REGISTRATIONS OPEN
BioVentures Innovation DAY 2026
- Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, 12th Floor.
- August 19, 2026
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About the Event
LET'S CELEBRATE UAMS INNOVATION
Join us for BioVentures Innovation Day 2026, a one-day event designed to bring together innovators, foster meaningful connections, and explore the path from ideas to real-world impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, researcher, investor, industry partner, or simply someone with big ideas ready to take the next step, this is your opportunity to engage with a growing innovation ecosystem. Researchers, faculty, students, trainees and staff are all welcome.
SPONSORED BY
Our Speakers
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Event Schedule
- 8:30 a.m.
Registration, Networking Breakfast & Sponsor Expo
Start the day by connecting with fellow innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders from across Arkansas. Explore the Sponsor Expo, learn about available resources, and build new relationships before the program begins.
- 9:15 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Barnes & BioVentures will set the stage for the day, highlighting opportunities to strengthen Arkansas’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate the translation of ideas into impact.
- 9:25 a.m.
Innovation at UAMS: From Discovery to Impact
Eric Peterson, BioVentures’ President, discusses the history of innovation at UAMS and a few stories on promising inventions.
- 9:45 a.m.
Getting Connected: BioVentures Programs & Opportunities
Allison Thompson, Program Manager, shares a quick overview of available BioVentures Programming.
- 10:00 a.m.
State of Innovation & Capital in Arkansas
Gain insight into the current landscape of innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial growth across Arkansas. Chris Baldwin will discuss emerging trends, funding activity, and opportunities for founders and innovators seeking to build and scale new ventures.
- 10:40 a.m.
Networking Break & Sponsor Expo
- 11:00 a.m.
Intellectual Property & Protecting Your Innovation
Learn the fundamentals of intellectual property and how to protect discoveries, technologies, and creative ideas. This session will provide practical guidance for innovators at every stage of development.
- 11:45 a.m.
Lunch Break
- 1:00 p.m.
Partnering with Industry: Accelerating Research Through Collaboration
Strong partnerships can accelerate innovation and expand opportunities for commercialization. This session will explore how researchers and institutions can engage industry partners to advance research, development, and real-world impact.
- 2:00 p.m.
Networking Coffee + Expert Office Hours
- 2:30 p.m.
Designing with the End in Mind: How Regulatory Pathways Shape Early Development
Jay Gandy will introduce how regulatory pathways for therapeutics and medical devices influence early development decisions, helping researchers design stronger studies, avoid common pitfalls, and better prepare for future FDA interactions. Understanding these considerations early can save time, reduce risk, and strengthen your path to commercialization.
- 3:15 p.m.
Entreprenurial Support Resources
Designed for researchers and first-time founders, this discussion will cover the foundational steps involved in launching a startup, including team building, company formation, and early commercialization considerations.
- 4:00 p.m.
Awards & Closing Remarks
Celebrate outstanding contributions and achievements from the year while reflecting on key takeaways and opportunities for continued collaboration.
- 4:45 p.m.
Reception + Networking
Close the event by celebrating Arkansas innovation. Attendees can network with presenters, entrepreneurs, researchers, and ecosystem partners while exploring showcased technologies, startups, and emerging ideas.
NETWORKING BINGO
Collect an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Week Bingo card at any event throughout the week (or download one here). The squares will lead you to network with innovators, industry representatives and BioVentures staff as you learn more about entrepreneurship at UAMS. Submit your completed card at [Email] for a chance to win freebies and swag.
WHY
ATTEND?
NETWORK
With leading innovators, investors and industry experts.
LEARN
How to commercialize your research, attract funding and diversify support for your scientific research career.
CELEBRATE
UAMS inventors and their contributions to healthcare.
SPONSORS
Secure Your Spot at Innovation Day 2026
Don’t miss your chance to connect with top innovators, researchers, and industry leaders in Arkansas.
For questions, contact: bioventures@uams.edu