Summit | June 10-12, 2025 | New Orleans
About VentureWell
At VentureWell, we envision a world in which science and technology innovators have the support, training, and access to networks and resources they need to solve the world’s most difficult problems.
We know innovation. And we love helping creative, committed innovators turn their ideas into thriving companies with meaningful, high-impact products and solutions. We help institutions strengthen and expand their STEM innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystems to accelerate sustainable and inclusive innovation.
Visit us at www.venturewell.org to learn more.
About the VIA Summit
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
The VIA Summit is a dynamic new convening that connects higher education with industry and government to advance innovation, prepare future leaders, and strengthen efforts to translate research into real-world impact. The summit will bring together the pioneers and changemakers of the STEM world. Whether you’re shaping policy, building technology, or educating the next generation, attending VIA is your chance to collaborate with peers who share your drive for innovation.
VIA draws on the powerful legacies of both the VentureWell OPEN conference and the Deshpande Symposium and blends the best of both into a single, dynamic event experience. With a focus on cutting-edge ideas, impactful partnerships, and bold leadership, this summit is designed for anyone ready to drive meaningful change in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Visit the VIA homepage to learn more about the summit and how you can get involved.
OPEN 2024 by the Numbers
355 individuals attended, 61% first-time attendees, and nearly 70% having more than five years in the I&E field
10,000+ unique visitors to the OPEN webpages between August 2023 and March 2024
45% of attendees from U.S. Institutions were from Minority Serving Institutions
44 sessions offered at OPEN 2024
94% of respondents said the conference fulfilled their reasons for attending
140 presenters spoke at OPEN 2024
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW
Who You’ll Meet at VIA
Faculty, university leadership, and researchers
Connect with hundreds of higher education STEM experts from institutions nationwide and beyond.
Industry leaders
Network with current and aspiring corporate partners in the higher education ecosystem. Form strategic alliances and showcase your leadership in STEM innovation.
Government innovation experts
Discover upcoming federal programs and establish vital partnerships with numerous government agencies and their higher education networks.
Early-stage innovators and aspiring researchers
Collaborate with and learn from nascent entrepreneurs, graduate students, and postdocs about their transformative ideas and impactful innovations.
Sponsorship Levels
Logo placement on all digital summit materials, summit website, and signage
Social media acknowledgment
Summit app sponsor profile
Sponsor table
Partners Dinner invitation
Dedicated breakout session
Summit track sponsor
Innovation Lab exhibit
Newsletter digital banner
Email newsletter item (event/program promo)
Email blast
Featured sponsor of mainstage keynote session (brand recognition, 3 min. podium time)
Special event featured sponsor
Access
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
Add-On Branding Opportunities
(Must be a Supporter-level sponsor or above to choose)
Email blast to conference attendees | $1,000 (max of 2 per organization)
Innovation Lab Exhibitor | $2,000 (limited availability)
Key Card Sponsor | $2,500 (1 available)
WiFi Sponsor | $3,000 (1 available)
Networking Coffee Break Sponsor|$3,500 (4 available)
Lanyard Sponsor | $4,000 (1 available)
Professional Headshot Sponsor| $5,000 (1 available)
Visionary | $75,000
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
● Logo placement on all digital summit materials, summit website, and physical signage
● VIA Impact Awards featured sponsor
● Featured sponsor of mainstage keynote sessionbrand recognition, 3 min. podium time (see pg. 10)
● Three dedicated social media posts
● Conference app sponsor profile
● Dedicated breakout session (host a customized 60-minute breakout session)
● Conference track sponsor (see pg. 10)
● Four newsletter digital banners
● Sponsor table or Innovation Lab exhibit
● Three email newsletter items (event, program, or content promotion)
● Three custom email blasts
● Five complimentary conference registrations
● Unlimited discounted registrations (tiered fee based on date)
● Invitation to exclusive Partners Dinner
● Five complimentary VIA Impact Awards guest tickets
Champion | $50,000
JUNE 10-12, 2025 |
● Logo placement on all digital summit materials, summit website, and physical signage
● VIA Summit Welcome Reception or Innovation Lab reception featured co-sponsor
