Wednesday - October 18th at Hotel Du Pont

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

REGISTRATION CHECK-IN DESK

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

AURP: PARTNERING SPONSOR DISPLAY TABLES

8:00 AM - 8:20 AM

MORNING REMARKS
Get caffeinated and informed as we begin the morning with AURP updated shared by CEO, Vickie Palmer, including the announcement of a new Benchmarking Study of research parks and innovation districts throughout North America.
Then hear from University of Delaware and innovation ecosystem advocate, US Senator Tom Carper of Delaware.

Vickie Palmer, CEO, AURP
The Honorable Tom Carper, U.S. Senator, State of Delaware

8:20 AM - 8:30 AM

MAINSTAGE SESSION
ALL TOGETHER NOW: LEVERAGING INNOVATION TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN TECH
Re-imagining existing systems is key to creating better outcomes for all. Code the Dream, a non-profit tech organization, envisions a world in which tech innovation comes from all of us and benefits all of us. This session will describe how their innovative approach to education and workforce development prepares individuals from marginalized communities for varied roles in the tech sector. Code the Dream is taking an active role in creating, designing and developing the technology for tomorrow and the technology that addresses the needs of all members of our communities.

Speaker:
Daisy Magnun-Aryitey, CEO, Code the Dream

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

MAINSTAGE SESSION
ADDING VALUE TO YOUR ECOSYSTEM: THE CASE FOR STRATEGIC WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Talent is the currency of innovation, but sometimes Research Park professionals are stuck playing catch-up when it comes to ensuring the local talent pool matches the needs of Park tenants. Learn from local experts at all levels of the ecosystem about the variety of workforce development models out there, what it’s like to stand something up from scratch, and best practices to follow when building sustainable and scalable talent pipelines.

Speakers:
Crisbel Baez, Manager, Community Engagement and Special Projects, B+Labs
Cait Garozzo, Executive Director, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative
Katie Lakofsky, EdD, Associate Director, Bioscience Workforce, University of Delaware
Kristy Shuda McGuire, M.S., PhD, Dean of Biomedical Studies, The Wistar Institute 
Moderator: Sara Merriman, Director, Life Science & University Partnerships, Brandywine Realty Trust

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

INNOVATIVE PROGRAM
BIG. BOLD. BEAUTIFUL. BUILDING THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS INNOVATION CORRIDOR
This panel will discuss the evolution of an accelerator, the connection of a main and satellite campus with an Innovation Corridor and the bold new Innovation District that will forever change the sector potential of a community and a state traditionally known as the hub and home for the world's largest retailer. Learn how this community has come together to forge new paths and is building renewed perceptions of what is possible with intention, focus, an industry champion, investment, and a whole lot of love.

Speakers:
David Snow, Executive Director, Technology Ventures, University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation
Toby Teeter, Director, The Collaborative, University of Arkansas
Moderator: Laura O'Blenis, President and CEO, Stiletto: Make a Point

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM

INTERACTIVE BREAK

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

INNOVATIVE PROGRAM
GOING HYPERLOCAL: ENGAGING IN A HOLISTIC REGIONAL STRATEGY TO ACHIEVE CAPITAL READINESS
Is your ecosystem capital ready? This presentation will highlight several regional case studies on how to assess the capital readiness of your community. The case studies describe capital readiness efforts and present both qualitative and quantitative data from urban, rural, and suburban environments. Best practices will be shared on how to onboard and activate new investors as well as how to inform and educate founders on their initial capital raise. 

Speaker:
Margaret Bacheler, Director of Educational Initiatives, Angel Capital Association

CONCURRENT GENERAL SESSION
OVERHEARD ON THE HILL: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
AURP friend, Carlisle Clark of Van Scoyoc & Associates shares the current landscape of US innovation Policy and a forward-looking perspective on what to expect in the year ahead. Explore key trends and policy developments shaping innovation in America.

