I-Corps@ECU Conference – The Next Step

Overview

Funded by the National Science Foundation, I-Corps@ECU was started in 2017 with the mission of helping inventors, innovators, and businesses align their solution with the problem their customer is trying to solve. Since that time, I-Corps has trained over 350 participants and more than 175 teams. This has generated more than 50 start up companies and resulted in more than $2 million in follow-on funding (grants and investments). As our current I-Corps grant is set to expire in August of this year, we are holding a conference that will provide attendees with a network of contacts, resources, and information that can help to further advance their innovations towards commercialization.

Meeting Details

Wednesday, May 8th
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium – Club Level
100 Ficklen Dr. Greenville, NC 27858
Google Map Directions

Parking: Attendees may park in the Gold Lot for free that day.

Event Program

8:30-9:00 – Registration, Coffee, and Networking

9:00-9:15 – Welcome and Introductions – Dr. Carlyle Rogers

CARLYLE ROGERS
Director, Licensing & Commercialization
East Carolina University

Dr. Carlyle Rogers serves as the Director of Licensing and Commercialization and is the lead Principal Investigator for the ECU I-Corp Site Grant: Idea 2 Impact GO (I2I GO) – Driving the Innovation Ecosystem at East Carolina University to Build New Enterprises for the Benefit of Rural Eastern NC. As a native of Eastern North Carolina, Dr. Rogers knows that the seed of innovation when given the right care can transform the region’s economy and identity into an engine of economic prosperity. He works diligently to facilitate the development and to increase the visibility of inventions, innovations and startups coming out of ECU. Dr. Rogers has performed over 700 innovation assessments, executed over 400 agreements, and assisted faculty in receiving over $1.8 million in funding related to commercialization and innovation. In addition to his licensing experience, Dr. Rogers has developed 14 web based software applications and has mentored over 15 startup companies.

9:15-10:00 – Panel Session 1: Mid-Atlantic and National I-Corps

GRACE RAINS
Moderator

Grace Rains is the I-Corps Program Coordinator at ECU. Through the I-Corps Program, she guides innovators through the program based on her own successful experience. With a degree from ECU in Business Management, focusing on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, she brings practical knowledge to teaching program content. Beyond academics, her commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success is evident in her thriving personal venture. Grace successfully completed I-Corps@ECU in the Spring of 2022.

AMY PARKER
Assistant Director, Research Comm. Programs
NC State University

As Assistant Director of Research Commercialization Programs, Amy manages ORC’s Chancellor’s Innovation Fund (CIF) Program and National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Program. Amy is also responsible for building and maintaining ORC’s collaborative relationships with ecosystem partners, while building and supporting NC State’s startup pipeline. Amy earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University. She has been with the office since 2014 in a variety of roles and has also served as an NC State Staff Senator.

DEVIN COLLINS
Interim Executive Director of Ventureprise
UNC-Charlotte

Devin Collins is Interim Executive Director of Ventureprise, UNC Charlotte’s innovation and entrepreneurship center serving the campus and Charlotte region as a center of excellence for evidence-based entrepreneurship. He is responsible for accelerating technology commercialization of University research and delivering various entrepreneurial training programs across the North Carolina community. In this capacity, he has worked with 100-plus scientific researchers and 500-plus entrepreneurs in a variety of industries. He is also the lead principal investigator of the Ventureprise Launch National Science Foundation I-Corps Site.

10:00-10:45 – Early-Stage GAP Funding

PATRICK BRILEY
Moderator

Dr. Patrick Briley is a clinical researcher in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at East Carolina University. He is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist that specializes in the area of stuttering where his research is designed to understand contributors to overall impact of stuttering and differences in those factors based on a variety of demographic variables. Dr. Briley is also the director of the Positive Responses to Stuttering Program (PRSP). PRSP is an intensive fluency program, which works with PWS to teach approach behaviors vs. avoidance behaviors, while also learning strategies to make approach behaviors more efficient. Dr. Briley successfully completed I-Corps@ECU in the summer of 2023 and won second place in the Healthcare Innovation Pitch Competition.

