The University of Chicago Innovation Roundtable (IRT) Tackle a Topic Program

January 23rd, 2012 by mdrotar

The University of Chicago IRT has a new format for securing future speakers, and we appreciate your input.  It is called the IRT Tackle a Topic Program.  The purpose of our events is to inform our members on new innovation trends and theories/practices. Perhaps you know of an interesting new product, process, business model or a planned interactive exercise that a friend or colleague has developed, and they want to share their findings with the IRT community.   Or you heard a great speaker that could provide further insight on innovation/new product development. 
As a sponsor, we invite you to introduce the speaker/event and be actively involved in the event.  We especially encourage interactive formats.
In order to sponsor a speaker, please find the guidelines below:
* The event must be relevant to Innovation/New Product Development
* Provide the IRT Board Members a short outline of the presentation (see outline below):
  Description of the presentation/event/activity
 -What participants will learn
 -Who should attend
 -How often has this individual presented on this topic?
 -Does the speaker wish to sponsor the event at their location?  If so, refreshments are welcome but not mandatory
 -Presenters bio
Please send to Mary Drotar at mdrotar@chicagobooth.edu or mdrotar@strategy2market.com

If the IRT board agrees to move forward with the event, the sponsor provides the slides to the IRT Board Members for review 2 weeks prior to the event.  The events usually occur at the Gleacher Center or offsite if there is a sponsor availiable.
Submit your short description as soon as possible so we can plan and promote the event in advance.
We appreciate and welcome your participation.

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Chicago challenges departments with innovation fund – Chicago Sun-Times

January 17th, 2012 by kmorrissey

Chicago has announced an innovation challenge to all city departments. Winning proposals will receive funding from a $20 million program. The best proposals will reduce the time that people wait for services.

City challenges departments with innovation fund – Chicago Sun-Times.

City of Chicago Press Release

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3D Printing Technology – Businessweek

January 13th, 2012 by kmorrissey

3D printing technology (or additive manufacturing) promises fascinating opportunities for new industries: creating human tissue for organ transplant; at-home production of toys, clothing and replacement parts; and space station production of tools and parts using designs transmitted from Earth. It has also enabled very small businesses to manufacture affordable products one-at-a-time. Companies like Shapeways provide the printing capabilities and facilitate the marketplace, allowing professional artists and designers, as well as hobbyists, to build businesses on a shoestring. This is a fascinating series of articles:

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/special-reports/ceo-guide-to-3d-printing.html

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How Universities Fail Women Inventors – Businessweek

January 7th, 2012 by kmorrissey

An experiment shows that, given the same invention, tech transfer officers are less likely to spin off a company if the idea comes from a woman

via How Universities Fail Women Inventors – Businessweek.

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Online PDMA certification workshop Jan 19th and 20th

January 3rd, 2012 by mdrotar

Online Crash Course in New Product Development
Professional (NPDP) Certification

Strategy 2 Market is offering an online version of the PDMA (Product Development and Management Association) NPDP (New Product Development Professional) certification class.  This allows participants to avoid travel, reduce preparation time and save money.

Strategy 2 Market is one of a handful of providers certified to teach the PDMA Certification Review Preparation Course.

This online workshop consists of two half-day sessions and provides a review of the material covered by the NPDP Certification exam.  It is suitable for anyone preparing for the exam.  It identifies the key subject areas on which to focus preparation efforts and provides an assessment tool to help participants evaluate their current level of preparedness for the exam. 

Our next online workshop is being held January 19th and 20th.  For more information, please go to: http://www.strategy2market.com/NPDP_online_training.html or contact Mary at 312.212.3144 or mdrotar@strategy2market.com

Happy 2012!

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