Speaker:
Carlisle Clark, Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates
Moderator: Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer, AURP

INNOVATIVE PROGRAM
APPLIED LEARNING: INNOVATING FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Wichita State University is Kansas’ only urban research university. Wichita State University works with local industry and community partners to provide applied learning opportunities (i.e. co-ops, internships, and more) for students. This session will detail the role the Shocker Career Accelerator plays in applied learning and talent retention, helping students to earn $28.5 million in wages in AY 2022. This session will conclude with a discussion where participants will share ideas, best practices, and more. 

Speaker:
Tonya Witherspoon, Associate Vice President, Industry Engagement & Applied Learning, Wichita State University

CONCURRENT GENERAL SESSION
THE CREATION AND EVOLUTION OF A GENE EDITING INSTITUTE AT THE DELAWARE TECHNOLOGY PARK, STAR CAMPUS
Christianacare’s Gene Editing Institute (GEI) is advancing a novel strategy for the treatment of solid tumors by employing CRISPR-directed gene editing to overcome into cancer drug resistance through the FDA approval process. Taking advantage of the environment and space provided at the STAR campus, GEI launched the first spin out company ever from ChristianaCare, CorriXR Therapeutics. CorriXR completed their seed round of funding and is now engaged in Series A financing.  The company’s successful scientific program has now been expanded to a robust pipeline using a fundamental gene editing platform technology.

Speaker:
Eric B. Kmiec, Founder & Executive Director, ChristinaCare's Gene Editing Institute
Moderator: Allison Madden, Corporate Secretary and
Director of Operations, USF Research Park, University of South Florida

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM

 INTERACTIVE BREAK

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES: TRENDS WITH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH & SCIENCE PARKS
Sharing workforce development opportunities and challenges, these AURP peers represent their non-US research and science parks. Discover innovative strategies to cultivate talent, bridge skill gaps, and promote collaboration among diverse professionals, fostering growth and competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.

Speakers:
Martha Leal-Gonzalez, Director, Planning and Knowledge Management, Institute for Innovation and Technology Transfer of Nuevo Leon
Norbert Mórucz, President, Hungarian Science Parks
Sebastian Wicklein, Director, Business Development and R&D Coordination, Fraunhofer
Moderator: Ty Shattuck, CEO, McMaster Innovation Park

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

DESIGNING THE UNKNOWN: HOW INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS EVOLVE (A CASE STUDY)
University of Cincinnati’s first interdisciplinary research facility, Digital Futures, is where researchers, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and businesses collaborate on moon-shot thinking to address real-world problems. At the intersection of technology, innovation, and collaboration, the project’s challenge is accommodating modes of research while anticipating yet-to-be-imagined programming, partnerships and possibilities. We will share how its phased occupancy enabled the project team to experiment with strategies for fostering connection among a (changing cast of diverse research leaders and collaborators. 

Speakers:
Chad Burke, Principal, GBBN Architects
Jennifer Krivickas, Associate Vice President for Research, University of Cincinnati

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

CONCURRENT GENERAL SESSIONS
THE SKIES UNLIMITED: UNIVERSITY RESEARCH IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Dive into the realm of autonomous vehicles (AVs), addressing their pivotal role in our society in security, transportation, and commercial sectors. Learn how these innovations fuel university and economic development partnerships in response to emerging to support this environment.

Speakers:
Stephanie Miller, PhD, Executive Director, Technology Transfer and Research Park Initiatives, Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University 
Tim Sweeney, Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace, JobsOhio
Tonya Witherspoon, Associate Vice President, Industry Engagement & Applied Learning, Wichita State University
Moderator: Erin Koshut, Executive Director, Cummings Research Park; President, AURP

12:15 PM -12:30 PM

INTERACTIVE BREAK

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Gain insights into the latest US Economic Development Administration (EDA) policy updates and legislative initiatives. Learn how these changes impact economic growth, innovation and job creation nationwide and globally.

