10-30 17:00 - 19:00
APEX Accelerator Crafting Effective Capability Statements & Marketing Materials for Government Contracting Date: 10/30/2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (CDT)
Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Candice Ellis (651) 224-4320
Training Topics: Government Contracting, Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness, Marketing/Sales
Description:
This session is a part of a series in partnership with the MN Black Chamber of Commerce; we will meet monthly through November to provide information on various topics of government contracting.
In the competitive world of government contracting, a well-crafted capability statement and strategic marketing materials can set your business apart. This session will equip participants with the skills to develop compelling capability statements that showcase their expertise, experience, and value proposition.
Topics covered include: elements of a powerful capability statement; best practices for tailoring materials to different agencies and contract opportunities; and strategies for branding, messaging, and positioning within the government sector.
By the end of the session, participants will have a clear roadmap for creating impactful materials that resonate with government buyers, increasing their chances of securing contracts.
Register Here

APEX Accelerator - Financial Literacy in Government Contracting
2025-11-20 17:00 - 19:00
APEX Accelerator Financial Literacy in Government Contracting Date: 11/20/2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (CDT)
Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Candice Ellis (651) 224-4320
Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Cash Flow Management, Government Contracting
Description:
This session is a part of a series in partnership with the MN Black Chamber of Commerce; we will meet monthly through November to provide information on various topics of government contracting.
Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to refine your financial strategies, this workshop provides the tools to build a solid financial foundation for long-term success.
Participants will learn from financial expert, James Holmes, how to interpret contract terms, forecast expenses, develop pricing strategies, and maintain compliance with financial reporting requirements. He’ll explore budgeting techniques, cash flow management, and the importance of financial audits in government contracting.
Register Here

APEX Accelerator - Demystifying the FAR in Federal Contracting
2025-11-25 09:00 - 10:00
APEX Accelerator Demystifying the FAR in Federal Contracting Date: 11/25/2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CT)
Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Tonya Lamont (651) 201-2604
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Readiness, Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness
Description:
If you’re embarking on the federal contracting journey, you’ll need to understand the requirements of the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation). Join this session to learn about Fixed-Price Contracts, Cost Principles, Provisions and Contract Clauses to help you successfully navigate this landscape.
Register

APEX Accelerator - Federal Certifications for Government Contracting
2025-12-02 09:00 - 10:00
APEX Accelerator Federal Certifications for Government Contracting Date: 12/2/2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CST)
Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Tonya Lamont (651) 201-2604
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Certifcation, Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness
Description:
The Federal Government has goals for contracting with Small Business, HUBZone, Women Owned (WOSB), Disadvantaged and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and are allowed to restrict competition through contract set-asides as a means of achieving its goals. We will discuss the eligibility requirements for each of these categories, including which require third party certifications and which allow for self-certification. The session will also discuss the 8(a) Business Development Program, which is a special nine-year business development program for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses.
Register

2025 Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable
2025-12-17 09:00 - 15:30
2025 Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable
December 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
General Attendee – In Person – $40.00
General Attendee – Virtual – $20.00
This year’s Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable will explore ways to secure Minnesota’s biogas future and preview a biogas roadmap that AURI will publish in 2026. It is essential that we tackle issues around biogas holistically. The event will dive into the interconnected systems that drive biogas and renewable natural gas, from manure to landﬁlls, food waste, wastewater, natural gas pipelines, and more.
View Agenda
Register
register

USPTO - Trademark Basics Bootcamp 1
2026-01-06 13:00 - 14:30
USPTO Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 1: Fundamentals

January 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM CT | Virtual
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur interested in learning about trademarks and how to apply for a federal registration? If so, this event is a must-attend. In this first module of our eight-part virtual Trademark Basics Boot Camp, we’ll focus on trademark protection in the United States.
This module will cover the following topics:

What a trademark is and isn’t
Benefits of federal registration
Selecting a trademark
Filing and registration
Finding help

