Accelerator Modules
IP Licensing
Dr. LaRico Treadwell, CEO of E4 Power Consulting
Protecting and commercializing innovation is a critical step in transforming research into real-world impact. In this session, Dr. LaRico Treadwell will introduce the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP) licensing, helping participants understand how inventions move from the laboratory to the marketplace. Drawing on his experience as an inventor, materials scientist, and technology commercialization expert with more than 15 patents and extensive experience in IP and tech transfer, Dr. Treadwell will discuss strategies for protecting new ideas, navigating the patent and licensing process, and maximizing the value of research and innovation. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, research commercialization, or future technology development, this session will provide practical insights into managing and leveraging intellectual property.
Entrepreneurship
Rebeca Hwang, Venture Capitalist and Lecturer/Researcher at Stanford University
Building an innovative idea into a successful venture requires more than great technology—it requires understanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem, identifying market opportunities, and communicating your vision effectively. In this session, Rebeca Hwang shares insights from her experience as a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and Stanford educator, covering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, how venture capital funding works, what investors look for in early-stage startups, and common pathways for turning research and innovation into scalable businesses. Whether you’re considering launching a startup or simply want to better understand the innovation ecosystem, this session provides practical perspectives on entrepreneurship and venture creation.
Starting a Company
Alejandro Vélez Ramírez, Co-Founder & Co-CEO Back to the Roots
Back to the Roots began as a college kitchen experiment and has grown into a leading organic gardening brand with a mission to reconnect a new generation to food and where it comes from. We believe every family and child should have the opportunity to experience the magic of growing their own food—no green thumb or big backyard required. In this session, Alejandro shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building Back to the Roots, the challenges and pivots that shaped the company, and the lessons learned while scaling a purpose-driven consumer products business.
Space Innovation
Phillip Irace, Ph.D., Science Program Director, ISS National Lab
This presentation introduces the ISS National Lab, what they do, and their role in managing R&D onboard the International Space Station (ISS). How to conduct R&D on the ISS is discussed, particularly considering the ISS National Lab Orbital Edge Accelerator program. The Orbital Edge Accelerator is a one-of-a-kind program in the space industry connecting private capital, International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory–provided access to orbit, and a world-class expert ecosystem to build and accelerate businesses in low Earth orbit. It aims to elevate the boldest ideas and help startups transform cutting-edge technologies into real-world commercial solutions.
Selling Yourself
Noah Berkson, Managing Director at Austin Capital Partners
Whether you’re pitching an idea, pursuing a new opportunity, or building a company, knowing how to effectively communicate your value is an essential skill. In this session, serial entrepreneur Noah shares insights on how to sell yourself and your ideas, build credibility, make meaningful connections, and stand out in competitive environments. Drawing on his experience co-founding and selling four companies by age 32 and working with entrepreneurs and young professionals, Noah offers practical strategies participants can use to communicate with confidence and create opportunities throughout their careers.
NASA Technology Transfer
Walter Ugalde, Technology Transfer Entrepreneurial & Industry Engagement Lead, NASA Johnson Space Center
NASA technologies don’t always stay at NASA. In this session, Walt Ugalde introduces participants to NASA’s technology transfer and commercialization efforts and explore how innovations developed for space exploration can find new applications in the commercial marketplace. Drawing on his work connecting NASA’s portfolio of early-stage technologies with entrepreneurs and industry, Walt discusses how companies can engage with NASA technologies, the pathways that can take an innovation from the federal laboratory to the private sector, and the role entrepreneurs can play in transforming space-based innovations into products and solutions here on Earth and beyond.
Space Exploration
Dorit Donoviel, Ph.D., Executive Director, Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH)
Michael S. Roberts, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, ISS National Laboratory
Exploring space presents extraordinary challenges, not only for the technologies that make exploration possible, but also for the humans who undertake the journey. In this session, two leading experts explore both sides of that equation. Dr. Dorit Donoviel examines the human side of space exploration, including the health and performance challenges astronauts face as missions travel farther from Earth and how researchers are developing solutions to keep crews healthy and resilient. Dr. Michael Roberts explores the technical side, drawing on his extensive experience with NASA and the ISS National Laboratory to discuss the science, research, and technologies that enable humans to live, work, and conduct research in space. Together, their perspectives provide a look at the interconnected human and technical challenges that must be solved to advance the future of space exploration.
U.S. Patent & Trade Office
Reynaldo Vasquez, Southwest Office Regional Outreach Officer, USPTO
Turning an innovative idea into a product, business, or technology also means understanding how to protect what you’ve created. In this session, Mr. Vasquez introduces participants to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the role intellectual property plays in innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants will learn about different forms of intellectual property—including patents and trademarks—when and why innovators should consider protecting their work, and the USPTO resources available to inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students. Drawing on his experience in entrepreneurship and economic development as well as his work with the USPTO, Mr. Vasquez will provide practical guidance for navigating the intellectual property landscape as ideas move from concept toward commercialization.
NASA Internships
Sagirah Wheeler, Ed.D., MUREP Internship Coordinator, NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM)
Interested in turning your NASA ORBIT experience into the next step in your career? In this session, Dr. Sagirah Wheeler introduces participants to NASA internship opportunities and provide practical guidance on finding and pursuing experiences across the agency. Drawing on her work connecting students with NASA opportunities, she will discuss available pathways, the application process, what can help candidates stand out, and how internships can support academic, professional, and STEM career development.