Hybrid Workshops Available for Students Interested in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Cari Humphry

The U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will provide in-person, virtual, and hybrid workshops this fall that focus on all aspects of the entrepreneurial process, from mastering human centered design principles and navigating commercialization, to hosting pop-learning labs and a financial bootcamp. 

The workshops, offered by experienced entrepreneurs, industry innovators and U of A faculty, are designed with the needs of current students in mind but are free for all members of the U of A community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

Students may view the entire workshop schedule on the OEI website and register today. The workshops kick off in September and run through November. 

Human-Centered Design (noon to 4 p.m. | Sept. 10 | In-Person | McMillon Studio) 

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn the human-centered design process and be given tools to empathize with users or customers, prototype solutions and experiment. Interacting with a real-world problem, participants will be challenged to use the human-centered design process to create innovative solutions and remain user-centered along the way. 

Pop-Up Learning Labs 

Pop-Up Learning Labs (PULL) are hour-long learning sessions focused on giving participants hands-on experience with innovation tools, funding opportunities and business resources. Pop-Up Learning Labs will occur throughout the fall semester in various locations and formats. Planned fall sessions include influencer marketing, SBIR/STTR grant-writing and 3-D printing. 

PULL #1 - Influencer Marketing (noon to 1 p.m. | Sept. 2 | Virtual) 

Are you TikTok famous? YouTube talent? Explore the influencer marketing landscape and gain a current understanding of business opportunities that capitalize on a large social media following. 

PULL #2 - Grant Writing SBIR/STTR (noon to 1 p.m. | Sept. 23 | Virtual) 

Learn valuable writing and formatting tips, as well as best practices that will give your SBIR/STTR grant submission the greatest opportunity to win in this highly competitive process. 

PULL #3 - 3-D Printing (noon to 1 p.m. | Nov. 11 | Virtual) 

An introduction to 3-D printing with the Fusion 3 F410 3-D printer. Learn the terminology, interface and experience the co-creation of a 3-D object from start to finish. 

Commercialization for Researchers (9 a.m. to noon | Sept. 24 | Hybrid | Brewer Hub) 

Understand how innovators bring research from lab to market. In this interactive workshop intended for faculty and graduate students in STEM fields, attendees will explore the difference between startup formation and licensing to industry, learn about local and national resources and funding opportunities, and have a chance to engage and meet with leaders across the state whose programs are designed to help researchers commercialize their innovations. 

Financial Bootcamp (noon to 1 p.m. | Thursdays in October | Virtual) 

An introduction to the fundamentals of accounting and finance principles needed to develop a business plan or investment pitch. This series of one-hour virtual seminars will include the opportunity to sign up for expert office hours to receive one-on-one business accounting and finance mentoring at a time that works with participants' schedules. 

About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio and Startup Village, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. A unit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and Division of Economic Development, OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.