July 17, 2024 | Illinois Conference Center
111 St. Mary’s Road, Champaign, Illinois 61820
Hosted by the Research Park at the University of Illinois
Event Contact: road-tour@lists.illinois.edu
Download Agenda (subject to change)
Check this website often for the most up-to-date information.
The Research Park at the University of Illinois is pleased to host the Illinois stop of the 2024 Great Lakes America’s Seed Fund Road Tour. We invite you to register and participate in this national outreach effort that connects innovators and entrepreneurs to non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known as “America’s Seed Fund.”
America’s Seed Fund Road Tour plays an important role in encouraging participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by members of underrepresented groups while supporting the mission of the SBIR/STTR programs to support scientific excellence and technological innovation to build a strong national economy. Federal Agency representatives have been invited to attend a series of sessions at the Illinois Road Tour stop that brings together local and national innovation ecosystems to help attendees navigate over $4 billion in early-stage funding opportunities available through America’s Seed Fund.
Requesting 1:1 Meetings with Federal Agency Representatives. Information on how to request one-on-one meetings with Federal Agency Representatives will be provided upon registration via a confirmation screen message AND a confirmation email. Prepare now by completing a quad chart. Confirmation messaging will also provide information on how to request a Quad Chart Review. Requests submitted after June 30 will be served based on consultant availability.
Registration Fee: $50.00 per person
Includes: breakfast and lunch meals
Parking: Conference Center Parking is Free
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations after June 30 may not be eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests can be emailed to road-tour@lists.illinois.edu.
iHotel at the Illinois Conference Center
1900 South First Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Phone: 819-500217-8
Block Rate: $169/night + tax
Cutoff Date: 06/16/2024
Group Code: ROADTOUR
Password: %fAc8
Parking: FREE at the Conference Center. See map for details.
NOTE: Any guests making reservations by phone (217-819-5000) must mention the block code ROADTOUR to any of their Guest Service Agents.
Want feedback on your Quad Chart? More information will be provided after registration via confirmation messaging.
Illinois teams only. Requests submitted after June 30 will be served based on consultant availability.
NOTE: this event is in-person only and will not be recorded for later viewing.
Below are sessions that are typically included in Road Tour programs. Check back frequently for updates.
What agencies do you want to visit with? Be sure to submit your 1:1 meeting requests as early as possible. Download Quad Chart Template/Example.
Updated 6/25/2024
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Air Force (AFWERX) / Space Force (SpaceWERX) – Department of Defense (DoD – AFWERX/Spacewerx)
Army – Department of Defense (DoD – Army)
Defense Health Agency – Department of Defense (DoD – DHA)
Missile Defense Agency – Department of Defense (DoD – MDA)
US Navy – Department of Defense (DoD – Navy)
National Institutes of Health – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS/NIH)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)