Strategic Initiatives
Keep up to date on upcoming opportunities for Business & Industry collaboration and training by signing up for the Strategic Initiatives newsletter:
Strategic Initiatives Newsletter
See our list of current event and training opportunities below:
SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference
November 19th - 20th | National Harbor, Maryland
Turn your innovation into impact! Connect with SBIR/STTR program offices at the Fall 2025 SBIR/STTR Innovation Conference. For more than 40 years, the SBIR and STTR programs, have invested over $4 billion annually into small businesses and startups. The result? Cutting-edge research turned into real-world solutions that change lives. This November, SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference comes to National Harbor, Maryland, bringing innovators, investors, and federal agencies together under one roof.
Why attend:
- Meet the decision-makers
- Sharpen your proposals
- Discover federal R&D resources
- Get Inspired
Whether you’re pursuing your first award or your next major contract, this is where ideas become funded solutions.
Kansas SBIR/STTR Matching Program Information Session Opportunities
Novermber 14th, 19th, and 25th
SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) matching is a new initiative to help Kansas innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers compete and win in the national innovation arena. The program will enable Kansans to leverage federal funding and research and development opportunities more effectively through strategic partnerships that help companies enhance their global competitiveness while strengthening the state’s role in advancing national and domestic security.
These infomation sessions will allow you to learn about the new program and how it could help your buisness. There are three sessions left in November that you can attend, both virtual and in-person options:
Friday, November 14th | 10:30am - Noon
- In-Person – Innovate24, Manhattan
- 1880 Kimball Ave STE 120, Manhattan, KS 66502
Wednesday, November 19th | 10:30am - 11:30am
- In-Person – KU Innovation Park, Lawrence
- 2029 Becker Dr, Lawrence, KS 66047
Tuesday, November 25th | 11am-Noon
- Virtual
- Register Here
CMMC: Pathways to Compliance
November 21st | Noon - 1:30pm
For many companies, the hardest part of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is knowing where to get support. This VIRTUAL session, hosted by Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas, offers a practical "tool kit" to compliance by highlighting key resources and trustworthy partners. Webinar host will also review compliance management techniques and training options suitable for defense contractors.
Whether you're preparing for a self-assessment or gearing up for a formal audit, this webinar will connect you to the tools and guidance needed to move forward confidently. This event will feature a moderated panel of experts, plus time for Q&A. Co-presented by the OnRamp Hub: Kansas, OnRamp Hub: Kentucky, and OnRamp Hub: Ohio teams.
*Registration is REQUIRED*
SBIR/STTR Boot Camp
December 11th - 12th
Are you working on innovative technology with the potential to make a commercial impact? If you’re planning to apply for a competitive SBIR or STTR research grant in the coming year, this 2-day boot camp is designed to help you get there.
Led by Veronika Redman and Ed Lahue, and supported by the KU Innovation Park team, this hands-on program will guide researchers in the KU community through the critical steps of preparing a strong SBIR/STTR grant application.
- Dates/Time: Dec. 11th (9am-3pm) & Dec. 12th (9am-2pm)
- Location: KU Innovation Park, 2033 Becker Dr., Lawrence, KS
- Must apply by December 1st