Walsh University’s Annual Science and Business Innovation Summit returns with a multi-day community event to connect academia, business, science, and government to spark innovation and foster economic growth. Scheduled for January 29-31, the summit promotes entrepreneurial opportunities and forward-thinking solutions for northeast Ohio and beyond.
SPARQ Day January 29: SPARQ Summit and Single Quad LCMS-2050 Seminar
Community Day January 30: Accelerating Economic Development at Mach 5 Speed
President’s Roundtable with Community Leaders – 10 a.m., Toot Global Learning Center
Networking Luncheon and Program – 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Barrette Center
Innovation Challenge Competition – 3 p.m., Toot Global Learning Center
High School Day January 31: Accelerating Your Career at Mach 5 Speed
Interactive workshops, keynote lectures, lunch, 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., throughout campus
The main event themed, Accelerating Economic Development at Mach 5 Speed, will be held during the Networking Luncheon and Program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Barrette Business and Community Center on Thursday, January 30. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with keynote speakers Michael White, former Director at the U.S. Department of Defense, and Dr. Victor McCrary, Vice Chairman of the National Science Foundation (NSB). This program will provide insights into how advancements in science and state-of-the-art innovations foster business opportunities and economic development in the private sector. The business community will also hear what the NSB anticipates to be the skillsets the future workforce will need for businesses to thrive in the economic environment of tomorrow.
Prior to the luncheon there will be a Round Table discussion, facilitated by Dr. Tim Collins, President of Walsh University and Dr. Dan Passerini, Executive Director of Cross Enterprise Operations to foster dialogue among leaders in academia, business, and government, emphasizing collaborative strategies to drive innovation and economic growth.
Following the luncheon, the 2nd Annual Innovation Challenge will take place from 3 to 4:45 p.m. in the Marlene & Joe Toot Global Learning Center. Entrepreneurs and startups will compete for a $10,000 prize by pitching their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of industry leaders and economic development professionals. The competition offers a unique opportunity for early-stage companies to gain critical exposure and support, with the potential to advance their innovations to the next level. The event will provide an interactive platform for showcasing disruptive technologies and entrepreneurial visions that have the power to transform industries.
On Friday, January 31, Walsh University will welcome nearly 250 high school students from northeast Ohio for Science and Business Entrepreneurship Day. This day is designed to engage students interested in science and entrepreneurship through hands-on activities and interactive discussions. Students will have the chance to connect with university faculty and industry leaders, gaining valuable insight into exciting career opportunities and the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. Some of the science and business topics include:
Polymers
NASA Space Science
Music and Coding
Drones
Genetics and Pharma
Physical Therapy
Nursing
Center for Scientific Excellence Lab FTIR Microscope
The Garage: Nolan Family Center for Innovation
The summit kicks off on Wednesday, January 29, with the highly anticipated SPARQ Summit and Single Quad LCMS-2050 Seminar. As a leading SPARQ school, Walsh University will host its partner, Shimadzu Scientific, to highlight the SPARQ (Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research, and Quality of Life) program. This event celebrates Walsh’s success as a SPARQ school, particularly through the establishment of the Center for Scientific Excellence, which fosters academic and research excellence.
The day will feature presentations from SPARQ recipients nationwide and conclude with a seminar showcasing Shimadzu’s latest technological advancement, the LCMS-2050, offering scientists a glimpse into the future of cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Dan Passerini, who initiated the annual event in 2019 shared, “The reimagined program for Science and Business Entrepreneurship Day will offer our high school students a fresh experience, showcasing the University’s leadership in science and entrepreneurship while introducing new cutting-edge programming provided to high school students at no cost through Walsh’s recently received state IMAP grant. We also look forward to introducing the university’s most exciting initiative, the IGNITE Innovation Hub to the business community, economic development professionals, and elected officials.”
The IGNITE Hub (Institute for Global Networking in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship) at Walsh University is a transformative initiative designed to drive workforce development and economic growth in Northeast Ohio. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the community, IGNITE will empower individuals with the skills needed for success in a rapidly evolving economy. This dynamic ecosystem will attract investment, fuel innovation, and create sustainable career pathways. Key components include the Skilled Technical Workforce program, the Center for Scientific Excellence, and the Nolan Family Center for Innovation, all designed to bridge the gap between education and industry while revitalizing local industries.
For more information and to register, please visit www.walsh.edu/science-summit or contact Dr. Dan Passerini, Executive Director of Cross-Enterprise Operations at dpasserini@walsh.edu.
