AURP and its members and sponsors presented and networked at two national conferences this spring.
In Chicago, InBIA celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ICBI national conference, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the founding of AURP, bringing together entrepreneur support and ecosystem practitioners.
AURP Chief Strategy Officer Brian Darmody moderated a panel on quantum start up hubs featuring speakers from Chicago, Chattanooga and College Park, Maryland.
Jason Rittenberg with Excel Regional Solutions (formerly with SSTI) and Laura Appenzeller of the U of Illinois appeared on a panel discussing government relations strategies for advocating entrepreneurship and shaping public policy.
A tour of one of AURP’s newest members, Hyde Park Labs, concluded the conference.
InBIA will be meeting in Dallas April 2027 in conjunction with the Angel Capital Association (ACA). https://angelcapitalassociation.org/blog/inbia-and-aca-announce-new-event-collaboration/
As a reminder, AURP will also be in Dallas, but earlier: September 29 – Oct 1, 2026 at Pegasus Park.https://aurp.org/education/international/
Jordan Peterson of Collaborative Real Estate, Teresa Failla of TUFF and Brian Darmody of AURP
Hyde Park Labs in Chicago, U of Chicago Campus
The University Economic Development Association (UEDA) met at the Northern Virginia headquarters for AURP member Virgina Tech for its Washington DC Convening.
The leader of the NSF Science and Technology Innovation Partnership (TIP) Directorate and Acting Chief Operating Officer of the EDA keynoted the session discussing how programs from each agency will complement creating new communities of innovation.
Other sessions discussed strategic alliances and engaging with local communities. Innovation districts in the Tampa/St Pete Florida region and Kansas City area were highlighted involving AURP members as well as U of Arizona, and Kansas State University.
Stiletto helped to sponsor the UEDA convening.
UEDA will be meeting December 2-4, 2026, in Pensacola Florida, co-hosted by University of West Florida. https://www.universityeda.org/events/2026-ueda-summit/
Erwin Gianchandani, NSF TIP and Ally Bain, Acting COO, US EDA
Carol Stewart of U of Arizona and Brian Darmody of AURP