This module will be presented live via Webex from 2-3:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session. Please register by January 5.
Be sure to check out our other boot camp modules running consecutively every week for the eight-week duration. You can attend the whole series or just the specific modules that best meet your needs. Separate registration is required for each module. After each event, attendees will be emailed links to a video recording of the module and a PDF of the presentation materials. You will only receive access to the recording if you are signed up for that module.
For questions about the event or the boot camp series, please contact TMWebinar@uspto.gov.
Accessibility Accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.
Register

Info Session: Tech Metal Transformation Challenge
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00
Info Session: Tech Metal Transformation Challenge January 8, 2026 | 2 PM EST | Virtual

Get answers to all your questions about the Tech Metal Transformation Challenge, a new funding opportunity under STRIDE Ventures. This session is ideal for innovators, scientists, engineers, and early-stage teams working on transformative technologies for the U.S. critical metals supply chain.
​What to Expect
​Overview of the Tech Metal Transformation Challenge:
Learn about our staged, non-dilutive funding model designed to support high-risk, high-reward projects developing end-to-end prototype systems for extracting, converting, and reintroducing metals from complex U.S. waste streams.
​Funding Structure:

​Multi-round support with increasing award levels for teams that demonstrate strong technical progress
​Opportunities for interdisciplinary teams spanning biological, chemical, and physical–mechanical approaches
​Access to expert guidance and a structured evaluation process modeled after successful deep-tech innovation agencies

​Program Benefits:
Discover how the Challenge helps early-stage teams advance breakthrough technologies through funding, feedback from expert jurors, visibility, and access to a national network of critical-metals, manufacturing, and innovation specialists.
​Q&A:
Engage directly with the STRIDE team and get answers to your specific questions, including the application process, eligibility, evaluation criteria, program structure, and how to strengthen your submission.
​Who Should Attend:

​Scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in materials, metallurgy, bioprocessing, recycling, and advanced manufacturing
​Early-stage startups and university-based teams working on metal extraction, metal conversion, or prototype system development
​Innovators seeking non-dilutive funding to accelerate high-impact technologies

Go To Registration

University of Minnesota - CTSI: Write Winning NIH Grant Proposals Workshop
2026-01-12 13:00 - 2026-01-13 16:30
Write Winning NIH Grant Proposals Workshop
University of Minnesota | Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Presented by John D. Robertson, Ph.D. | Grant Writers’ Seminars and Workshops
January 12 and 13, 2026 | 1–4:30pm CT | Virtual
Cost: $300
Registration Deadline: December 26
National speaker and grant-writing expert John D. Robertson, PhD, will lead a comprehensive, practical discussion on the key concepts and strategies that matter most when developing a strong proposal. The seminar will be fully virtual and will not be recorded, so please be sure you can attend the live session before registering. Designed for anyone who supports or participates in the grant-writing process—including investigators, staff, students, trainees, and community partners—the content is focused on NIH proposals but offers valuable guidance that applies to many other national funding agencies as well.
Go to Registration

Discover DSO Day (D3)
2026-01-13
Discover DSO Day (D3) January 13, 2026 | Orlando, Florida
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is sponsoring a Discover DSO Day (D3) To identify and explore ideas that could potentially revolutionize the state of the art, DARPA strongly encourages participation by small businesses, academic and research institutions, and first‐time Government contractors (e.g., non-traditional proposers) in events such as this and any subsequent solicitation. Goals of the event are to:

Familiarize participants with DSO’s mission
Promote understanding of funding opportunities
Facilitate discussions with program managers.

View the Special Notice
Please note that D3 is a separate event from DSO Pitch Day requiring separate registration. Details about the DSO Pitch Day can be found on the DSO webpage (https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/dso).

