UNC leaders to lead international innovation and entrepreneurship discussions

Despande Symposium
June 5, 2020
By Shellie Edge, Innovate Carolina
Register to hear I&E leaders from UNC-Chapel Hill and around the world share latest innovation trends in higher ed

There is still time for you to register to join the 9th Annual Deshpande Symposium. This event is an annual gathering of like-minded practitioners focused on accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship across the college and university environment.

Register now for this free, live webcast that will bring the extended higher ed innovation and entrepreneurship community together to explore: entrepreneurship in the curriculum, university research commercialization and startups, and developing entrepreneurial universities, coulters and ecosystems. 

UNC Sessions: Mark Your Calendar

Leaders from the UNC I&E community will participate in several conference sessions. Log on to listen to them and other experts from across the country and world. View the full agenda.

The Evolution of Entrepreneurship: The Latest Trends and Case Study Application

Thursday, June 11, 1:45 p.m.

  • Michelle Bolas, associate vice chancellor for innovation strategy and programs, UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Vickie Gibbs, executive director of the Entrepreneurship Center, Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Elizabeth Brake, chief operating officer, Venture for America


Fireside Chat with Two Extraordinary Entrepreneurial Leaders: Having an Impact Amidst Growing Challenges in the United States

Friday, June 12, 11:15 a.m.

  • Judith Cone, vice chancellor for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development, UNC-Chapel Hill

Lauren Washington, co-founder and COO of Black Women Talk Tech, and co-founder of Fundr

Helping Student Entrepreneurs Identify Problems Worth Solving and Become Innovative Thinkers

Friday, June 12, 1:45 p.m.

  • Moderator: Ted Zoller, director of the Entrepreneurship Center and T.W. Lewis Clinical Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Sadan Kulturel-Konak, professor of management information systems and director of the Flemming Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center; coordinator, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minor, Penn State Berks
  • Ken Szymusiak, managing director, academic programs, Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Michigan State University 
  • Jason Doherty, director of new programs at the Entrepreneurship Center and assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC-Chapel Hill


Creating Transformative Student Experiences in a Vertical Campus World

Friday, June 12, 3:00 p.m.

  • Melissa Carrier, director, Office of Social Innovation, UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Elizabeth Benefield, social innovation and entrepreneurship program manager, NC State University
  • Robert Shandley, associate dean, School of Innovation, Texas A&M University
Register for free webcast