2024 America's Seed Fund Road Tour - Illinois

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)

Illinois Road Tour Sponsors

Check this website often for the most up-to-date information.

Image of a tour bus driving through midwest flat lands at sunrise. Image includes a logo for the Research Park at the University of Illinois and a logo for the America's Seed Fund 2024 Road Tour. Text on image says "America's Largest Seed Fund is coming to Champaign! Save the Date. Wednesday, July 17."

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 Information

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. 

Conference Hotel

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. 

Resources to Prepare for 1:1 Meetings with Federal Agencies

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.

Illinois Road Tour Program

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.

  • One-on-one meetings with Federal Agency Representatives (up to 4 agencies, 15 minutes each)
  • Overview of America’s Seed Fund
  • Reverse Pitches from Federal Agency Representatives
  • Opportunity to meet and network with Illinois innovation & entrepreneurial support organizations
  • Panels & Presentations – examples could include agency OR technology specific SBIR/STTR sessions, sessions featuring successful tech startups that received SBIR funding, Illinois SBIR/STTR Phase I Grant Match Program, venture fund programs, and Help & Support resources available through the Illinois FAST Center and other supporting agencies such as NSF I-Corps, United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC), and Illinois Small Business Administration (SBA).

Regional & Local Resource Providers

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