USPTO - Trademark Basics Bootcamp 2
2026-01-13 13:00 - 14:30
USPTO Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 1: Fundamentals

January 13, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM CT | Virtual
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur interested in learning about trademarks and how to apply for a federal registration? If so, this event is a must-attend. In this second module of our eight-part virtual Trademark Basics Boot Camp, USPTO will focus on the overall trademark registration process, from filing to registration. Understanding the process is critical to avoid missing any filing deadlines, which could jeopardize your application or registration. The event is free, but space is limited, so register early.
This module will cover the following topics:

Trademark basics
Application workflow and timeline overview
Post-registration workflow overview
Finding help

This module will be presented live via Webex from 2-3:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session. Please register by January 12.
Be sure to check out our other boot camp modules running consecutively every week for the eight-week duration. You can attend the whole series or just the specific modules that best meet your needs. Separate registration is required for each module. After each event, attendees will be emailed links to a video recording of the module and a PDF of the presentation materials. You will only receive access to the recording if you are signed up for that module.
For questions about the event or the boot camp series, please contact TMWebinar@uspto.gov.
Accessibility Accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.
Register

USPTO - Trademark Basics Bootcamp 4: Application Req.
2026-01-27 13:00 - 14:30
USPTO Trademark Basics Boot Camp, Module 4: Application Requirements

July 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM CT | Virtual
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur interested in learning about trademarks and how to apply for a federal registration? If so, this event is a must-attend.
In this fourth module of the eight-part virtual Trademark Basics Boot Camp, they’ll focus on the requirements for an initial trademark application. Knowing what is needed up front will help your filing process go more smoothly. The event is free, but space is limited, so register early.
This module will cover the following topics:

Trademark basics
Drawings
Identifications of goods and services
Filing bases
Specimens and ornamentation
Finding help

This module will be presented live via Webex from 2-3:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session. Please register by January 26.
Be sure to check out the other boot camp modules running consecutively every week for the eight-week duration. You can attend the whole series or just the specific modules that best meet your needs. Separate registration is required for each module. After each event, attendees will be emailed links to a video recording of the module and a PDF of the presentation materials. You will only receive access to the recording if you are signed up for that module.
For questions about the event or the boot camp series, please contact TMWebinar@uspto.gov.
Accessibility Accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.
Register Here

USPTO - Federal Trademark Searching: Overview
2026-01-30 14:00 - 15:00
USPTO Federal trademark searching: Overview

January 30, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT | Virtual
This webinar will introduce you to the fundamental mechanics of using the trademark search system. It’s geared toward new users and those interested in conducting basic searches. They’ll cover:

Why you should search
Basic search strategy
Common searches
Finding help

This information will be presented live via Webex from 3-4 p.m. ET on Friday, January 30, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
For more information, contact TMWebinar@uspto.gov
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.
Register

USPTO - Federal Trademark Filing: Overview
2026-02-06 14:00 - 15:00
USPTO
Federal Trademark Filing: Overview

February 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT | Virtual
Are you a small business owner preparing to file an application to federally register your trademark? Or are you an experienced trademark attorney or paralegal interested in learning a new way of filing?
Join the federal trademark filing webinar to learn the fundamentals of our new filing system in Trademark Center.
The webinar will include:

Trademark Center basics
Pre-filing checklist
A filing demonstration
Where to find help

The webinar will be presented live via Webex on Friday, February 6, from 3-4 p.m. ET, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session.
For more information, email TMWebinar@uspto.gov.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.
Register

Launch MN Value Proposition Design Webinar
2026-02-10 15:30 - 17:30
VPD X006 Launch Minnesota Value Proposition Design Webinar
Four-week Course
February 10 – March 3rd
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
For anyone interested in learning about Lean Startup and innovation commercialization. This is a “light” version of the Online Certificate course. The University of Minnesota MIN-Corps program is proud to work with Launch Minnesota, an initiative of MN-DEED, to help early-stage technology entrepreneurs translate their innovations to a fundable, high-growth ventures. This webinar is a short-form guide to the Lean Startup (also called Lean LaunchPad) approach, a structured process to quickly assess and refine business concepts, thus avoiding costly mistakes and accelerating progress to market launch.
Learning objectives:

How to apply LaunchPad concepts, such as value proposition design, business model canvas and customer discovery
How to map the stakeholder/customer ecosystem to understand customer roles, requirements and decision processes
How to conduct interviews and observations in order to customers’ problems (“pain points”)
How to modify to a solution in order to achieve product-market fit
How to identify the components of a commercialization roadmap identifying key milestones and required resources
How to determine market size, assess competition, and select the beachhead (first) target market