TRACEY DU LANEY
Senior Director, Science and Technology Development
NC Biotech

Dr. du Laney manages several of NCBiotech’s Science & Technology Development research grant funding programs that are designed to advance promising scientific discoveries and technologies developed in N.C. colleges, universities, and non-profit institutions towards commercialization. These grants fill critical funding gaps in stages where it is typically difficult to secure funding. Dr. du Laney holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from Duke. Prior to joining the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Dr. du Laney co-owned/co-founded a niche independent consulting firm in Research Triangle Park specializing in technology assessments and commercialization, grant writing and evaluation, due diligence, and entrepreneurship/start-up strategic planning for life sciences companies.

DERRICK WELCH
Regional Innovation Director – East
NC Innovation

Mr. Welch, who holds a master’s degree in public administration and is currently working on his doctoral dissertation, has spent nearly two decades in leadership roles in higher education and state government. Mr. Welch previously served as the Senior Director of Business Strategy at Central New Mexico Community College, where he led the implementation of strategic initiatives focused on bridging the divide between academia and workforce. He later served as Chief of Staff at the New Mexico Higher Education Department. After relocating to North Carolina, Mr. Welch served as Program Director at an award-winning economic development and startup accelerator at ECU and most recently led the North Carolina Senate’s oversight activities as the Senate Majority Staff Director. Mr. Welch leads NCI’s work in the East region, anchored by ECU.

KEITH WHEELER
Executive Director – National Security and Industry Initiatives
East Carolina University

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Keith Wheeler serves as the Executive Director for the Office of National Security and Industry Initiatives. The Office of National Security and Industry Initiatives serves as a conduit through which researchers can connect with ECU’s external stakeholders and align their interests with those of regional businesses and military partners. The office encourages multidisciplinary research that helps our researchers grow businesses, create and market new technology solutions and incubate innovation.

10:45-11:00 – Networking Break and Poster Session

11:00-11:45 – Accelerators and Incubators

SIRIN CAKIR
Moderator

Dr. Sirin Cakir serves as the Licensing Analyst in the Office of Licensing & Commercialization. Through this role she scouts for new innovation across campus, performs diligence on the market opportunity of new innovations, and helps stakeholders understand the intellectual property landscape. She embarked on her academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey. Seeking to deepen her knowledge, she pursued a master’s degree in biotechnology with MBA modules at Middle Tennessee State University, and completed her doctoral studies in Biomedical Science with a specialization in Physiology at East Carolina University.

APRIL KELLY
CEO and Co-Founder
Sure!

April Kelly is mompreneur with four children who is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Sure!, an innovative, plant-based infant formula alternative that is set to redefine the way parents approach early childhood nutrition. As the first black female-owned infant formula startup, her company not only challenges the norms, but also propels the conversation surrounding parenting and nutrition into new territory while championing the cause of families in need. She is a mentor to the ECU Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge, a recipient of a NC IDEA microgrant, and an I-Corps@ECU Alumni.

SHARON ROGERS-MOORE
Founder and CEO
Sportscale, Inc.

Dr. Sharon Rogers Moore is an Associate Professor in the College of Business and is a twenty-year veteran athletic trainer. Aside from her impressive academic achievements, she is a National Academy of Inventors Senior Member and was awarded US Patent 8957328 in 2015. After collaborating with ECU’s Office of Licensing and Commercialization to file her patent, Dr. Moore launched Sportscale Inc., which licensed the patent from ECU. Dr. Moore also participated in the inaugural Engagement and Scholarship Academy (EOSA) program, which provides professional development and project support for research that connects the campus with communities. She is currently going through the RIoT Accelerator Program.

EMIL RUNGE
Director of Programs, DRIVe Initiative
First Flight Venture Center

Emil Runge joined First Flight Venture Center in 2018 to lead its new Health Security Accelerator. First Flight was selected as one of eight accelerators in the country by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to drive innovation in lifesaving medical technologies to solve challenging problems spanning modern health security threats and daily medical care. DRIVe (Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures) is part of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

BEN REDDING
Chief Financial Officer
NC IDEA

Ben is the Chief Financial Officer at NC IDEA where he oversees the day-to-day management of the Foundation’s financial activities. He also manages the NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM grant program working with partners throughout the state who share in our vision to maximize the economic potential of the people of North Carolina. Prior to NC IDEA, Ben founded WellScale with the goal of creating a technology platform to facilitate smooth successful business exits, allowing business owners to transition their ownership to company acquirers in an optimized fashion. While testing his idea, Ben participated in NC IDEA LABS.

