Entrepreneurial Training
ASCEND 2.0 provides resources, advising, and mentoring to aid in the translation of promising innovations from academia to the market.
The Ascend 2.0 difference
Mentoring
Mentors can help first-time entrepreneurs navigate the complex commercialization process and ASCEND can help you find a good match.
Technology Development
Funding for biomedical technologies for preclinical development can be difficult to identify and difficult to obtain, but ASCEND will help you navigate this process.
LATEST NEWS
Wyoming Training: Insightful Knowledge and Practical Skills in Technology Commercialization
We are excited to share the success of our ASCEND2.0 Technology Commercialization Workshop held on August 22, 2024, at the University of Wyoming. This full-day event was packed with hands-on assessments, market analysis, IP strategies, licensing techniques, and effective pitching—providing attendees with the essential skills and knowledge to bring their…
ASCEND2.0 (I-RED West) Announces Call for Proposals to Boost Biomedical Innovation
The ASCEND2.0 (I-RED West) program has officially launched its 2024 Call for Proposals, inviting innovators to submit pilot projects aimed at advancing new biomedical technologies with significant commercial potential. ASCEND2.0 is dedicated to bridging the gap between NIH-funded research and real-world patient outcomes by equipping biomedical entrepreneurs with the knowledge,…
HHS SBIR Contracts Solicitation (PHS-2025-1) is Now Available
The SBIR Contracts Solicitation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (PHS-2025-1) has been released.
Take your technology to market
Business advising for ASCEND innovators and their technologies is available to researchers at all of the ASCEND partner institutions. Advising will include a technology review, assignment of a technology readiness level, suggested next steps, and ASCEND resources that can help move the technology forward.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, October 05, 2024
Building Tools & Tech for an Innovative Future: A BRAIN Initiative Alliance Social
ILLINOIS
Saturday, October 05, 2024
Building Tools & Tech for an Innovative Future: A BRAIN Initiative Alliance Social
ILLINOIS
Saturday, October 05, 2024
Building Tools & Tech for an Innovative Future: A BRAIN Initiative Alliance Social
ILLINOIS
testimonials
The grant will help accelerate and expand educational programs in translational medicine and career development in health care and pharmaceutical industries across Montana and the Mountain West Region.
Jay Evans, PhDASCEND Academic LeadUniversity of Montana
This is a significant opportunity for small businesses, academia, and the federal government to partner in two critical areas: boosting high-tech innovation and tackling biomedical research needs.
Jon R. Lorsch, Ph.D. NIGMS Director
The goal is to educate faculty within the various institutions on how to commercialize their research, including startup funding and finding business partners.
Eric Prossnitz, PhD UNM’s principal investigator
The Ascend 2.0 Program gave me an opportunity to develop a pitch to showcase our technology. By working with the Ascend team and mentors I was able to take the next step towards bringing our life saving technology to the clinic. Thank you Ascend!
Kelly Drew, PhDCEO of BeCool PharmaceuticsUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks
[The ASCEND Team] met with me weekly, answering questions I had about the process of starting up, what is necessary and what is not, and how to proceed. During these meetings, we developed a terrific side deck for use at the BIO International Conference, and one for a MicroGrant pitch sponsored by ASCEND. Being a part of the cohort was a great help to me during this difficult and sometimes confusing time as I start my biotech business.
Elizabeth Corbin, PhD CEO of Optima LabsMontana State University
We are extremely grateful for being part of the ASCEND Business Cohort program. It has been an extremely productive and eye-opening experience for us as going through this program gave us the knowledge, tools, and training that we needed to enable us to pitch our technology to large pharmaceutical companies. The ASCEND program is the starting point to help us develop CNS Curative Technologies LLC and has opened the door to participate in other NIH-funded programs.
Ruben Dagda, PhDCEO of CNS Curative Technologies, LLCUniversity of Nevada Reno