Each session features a UNCW faculty member or community expert sharing a 35–40-minute talk on their area of expertise, whether in technology, science, business, or other fields, followed by a 20-minute interactive Q&A. Lunch is provided.

This session: Join Jennifer McCall, UNCW Associate Professor of the Clinical Research Program at the School of Nursing and cofounder of SeaTox Research as she outlines the strategic path from academic research to a funded startup. This session provides a tactical look at winning SBIRs, the critical importance of technical de-risking, and how to navigate the 'translational friction' of building a high-tech venture without losing focus on the science.