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:
Innovate & Elevate: 3-Part Series Over IP Strategy for the Mission (Part III)
October 22nd, 2025 | 10:30 A.M. - Noon
IP Strategy for the Mission - Part III: How Government Funding Affects IP Rights
Government contracts and funding can open exciting doors for small and dual-use businesses—but they also come with unique rules around intellectual property (IP). Understanding these rules is critical to protecting your innovations while working with federal agencies.
In this session, we’ll explore how government funding impacts IP rights, what small businesses need to know before signing agreements, and how to ensure you maintain control over your most valuable assets. Attendees will walk away with clear guidance on navigating contracts, spotting common pitfalls, and building strategies that balance compliance with long-term business goals.
Whether you’re new to government funding or already pursuing federal opportunities, this workshop will help you approach contracts with confidence and set your business up for mission-driven success.
Location: Groover Labs, 334 St Francis, Wichita, KS 67202
WSU-NIAR Manufacturing Day
October 23rd, 2025 | 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
NIAR is celebrating Manufacturing Day this year in collaboration with the Manufacturing Institute. Join industry figures, NIAR representatives and manufacturing gurus alike for a special event held at the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) facility on the Wichita State campus. Speakers will present the latest advancements in automated metrology, artifical intelligence, aerospace manufacturing and more, as well as a preview of the new Hub for Advanced Manufacturing Research (HAMR) funded by the EDA's Build Back Better Regional Challenge.
Location: National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) | 4004 N. Webb Rd.