The Commercialization Academy is a 3-month experiential education program sponsored by the AFRL in Rome, NY. The Academy pairs university students with AFRL technologies with the goal of launching new technology ventures. We have students from 11 universities & colleges, including Clarkson, CUNY, Le Moyne College, RIT, RPI, Suffolk CC, SUNY ESF, SUNY POLY, Syracuse, UCF and Utica College.
At the Commercialization Academy Showcase, students gave their pitches and earned $50,000 in prizes, sponsored by NYSTEC. The event highlighted new entrepreneurial initiatives and featured high-profile guest speakers, including Martin Babniec and George Duchak.
The Showcase was well-attended by entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, students, technology enthusiasts, government representatives and university faculty/administration
Schedule
9:30am (Invite-Only)
PRIVATE REGISTRATION
AFRL TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE
TRADE SHOW
11:00am (Invite-Only)
TOPIC TRACKS
- "INTERNET OF THINGS"
- "OPEN INNOVATION"
12:00pm (Invite-Only)
LUNCH
1:00pm
PUBLIC REGISTRATION
1:30pm
PITCH EVENT & PRESENTATIONS
- WELCOME: MIKE MCCOY, THE STARTUP STRATEGY GROUP
- WELCOME: GEORGE DUCHAK, DIRECTOR, AFRL INFORMATION DIRECTORATE
- KEYNOTE: MARTIN BABINEC, ENTREPRENEUR, STARTUP INVESTOR & VENTURE CATALYST
- COMMERCIALIZATION ACADEMY STUDENT PITCHES
4:30pm
TRADE SHOW & STUDENT DEMOS
5:30pm
CLOSING REMARKS & AWARDS
6:00pm
RECEPTION (TBD)