11:45-12:15 – Lunch

12:15-12:45 – Keynote Speaker – Latane Bracket

LATANE BRACKETT
Innovation Program Manager
Jackson State University

Latane Brackett is a highly accomplished Supply Chain/Manufacturing Operations Executive with 30 years of experience developing and implementing strategies that champion industry-leading safety and environmental programs; deliver award-winning quality; develop future leaders; promote top-to-bottom vision alignment; create performance cultures; and drive sustainable productivity. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering at Norfolk State University in 1990 where he was a DNIMAS Scholar. He received his Master of Business Administration at Texas A&M Commerce in 2003. Latane has worked as a corporate engineer, maintenance manager, plant technical manager, plant manager, director of operations, consultant, and vice president of supply chain and operations. He has worked at the National GEM Consortium as Principal Manager of Innovation Programs. He has also served as an adjunct instructor for the Midwest I-Corps Node’s Jumpstart Short Course. Mr. Brackett has also served as a lead member of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Cohort as part of the HBCU Consortium for Transformative Teaching Practices in 21st Century Career Pathways. In January of 2019, he successfully completed the Price-Babson Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators and is an honorary National Academy of Inventor member.

12:45-1:00 – Networking Break and Poster Session

1:00-1:45 – SBIR/STTR Funding

MARK FOLEY
Licensing Associate
East Carolina University

Mark Foley is the Licensing Associate for the Office of Licensing and Commercialization at ECU. He has twenty years of experience in the technology transfer field. Prior to joining ECU, Mark spent seven years as a biology and general science teacher in his native state of Indiana. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Taylor University and an MBA from ECU. Mark served as the entrepreneurial lead for an I-Corps@ECU team that was developing a novel RSV treatment.

RUKIYAH VAN DROSS
CEO and Founder
Claradele Pharmaceuticals

Dr. Rukiyah Van Dross-Anderson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Van Dross’s research is focused on determining the mechanism(s) of action and chemotherapeutic potential of novel agents. Over the past few years, she has been developing a novel compound that has shown activity against melanoma skin cancer. In pursuit of this innovation, Dr. Van Dross founded Claradele Pharmaceuticals, which received a Phase 1 STTR grant. Dr. Van Dross participated in the I-Corps@ECU Biomedical cohort and has secured funding through the National Cancer Institute and NC Biotech.

HANNAH-GRACE FUTRELL
Eva Garland

Hannah-Grace Futrell is a Sales Associate on EGC’s Business Development and Sales Team. She provides communication and support to EGC’s clients regarding services available to maximize their funding opportunities. Ms. Futrell has experience in a variety of professional business settings, customer service, as well as a background in biological sciences.

JOHN UJVARI
Director, TEC Commercialization
Small Business Technology Development Center

John Ujvari is a SBIR Program Specialist with the North Carolina SBTDC. His primary responsibilities include counseling clients on the effective use of this federal funding program and supporting and promoting SBIR educational opportunities throughout the state via numerous outreach efforts. These efforts include the publication of a monthly SBIR-focused newsletter, planning and execution of training events statewide, meeting clients one-on-one and reviewing proposals prior to submission. He also leads the SBTDC’s MBA summer internship program. He has been awarded the State Star Award by the Association of Small Business Development Centers and the Tibbetts Award by the Small Business Technology Council.

1:45-2:30 – Preparing for Investment

ROBERT HUGHES
Chemistry
East Carolina University

Dr. Hughes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at East Carolina University. His work focuses on the development of protein and small molecule-based reagents for the control and monitoring of biochemical pathways. Dr. Hughes is an I-Corps@ECU alumni and has worked with a startup company on developing a novel delivery mechanism to improve recovery following myocardial infarction. He also has developed a novel Tobacco Etch Virus protease (TEVp)-labeled superparamagnetic nanoparticle that can be used in protein preparation applications. This biological reagent is currently for sell on multiple company websites.

