Bringing Ideas to Market the Topic of Event at UC Merced

Developing a great idea is an accomplishment in itself. But taking it to the next step - into potential commercialization and market opportunities - has the potential to both affect change in the world and produce a livelihood.

On April 18, the UC Merced Office of Office of Technology, Innovation and Industry Relations will host its third annual Merced To Market Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference, connecting innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore commercialization and market opportunities.

The event, held in the university's Conference Center from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., is designed to help faculty, staff, students and the Merced community learn about entrepreneurship and how to take university research to market.

Erick Serrato, executive director of the Merced County Department of Workforce Investment, will be the keynote speaker. Serrato and his staff work to meet the needs of job seekers, businesses and the community's youth. His organization has secured $2.2 million in grants so far, this fiscal year.

M2M will include sections focused on organizational innovation and collaboration, hosted by the Management of Complex Systems department.

"We'll focus on the question of how to support innovative collaboration in organizations and hear from researchers and practitioners with extensive experience and expertise on the topic," said Professor Tea Lempiälä, who is organizing that portion of the event.

In the morning, speakers will cover topics that include the good, bad and unexpected of entrepreneurship; collaboration and innovation with NASA; unlocking the power of AI; and navigating human resources and legal matters. Afternoon topics will include key strategies for a winning startup team; drawing from the gaming world to enhance innovative collaboration; marketing secrets; and business funding.

At 3:25 p.m., the UC Merced Small Business Development Center - a collaborator of this event - will confer its 2025 Business of the Year award to Mother Lode Adventures Charter Services, owned by Jeffrey Wolf. Mother Lode Adventures will represent UC Merced SBDC and compete against other top businesses from across Central California for the title of Central California Business of the Year at a virtual event May 9.

The SBDC is a nonprofit program hosted by UC Merced that provides free advising and training to help small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Following the award, M2M will have its first company showcase pitch competition with awards totaling more than $10,000.

"I'm thrilled to see the bold ideas and breakthrough technologies our UC Merced innovators are bringing to life. This is more than a competition, it's a glimpse into the future being built right here on our campus," said Iman Ebrahimi, a third-year Ph.D candidate in Mechanical Engineering and the master of ceremonies for M2M.

Individuals interested in earning a digital badge in Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success or Leading Innovative Collaboration will have the opportunity to complete an assessment to enhance their professional credentials. These badges can be showcased across various platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and incorporated into resumes or curricula vitae.

Merced To Market will conclude with closing remarks, followed by a reception for attendees.

For more information or to register for the event, go to the Merced To Market website.