Encountering Innovation

02/21/2025

Join Dr. Stacy Manni, Director of the AFRL Regional Network – Midwest, and Mr. Brian McJilton, Director of the AFRL Office of Small Business, for a casual coffee break during the Encountering Innovation Conference on March 19th.

Learn how the Air Force Research Laboratory Regional Network – Midwest, headquartered at Purdue University, is driving innovation across 12 states, including Kansas and Missouri. Through collaborations with universities, businesses, government agencies, and venture capitalists, the network is advancing research, accelerating technology translation, and developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the U.S. Air Force’s critical technology needs.

☕ Grab a coffee, enjoy a snack, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of defense technology. We hope to see you there!

Learn more about EI25: https://www.encounteringinnovation.com/ei2025

More info about AFRL Regional Network - Midwest: https://midwesthub.afresearchlab.com/

02/13/2025

Just like parents love to celebrate their children's successes, sometimes the "kids" get to brag about their parents!

Encountering Innovation’s host university, Pittsburg State University, has some exciting news to share—right in the heart of Encountering Innovation’s ecosystem.

Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement!
👏 Congratulations to Dr. Shawn Naccarato, Dr. Ram Gupta, Dr. Tim Dawsey, and the entire team!

Innovators will have production facilities and lab opportunities to go with the assisting scientists.

As always, Looking Forward!

Visible work will get underway in coming weeks to prepare a site at the southeast edge of the Pittsburg State University campus for buildings that will have a profound economic impact on the region.

12/06/2024

Are you ready to take your technology to the next level? Encountering Innovation (EI) is hosting virtual First Encounter Opportunity sessions designed to give you actionable feedback from our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These sessions are your opportunity to refine your ideas, explore potential, and chart a clear path forward—no commitments required.

In just 15 minutes, you’ll pitch your technology, get expert feedback, and gain valuable insights to help your company grow. To make the most of your session, consider these key questions:

✅ What are you trying to do? Clearly explain what you aim to achieve, using straightforward and easy-to-understand language.
✅ How is it done today, and what are the limitations? Highlight the challenges with current practices.
✅ What’s new in your approach? Why do you think it will be successful?
✅ Who cares? If you're successful, what difference will it make?

Session Dates:
📅 Thursday, December 12th: 9:00 – 12:00 CST (10:00 – 1:00 ET)
📅 Monday, December 16th: 9:00 – 12:00 CST (10:00 – 1:00 ET, if additional slots are needed)

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, email [email protected] with your name and email to secure your spot. Let’s shape the future of innovation—starting with you!

06/14/2024

📢 Calling all Encountering Innovation Alumni!

We’d love to hear from you—update us on your innovation journey and let us know how we can support you. Click the link below to share your progress and request any extra help you might need.

🔗 https://forms.gle/WqYNUAtHY97MH2vF6

We are also extending the deadline for you to register for this year's EI no cost, virtual event! Pitch dates for Alumni are set for July 23-25. Email Vicki Long at [email protected] to reserve your spot by Friday, June 21st!

06/14/2024

🚨EXTENDING APPLICATIONS THROUGH THE WEEKEND!🚨

APPLY BY MONDAY, JUNE 16TH!

Apply here 👉 https://www.encounteringinnovation.com/2024-ei-application

EI Alumni - We are doing a special extension just for you! Please email Vicki Long at [email protected] to reserve your spot by Friday, June 21st!

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2024

Edit: Extending the deadline through the weekend! Apply by June 16th!

T-minus 4 days to get your application in for Encountering Innovation 2024! Don't miss your chance to connect with DoD Tech Scouts and showcase your innovations.

💰 NO COST
💻 VIRTUAL PITCH
🤝 MATCHMAKING

Apply now 👉 https://www.encounteringinnovation.com/2024-ei-application
Learn more 👉 https://www.encounteringinnovation.com/ei-conference-2024

06/01/2024

ONLY 14 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY!

Showcase your innovation and explore commercialization opportunities with tech innovators and advanced manufacturers.

Flexible Time Commitment: Pitch your innovation and have matchmaking sessions in just half a day!

1 pitch = 1 hour of your time
Average of 4 sessions = 2 hours of your time

APPLY NOW 👉 www.encounteringinnovation.com/ei-conference-2024

05/31/2024

Don't miss out!

When you apply to our no cost event, you gain exclusive access to our virtual training sessions. These sessions are designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge to prepare your pitch to DoD Tech Scouts.

Apply for EI 2024 by June 14th 👉 https://www.encounteringinnovation.com/2024-ei-application

05/24/2024

Join us for the Encountering Innovation (EI) Summer 2024 virtual event from July 22-26! Showcase your innovation and explore commercialization opportunities with tech innovators and advanced manufacturers.

🗣 Technology Pitches: Engage with other innovators and resource partners through panel discussions and networking.
🤝 1-on-1 Matchmaking: Present your technology/products directly to DoD Tech Scouts.

No Cost: It's free to join!

Flexible Time Commitment: Pitch your innovation and have matchmaking sessions in just half a day!

1 pitch = 1 hour of your time
Average of 4 sessions = 2 hours of your time

Learn More and Apply: www.encounteringinnovation.com/ei-conference-2024

Applications end on June 14th.

01/30/2024

The Missouri Contracting Corner is hosting an event on February 21st. Check out the details in the links below!

Virtual Session: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/missouri-contracting-corner-doing-business-w-defense-logistics-agency-tickets-804197986827?aff=oddtdtcreator

In-Person: https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/25029

01/29/2024

Arkansas innovators, mark your calendars! If you have thought about bringing your unique product to market, visit Little Rock on April 2 when America's Seed Fund Road Tour visits the state.

More than 20 representatives from federal agencies will be there to tell you about their SBIR/STTR program requirements and how to prepare a competitive grant application. The Road Tour provides the opportunity to meet with them one-on-one to get feedback about your project!

Innovators Guide Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk1mqg0r8NE

Learn More and Register: https://asbtdc.org/road-tour/