Outline
Module 1: Product-Market Fit
Business Ecosystem
Value Proposition Canvas
Solving Customer Problems
Module 2: Customer Discovery
Customer Segments
Problem Interview
Solution Interview
Module 3: Pathway to Commercialization
Business Model Canvas
Technology Adoption
Commercialization Milestones
Module 4: Market Assessment
Market Sizing
Competitive Assessment
Beachhead Market

Platelet & Platelet-like Products State of the Technology Meeting
2026-02-17 - 2026-02-19
Platelet & Platelet-like Products State of the Technology Meeting February 17-19, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
Hosted by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Radiological and Nuclear Medical Countermeasures Program, in collaboration with the Defense Health Agency, Research and Engineering, Combat Casualty Care Portfolio and the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC).
The meeting will focus on advancing platelet and platelet-like products to meet critical military and civilian needs in combat and disaster scenarios, while providing insights into government funding opportunities and fostering discussions on emerging technologies such as extracellular vesicles, synthetic nanoparticles, and clinical trial updates.
The event will feature:

focused networking with fellow platelet developers,
topical discussions spanning evolutionary biology to translational challenges,
company lightning pitches from innovators across the field,
an interactive poster session,
and a networking reception.

Register Here

FLC Educational Webinar: Getting Started With the FLC Learning Center: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
2026-02-18 11:00 - 12:00
FLC Educational Webinars
Getting Started With the FLC Learning Center: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
February 18, 2026 | 11 AM – 12 PM CT | Virtual Unlock the full potential of the FLC Learning Center, your personalized hub for technology transfer education and professional development. Whether you’re new to tech transfer or looking to deepen your expertise, this hands-on tutorial will walk you through everything you need to confidently navigate and use the Learning Center.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Access and set up your account in the FLC Learning Center.
Explore curated career pathways and topic areas relevant to your goals.
Find and enroll in on-demand sessions tailored to your learning needs.
Make the most of learning resources including the Green Book, the FLC Desk Reference, the Director’s Toolkit, and more.
Track your learning progress and leverage built-in tools to manage your professional development.

Instructors
Courtney Bronson, Ed. D., FLC
Courtney is an education professional with a distinguished career leading educational and project management operations in non-profit environments. At the Federal Laboratory Consortium, she is responsible for setting the strategic direction for all educational programs using adult learning theory and building relationships that promote vibrant learning communities. Dr. Bronson came to the FLC from the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals where she created the overall strategy for the NASPP’s educational programs and communities. Prior to NASPP, Courtney served as Associate Director of Legal Education at the American Bar Association. There she collaborated with entities and individuals to develop the ABA’s showcase member-benefit webinars and National Institute conference offerings. Courtney received her Master of Arts degree in Organization and Strategic Communication from Queens University of Charlotte and a Doctor of Education in Human and Organizational Learning from The George Washington University.
Register Here

National Lab Discovery Series
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00
National Lab Discovery Series
LLNL’s Massively Parallel Two-Photon Lithography
February 24, 2026 | 1 PM – 2 PM CT | Virtual
National Lab Discovery Series webinar spotlighting a recent breakthrough from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) that is opening new frontiers in precision 3D microfabrication.
LLNL’s metalens-based two-photon lithography (TPL) technology represents a next-generation leap in high-precision, high-throughput additive manufacturing. This technology enables the parallel fabrication of complex, multi-scale 3D structures with 120,000 focal spots in parallel—a paradigm shift for advancing microelectronics, quantum devices, energy systems, and beyond.
In this session, LLNL researchers will explore how this additive manufacturing platform is accelerating innovation in critical domains where size, complexity, and materials performance all matter.
What You’ll Learn:

How LLNL’s metalens TPL system breaks speed and scale barriers in 3D nanofabrication
How metalens arrays with spatially adaptive illumination enable massive parallelization while preserving geometric generality
How TPL is being applied to LLNL’s key mission areas such as inertial fusion energy and quantum computing
How companies can evaluate and license this platform for high-value commercial uses
Live Q&A with the LLNL research team

