Venturewell Innovation in Action (VIA) Learning Series

Join us for the VIA Learning Series, webinars highlighting key conversations at the intersection of innovation, higher education, industry, and public policy.

Each session features speakers from across sectors sharing examples, insights, and lessons learned on topics ranging from research commercialization to science communication, funding partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration.

These virtual events are free and open to the broader innovation and entrepreneurship community. Participants are invited to attend one or more sessions over the next several months.

Schedule & Registration

A View From Washington: Federal Policy & Innovation in Higher Ed

Date: May 28, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. ET

Description:
As federal policy continues to evolve at a rapid pace, how can higher education leaders, researchers, and innovation ecosystems navigate the uncertainty? This session featured insights from policy experts on what lies ahead.

Speakers:

  • Leslee Gilbert, vice president, Van Scoyoc Associates

  • Ashley Huderson, senior director of programs, American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Session Concluded (No replay available)

The Philanthropy Pivot: Unlocking Foundation Partnerships for Your University

Date: July 30, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. ET

Description:
Foundations are playing a growing role in supporting higher education. Learn how to build intentional, strategic relationships with foundation leaders and how to communicate your institution’s value in ways that resonate.

Speakers :

  • Ify Aduba, executive director, Entrepreneurship Funders Network

  • Kory Murphy, program officer, The Lemelson Foundation

  • David Wolf, associate vice president of major gifts, Tulane University

Watch Recording

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Beyond Federal Dollars: How Science Communication Positions Institutions for New Investments

Date: August 27, 2025 | 1 p.m. ET

Description:
With federal funding becoming more competitive, institutions must reposition their research to attract new partners. This session focuses on using science communication to secure investments from foundations, corporations, and local entities.

Speakers:

  • M Jackson, senior program officer, VentureWell

  • Federico Pardo, photographer, filmmaker & biologist

Watch Recording

Passcode - +e7nBJe.

Masters of Invention: Unlocking the Innovator in You

Date: September 24, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. ET

Description:
Trailblazing inventors share personal stories, pivotal moments, and creative breakthroughs that shaped their careers. This session will include two TED-style talks and an interactive Q&A session.

Speakers:

  • Franziska Trautmann, CEO, Glass Half Full

  • Lonnie Johnson, inventor & engineer

Watch Recording

Passcode - 55#ZH*v7

Inspiring Inventions and Ideas: How University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centers Spark Student Creativity and New Ecosystems

Date: Nov. 17, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. ET

Description:

How do universities transform student ideas into inventions that shape industries, communities, and the future?

This session explores how university-based innovation and entrepreneurship centers:

  • Ignite creativity and cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets among students and faculty

  • Build partnerships that drive startups, social ventures, and interdisciplinary collaborations

  • Strengthen regional and national innovation ecosystems

Hear from leaders advancing innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and beyond:

  • Nina Balan, director of strategic initiatives at The Beach at UNO Research & Technology Park, University of New Orleans
  • Amit Jariwala, director of design, innovation, and experiential learning, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and faculty advisor for the Flowers Invention Studio at Georgia Tech
  • Sadan Kulturel-Konak, professor of management information systems and founding director of the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (CEED) Center at Penn State Berks; VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Faculty Fellow

Moderated by: Ernie Davis, senior program officer, higher education innovation, VentureWell

Register Now