UF's new Innovation Hub offers boot camp for technology-minded entrepreneurs

November 14, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Technology-minded entrepreneurs will gather this week for special training in a Technology Entrepreneur BootCamp organized by the University of Florida Office of Technology Licensing and UF Tech Connect.

Located at Innovation Square just two blocks from UF’s main entrance, the Florida Innovation Hub at UF is hosting the boot camp where participants will learn the basics on how to create successful technology startup companies. Training will start at 4 p.m. Tuesday and continue all day Wednesday and Thursday.

The boot camp will offer interactive classes led by successful business leaders to help aspiring entrepreneurs assess the potential of their technology-based innovations and turn them into marketable products. Mentors will also provide business tips, such as how to network with technology-based entrepreneurs and find potential investors. Participants will top off their boot camp experience by creating and presenting their “elevator pitch” to a panel of technology entrepreneurs and investors.

Guest speakers include:

• Brian Johnson, author and manager of Microsoft Bizpark, a business startup program;
• Lou Oberndorf, founder of Sarasota-based Medical Education Technologies;
• Jim Lilkendey, a specialist in helping company managers handle employee problems;
• Jamie Grooms, co-founder and former CEO of Axogen Inc. and Regeneration Technologies — two Gainesville-area biotechnology startups;
• G. Edward Evans, a board member of Neutral Tandem, Carolina West Wireless, and CTIA — The Wireless Association.

For more information, contact Jane Muir, director, Florida Innovation Hub, 352-846-1646, jmuir@ufl.edu.