The Enterprise Center announced that it will host the sixth-annual Technology Transfer Conference at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Wednesday, April 17.
“Technology and entrepreneurship are transforming our region,” said Wayne Cropp, president and CEO of The Enterprise Center. “The conference is about continuing to nurture an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chattanooga and build on the existing excitement about opportunities in the area.
It also allows regional technology companies that are having an impact on the global economy to share their success stories.”
The Technology Transfer Conference is an annual one-day showcase of the process of transferring and maturing inventions and patents developed at national laboratories and research universities into technologies that can be utilized by the commercial market for entrepreneurial purposes.
Through speakers, exhibits and the Chattanooga Venture Forum, the Technology Transfer Conference provides opportunities for education, networking, buying and selling new technology products and pursuing capital. Participants also learn about services available through The Enterprise Center, including access to technology, research and assets for use in stimulating economic development and creating jobs. During the technology exhibition portion of the conference, inventions, newly-commercialized products and product development practices will be on display.
“This conference validates the energy and enthusiasm of Chattanooga’s entrepreneurial community and reiterates the close technology and research partnerships within the entire region,” said Mr. Cropp.
The afternoon session of the conference features The Chattanooga Venture Forum, where local technology companies present their business models to investors for potential capital. The event is designed to assemble a select group of business visionaries, entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists and investment professionals. In 2012, eight startup companies from the medical, aviation, logistics, social media and hospitality industries pitched their ideas to more than 25 investors, ultimately raising more than $3 million in funding.
“The Forum is a unique chance for companies to raise investment capital and to educate future entrepreneurs on the path to funding and access to capital,” said Chris Daly, The Enterprise Center's director of technology development and transfer. “Attendees will see early, later-stage and emerging growth investment opportunities throughout the Tennessee Valley Corridor.”
Last year’s conference had more than 300 attendees from around the country, including participants from Washington, New Mexico, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. The agenda included a panel of local entrepreneurs, a presentation by the president of the New Mexico Angels, John Chavez, and a keynote by author and technologist David Croslin. On display for close examination by conference attendees, 19 exhibitors showcased technology including security devices, LED lighting technology, augmented reality software, high-speed internet access, water quality sensors, hybrid bus technology, electric vehicles and aviation safety devices.
The 2013 Technology Transfer Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Chattanooga Venture Forum following from 2-5 p.m. Open to the public, admission is $20 per person, with breakfast and lunch included. Participants must register in advance, as seating is limited. To reserve exhibit space or register, call 425-3772 or email doll_c@theenterprisectr.org.