Who Should Join:

R&D directors and technical leads in quantum computing, microelectronics, fusion energy systems, and advanced materials
Advanced manufacturing teams exploring micro-scale precision solutions
Designers and engineers in photonics, MEMS, semiconductor, and bio-medical devices
Technology scouts and IP professionals interested in licensing or co-development
Corporate innovators evaluating next-gen additive manufacturing platforms

About the Technology:
Two-photon lithography (TPL) is a high-resolution 3D printing method that scans a tightly focusd ultrafast laser to solidify photopolymers at micro- and nano-scale. LLNL’s metalens TPL system uses a metalens array to generate more than 120,000 focal spots that can be individually addressed to perform TPL in concert, enabling ~1000X faster 3D printing across a write field of 12cm².
This technology is a winner of the 2025 R&D 100 Award, and it is recently published in Nature (Gu et al., Nature 648, 591–599 (2025)). It demonstrates the potential of 3D nanolithography towards wafer-scale production, showing how TPL could be used at scale for applications in microelectronics , biomedicine, quantum technology and fusion target production. LLNL is actively seeking partners to license and co-develop this technology. Unlock the full potential of the FLC Learning Center, your personalized hub for technology transfer education and professional development. Whether you’re new to tech transfer or looking to deepen your expertise, this hands-on tutorial will walk you through everything you need to confidently navigate and use the Learning Center.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Access and set up your account in the FLC Learning Center.
Explore curated career pathways and topic areas relevant to your goals.
Find and enroll in on-demand sessions tailored to your learning needs.
Make the most of learning resources including the Green Book, the FLC Desk Reference, the Director’s Toolkit, and more.
Track your learning progress and leverage built-in tools to manage your professional development.

Instructors
Courtney Bronson, Ed. D., FLC
Courtney is an education professional with a distinguished career leading educational and project management operations in non-profit environments. At the Federal Laboratory Consortium, she is responsible for setting the strategic direction for all educational programs using adult learning theory and building relationships that promote vibrant learning communities. Dr. Bronson came to the FLC from the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals where she created the overall strategy for the NASPP’s educational programs and communities. Prior to NASPP, Courtney served as Associate Director of Legal Education at the American Bar Association. There she collaborated with entities and individuals to develop the ABA’s showcase member-benefit webinars and National Institute conference offerings. Courtney received her Master of Arts degree in Organization and Strategic Communication from Queens University of Charlotte and a Doctor of Education in Human and Organizational Learning from The George Washington University.
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USPTO - Trademark Basics: Learn the Fundamentals
2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual – Zoom
USPTO Trademark Basics: Learn the Fundamentals

March 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CT | Virtual
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur interested in learning about trademarks and how to apply for a federal registration? If so, this event is a must-attend. We’ll focus on trademark protection in the United States. The event is free, but space is limited so register early.
This session will cover:

Definitions and types of trademarks
Benefits of federal registration
How to select a trademark
Steps for filing and registration
Where to find help

The webinar will be presented live via Webex on Wednesday, February 4, from 7-8:30 p.m. ET, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session. After the presentation, USPTO will dive into an interactive Q&A session with a trademark expert and direct you to free resources.
This event is hosted by the USPTO and will be livestreamed on Webex.
For more information, contact TMWebinar@uspto.gov.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.
Register Here

SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-12
2026 SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference March 10-12, 2026
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh Convention Center (In Person) Connect directly with over $4 billion in early stage funding. Learn how to compete for funding, while networking with global industry scouts, investors, and key federal leadership representing the nation’s largest seed fund.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are the nation’s largest source of early stage, high risk research and development funding for small businesses. These programs provide more than $4 billion annually in competitive awards, enabling entrepreneurs to develop new technologies and ultimately facilitate the commercialization of innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with and hear from SBIR/STTR leaders and experts, as they learn how to submit more competitive proposals and leverage available resources.
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register
