Researchers, students, and entrepreneurs who have technologies with commercial potential can learn how to tap into that potential at Advanced Invention to Venture, or AI2V.

The highly acclaimed four-day workshop is being offered in Arkansas for only the second time Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at UALR’s Jack Stephens Center.

Sponsored by the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the UALR College of Business, AI2V offers budding high-technology companies the opportunity to receive guided instruction and real-time feedback on their commercialization plans.

A previous participant called the workshop, “a four-day MBA for scientists.” The workshop is also an excellent way for student teams to prepare for the annual Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup business plan competition.

Participants undergo rigorous exercises and receive expert coaching as they develop their investor pitches and strengthen their marketing strategies. On the final day of the workshop, all participants will present their pitches before a panel of investors and receive constructive feedback.

Sharon Ballard, an expert on growing science-and-technology-based ventures into successful companies who teaches entrepreneurship across the country and in Europe, will serve as AI2V instructor.

Ballard, herself a successful entrepreneur, has held management positions at multiple high-tech companies and provided the required leadership to help companies win hundreds of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards; her own firm won more than 30 SBIR awards, with three spin-offs purchased by venture-backed companies.

“Scientists and engineers tell us what is possible, but I really enjoy helping them turn what is possible into business realities,” she said. “I am convinced that some of the best entrepreneurs are actually scientists and engineers who make the decision to learn the language and science of business.”

Visit the Arkansas AI2V workshop to register or call Rebecca Norman at 501-683-7700 or 800-862-2040 for more information. Registration is required and seating is limited.