Academy might bring out the entrepreneur in you

Innovation, technology commercialization and entrepreneurship will be the focus of the North Idaho College Venture Center Commercialization Academy, a new eight-week course beginning Sept. 15.

NIC Venture Center Program Manager Lee Groeschl will lead the course, which will feature professional content, professional networking and educational presentations from regional entrepreneurs or business professionals.

“Entrepreneurship allows people to unlock new opportunities in life,” Groeschl said. “Entrepreneurial skills can be taught or acquired through life and professional experiences. Our team at the North Idaho College Venture Center wants to help facilitate this entrepreneurial education opportunity to all who attend or connect with us.”

The classes, offered online Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m., will provide an overview of innovation and commercialization; technology presentations; and will cover technology transfer policies; intellectual property; venture team building; technology licensing/optioning; venture funding; venture development; and sustainable growth.

Groeschl previously served as the Economic Development Administration Center Consultant for the University of Minnesota and in several entrepreneurial roles focused on new technology venture development across the U.S. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Virtual Systems Engineering. Other class instructors include technology directors from Washington State University and the University of Idaho.

The course cost is $50 for all eight sessions. Scholarships are available. To register and for more information, visit Venture Academy (https://bit.ly/NICVentureAcademy).