Speaker:
Linda Cruz-Carnall, Regional Director - Philadelphia Office, Economic Development Administration

1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

INTERACTIVE BREAK

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

THE IMPACT OF REGIONAL PARTNERS ON UNIVERSITY/INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Triangle region was recently awarded the CNBC “Best Place for Business” award. As Economic Developers and State Representatives look to expand recruitment efforts, there is increasing interest in partnering with academic entities as drivers of innovation, research and development and as workforce development engines. Universities and academic institutions provide valuable resources to support the community's thriving ecosystem. Join representatives from North Carolina to learn about how to develop and leverage these relationships to grow your region and industry academic partnership opportunities. Hear case studies about how the Triangle Region in partnership with NC State and other academic institutions helped to land companies like Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, VinFast, Wolfspeed and Believer Meats. Learn how to leverage the strengths of your organization to build robust relationships that exert impact on your communities.

Speakers:
Albert Alwang, Economic Development Director, Wake County Economic Development
Ryan Combs, Executive Director, Research Triangle Regional Partnership
Moderator: Keisha Demps, Interim Director of Partnerships, NC State University

WHAT DOES A PARK LOOK LIKE IN AN UNDERGRADUATE SETTING?
There is much to learn about leveraging and operating university-industry parks of all sizes. Knowledge Park at Penn State Behrend is a thriving five-building, twenty-tenant park adjacent to a primarily undergraduate stand-alone college within the expansive Pennsylvania State University. We have a lean staff, a compulsory financial directive for self-sustainability, and a vital land grant mission. 

Speakers: 
Amy Bridger, Assistant Dean, Innovation & Corporate Strategy, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Chuck Peters, Managing Member, Altair Real Estate
Moderator: Suzet McKinney, PhD, Principal, Director of Life Sciences, Sterling Bay

THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF STEM
The workforce of the future requires the right skills and strategies to keep industries at the forefront of creation. The Past, Present, and Future of STEM examines critical strategies to catalyze inclusive commercialization, ways to foster sustainable talent pipelines, and emerging trends taking hold at innovation districts across the nation. Panelists will include industry experts and academics representing the University City Science Center, the Block Center for Technology and Society, and Wexford Science and Technology.  

Speakers: 
Katie Nash, Senior Director, External Affairs, University City Science Center
Tom Osha, Executive Vice President, Wexford Science + Technology
Steve Wray, Executive Director, Block Center for Technology and Society, Carnegie Mellon University
Moderator: Gina Lavery, Senior Vice President & Principal, Econsult Solutions, Inc.

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

INTERACTIVE BREAK

 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

EARLY STAGE CAPITAL: HOW TO PREPARE FOR IT? 
Dive deep into the world of small tech companies in the life science sector. In this session, we will explore the myriad opportunities that abound for startups in this dynamic field, with a specific focus on financing strategies. As the life science industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for companies to be well-prepared behind the scenes to secure the essential early-stage capital. We will discuss the critical considerations that companies should have on their radar as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey in the life science sector.

Speakers:
Scott Livingston, CEO, Livingston Securities
Bret Schreiber, Vice President, Life Sciences and Technology, Fulton Financial Corporation
Moderator: Mike Bowman, Associate Director Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, University of Delaware

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS
FORMATION OF THE PEARL - HARNESSING PEOPLE, PLACE AND PURPOSE
The Pearl, a rising mixed-use knowledge community near Uptown Charlotte, is the result of a partnership between Atrium Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine to create the city's first four-year medical school and develop the medical workforce of tomorrow. Wexford Science and Technology, the master developer, and Ayers Saint Gross, the lead master planner and architect, will discuss lessons learned from designing a mixed-use innovation district anchored by a new interdisciplinary education building.

Speakers:
Gintas Civinskas, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Associate, Ayers Saint Gross
Kevin Johnson, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Ayers Saint Gross
Moderator: Tom Osha, Executive Vice President, Wexford Science + Technology

CRADLE TO COMMERCE - LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE DOE'S FIRST MULTI-LAB DEEP-CLIMATE-TECH ACCELERATOR
Cradle to Commerce, The Department of Energy's first multi-lab deep-tech accelerator focused on climate, launched its first cohort in 2023. The goal of C2C is to transform IP that has outsized potential to fight climate change into game-changing startups. As the lead innovation partnering organization, OneValley has helped to design and deploy this game-changing accelerator. In this session, we'll share what worked, and what didn't, and also turn an eye toward the future of this model of startup creation. We'll also compare this to another world-renowned startup on the same campus at UC Berkeley, Skydeck. The session will end with a discussion related to our an innovative new funding model that we developed to help these types of startups bridge the commercialization valley of death.