ERIN KALTENBRUN
Director, Investments
NC Biotech

Erin Kaltenbrun is a Director of Investments within the Emerging Company Development unit at NCBiotech. In this role, she sources, evaluates, and recommends early-stage life science companies for investment through NCBiotech’s loan programs and supports portfolio companies through mentorship during early growth and enhancing connections to follow-on financial support and strategic partnerships. Erin brings 15+ years of experience in life science research, product development strategy, and technology commercialization to the role. Before joining NCBiotech, Erin oversaw the nondilutive funding portfolio for the immunotherapy-focused company NightHawk Biosciences (formerly Heat Biologics), successfully securing over $1M in funding support for discovery and preclinical programs, while contributing to new product planning and strategic oversight of R&D. As a consultant for Eva Garland Consulting, Erin worked with emerging companies to identify and secure nondilutive funding to support technology development and commercialization.

VIN MCCAFFREY
Next Play Consulting

Vin McCaffrey is a SAAS business leader with over 15 years of experience in founding, growing, and scaling organizations in the ed tech and sports tech marketplaces. He is currently the Head of Sales and Customer Success at PrestoSports, where he leads a team of professionals who provide fan engagement solutions for sports teams and leagues. Previously, he was the Founder and CEO of Game Plan, an Inc. 5000 award-winning company that transformed the modern-day marketplace for athlete development and education, which was sold in 2021. Mr. McCaffrey is currently the Founder of Next Play Consulting, where he advises founders of innovative startups on their go to market planning, operations, and growth strategies.

DR. GERRY KLEIN
MedSurg PI

Gerald L. Klein, MD (Gerry) began his career in industry by serving as a PI conducting numerous clinical trials in diverse therapeutic areas. He then founded an SMO and CRO, San Diego Clinical Research Association, (SDCRA). He served as its CEO and CMO. SDCRA conducted studies in Allergy, Dermatology, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Women’s Health, Surgery, GI, and Immunology. SDCRA was acquired by Quintiles, (IQVIA) where Dr. Klein, became an SVP and worked in both Global Drug Development and Medical Affairs. He was also a founder of Pathway Diagnostic (an analytical lab which was acquired), Klein Medical News Service, Entera Health, and MedSurgPI LLC, where he is currently a Principal. He has worked as a CEO, CMO, SVP, and VP in Medical and Clinical Affairs in the following: Dey/MerckKgAa, Specialty Labs, Talecris/Grifols, Oxygen Biotherapeutics/Tanex, and Pathway Diagnostics. He has been and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of a few biotech companies.

2:30-2:45 – Networking Break and Poster Session

2:45-3:30 – MVPs, Prototyping, and Intellectual Property

AMBER FAIRCLOTH
Moderator

Amber Faircloth is a first-year doctoral student and speech-language pathologist. She received both her BS and MS from East Carolina University. Amber’s research interests include understanding contributing factors to the experience of stuttering and developing clinician-friendly tools and treatment methods for people who stutter. Amber has participated in I-Corps@ECU on a project related to helping speech language pathologists provide better care. Amber also serves as a Innovation Ambassador in the Office of Licensing & Commercialization.

AISHA HASAN, J.D.
Barnes & Thornburg, LLP

Aisha Hasan’s work spans a wide range of technical areas, including immunotherapies, biotechnology, small molecule pharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology, and diagnostic assays. Her clients include large agricultural chemical companies, pharmaceutical and biotech companies of varying sizes, as well as a variety of start-ups and emerging companies. Prior to entering private practice, she worked as a protein chemist at Trimeris Inc. on HIV and RSV research, as well as at the National Institutes of Health’s Laboratory of Structural Biology, where she studied the structure of natural killer cell receptors. Aisha is also skilled in clinical microbiology and virology, and chemical synthesis.

BRAD GRIFFIN
VP of Product Development
Practicon

Brad Griffin currently serves as the Vice President of Development and Creative at Practicon, Inc., which offers more than 3,000 dental products with a vision of improving dental health and dentists’ professional success through patient education and innovation. Mr. Griffin has over 20 issued patents and is currently developing Ultra CSV, a novel crawlspace vent for the residential and commercial market.

RYAN BUTCHER
113 Consulting

Ryan Butcher is the President of Shiplab, which is a fully managed business 2 business data pipeline that makes complex parcel billing data collection easy. Prior to ShipLab, Ryan was the cofounder and managing partner of eAudit (Acquired in 2019), an Inc500 company that provided parcel optimization and audit platform processing in excess of $1 Billion in parcel spend annually and one of the fastest growing companies by revenue in the US as of 2019. Outside of ShipLab, Mr. Butcher is the founder of 113 Consulting that works with faculty entrepreneurs who are developing digital solutions.