Speaker: 
Alex Fang, Director of Social Impact, OneValley
Moderator: Mark Romney, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Blue Rise Ventures

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

INTERACTIVE BREAK

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

WORKING FROM OFFICE: CREATIVE STRATEGIES TO CURATE COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION
The old adage “you are what you eat” was (hopefully) less than certain, as our industry is rapidly discovering there is more truth in the proposition “you are where you sit.” Coming out of a phase where the elasticity of our telecommunicating connectedness was stretched to the max and people thought their best selves worked from home, this session will explore how it is that we deliver on the promised value of “working from office,” with strategies to move from passively hoping for productive human interactions to affirmatively creating more community cognition and engagement.

Speaker: 
David Tyndall, Founder and CEO, Collaborative Real Estate
Moderator: Will Germain, Chief Executive Office & Managing Partner, MCB Science + Health

COLLISION SPACES AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING WITHIN COMMUNITIES OF INNOVATION
Through the shared experiences of building, developing, and operating ‘dynamic social places’, these engaging panelist will discuss the value of activation. Enhance the culture of your park or district through collisions and social interactions, both planned and organic, elevating real estate into vibrant, thriving, and prosperous Communities of Innovation.

Speakers: 
Phil Myrick, CEO, Phil Myrick, LLC
Dougan Sherwood, Head of Innovation Districts, Cambridge Innovation Center
Moderator: Jonathan Hunt, Ecosystem Partnerships Manager, McMaster Innovation Park

WILMINGTON'S INNOVATION RENAISSANCE
Wilmington has reinvented itself. The large corporations that once dominated the business sector have served as a catalyst for a new generation of diverse companies of all sizes and sectors -- from tech startups to financial giants. As Wilmington’s talent landscape has evolved, the cityscape has transformed as well, with the city receiving recognition from publications including Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure. How did this transformation come about? In this panel, the key players who helped drive Wilmington’s reinvention through a sharp focus on people, places and purpose, will share their stories and lessons learned.

Speakers:
Chris Buccini, Co-President, The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc.
Patrick Callahan, Head of Data and Analytics, LabWare
Rob Herrera, Founder, The Mill
Scott Malfitano, Vice President, CSC
Moderator: Jeanne Mell, Principal, JMell Communications, LLC

4:15 PM - 4:30 PM

INTERACTIVE BREAK

STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT FOR CRITICAL AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 
Novel discoveries, technical insights, and refinements are at the core of many new critical and emerging technologies which are leading to new domains of standards development. Innovation and advancement of critical and emerging technologies (CETs) requires active monitoring and engagement in standards development activities. Knowledge of standards development process combined with expertise in the specific technologies is needed to ensure standards development activities keep pace with the technology evolution.  On May 4, 2023, the Biden-Harris administration published the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET).  The USG NSSCET offers a high-level overview of the Federal Government’s strategic goals, challenges, international engagements, and lines of effort for critical and emerging technology (CET) standards.  The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is leading implementation of the strategy across U.S. Government.

Speaker: 
Dimitrios Meritis, Policy Advisor for International Engagement, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Moderator: Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer, AURP

5:00 PM - 5:15 PM 

CLOSING REMARKS 

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Come and celebrate the good times at The Queen! AURP will share the stories of innovation and industry and crown them for the successful efforts they have taken to impact their community. 
Receiving one of AURP’s worthy Awards of Excellence is the greatest honor bestowed at our conference each year. These awards recognize achievements, cutting-edge and innovative park companies and exceptional community leaders who are lumineers and blazing trails within our innovation ecosystem.

Awards Emcee:
Harry Brislin, IV, Executive Director, Real Estate and Asset Management, University of South Alabama
Remarks: U.S. Senator Chris Coons, State of Delaware 

Awards of Excellence:
• Rising Star • Outstanding Research Park or Innovation District • Emerging Research Park
• Innovation • Career Achievement • Leadership • Developing Communities of Innovation
• Vision • Excalibur • Appreciation