● Featured sponsor of mainstage keynote sessionbrand recognition, 3 min. podium time (see pg. 10)
● Two dedicated social media posts
● Conference app sponsor profile
● Dedicated breakout session (host a customized 60-minute breakout session)
● Conference track sponsor (see pg. 10)
● Three newsletter digital banners
● Sponsor table or Innovation Lab exhibit
● Two email newsletter items (event, program, or content promotion)
● Two custom email blasts
● Four complimentary conference registrations
● Four discounted registrations (tiered fee based on date)
● Invitation to exclusive Partners Dinner
● Four complimentary VIA Impact Awards guest tickets
Innovator | $25,000
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW
ORLEANS
● Logo placement on all digital summit materials, summit website, and physical signage
● Partners Reception / Dinner featured sponsor
● Featured sponsor of mainstage keynote sessionbrand recognition, 3 min. podium time (see pg. 10)
● One dedicated social media acknowledgement post
● Conference app sponsor profile
● Dedicated breakout session (host a customized 60-minute breakout session)
● Conference track sponsor (see pg. 10)
● Two newsletter digital banners
● Sponsor table or Innovation Lab exhibit
● One email newsletter item (event, program, or content promotion)
● One custom email blasts
● Three complimentary conference registrations
● Two discounted registrations (tiered fee based on date)
● Invitation to exclusive Partners Dinner
● Three complimentary VIA Impact Awards guest tickets
JUNE 10-12, 2025 |
Keynote and Conference Track Info for Visionary, Champion, and Innovator Level Sponsors
Featured sponsor of mainstage keynote session
Opportunity to display collateral near the buffet area, as well as the main stage, including but not limited to pop-up banners, table tents, flyers, swag, and giveaways
● Logo on presentation slides
● Welcome attendees to the session, including 3-5 minutes of podium time
● Chance to serve as a main stage panel or Q&A moderator Conference track sponsor
● Opportunity to display collateral in the hallway and space near the conference track rooms, including but not limited to pop-up banners, table tents, flyers, and swag
● Welcome attendees to the first session, including 1-2 minutes of podium time
● Chance to serve as a panel or Q&A moderator
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
Changemaker | $10,000
● Logo placement on all digital summit materials, summit website, and physical signage
● Pre-conference event featured sponsor
● Social media sponsor acknowledgement
● Conference app sponsor profile
● Dedicated breakout session (host a customized 60-minute breakout session)
● One newsletter digital banner
● Sponsor table or Innovation Lab exhibit
● One custom email blast
● Two complimentary conference registrations
● One discounted registration (tiered fee based on date)
● Invitation to exclusive Partners Dinner
● Two complimentary VIA Impact Awards guest tickets
Collaborator | $5,000
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
● Logo placement on all digital summit materials, summit website, and physical signage
● Social media sponsor acknowledgement
● Conference app sponsor profile
● Sponsor table
Supporter | $2,500
● Logo placement on all digital summit materials, summit website, and physical signage
● Social media sponsor acknowledgement
● Conference app sponsor profile
● One complimentary conference registration
● One complimentary VIA Impact Awards guest ticket
● One complimentary conference registration
JUNE 10-12, 2025 |
Innovation Lab Interactive Exhibit Booth Opportunity
The VIA Innovation Lab is a vibrant, interactive exhibiting space that showcases groundbreaking advancements in technology development, research, and STEM innovation. The Lab brings together trailblazers from government, industry, and higher education to ignite big ideas and spark powerful collaborations.
What can be showcased in the lab?
● Cutting-Edge Technologies: Demonstrations of emerging technologies in areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology, AI, and advanced manufacturing. (Ex., a showcase of sustainable energy solutions developed in collaboration with university research labs and industry leaders).
● Interactive Research Exhibits: Presentations from higher education institutions featuring applied research projects, with a focus on their potential for commercialization. (Ex., virtual reality experiences for medical training or prototype displays for next-generation materials).
● Government-Industry Collaborations: Displays illustrating successful government and industry partnerships that have accelerated innovation, such as federally funded programs or projects supported through public-private partnerships. (Ex., exhibits from National Laboratories showcasing collaborative efforts with startups and industry partners).
To inquire about the Innovation Lab opportunity, contact us at via@venturewell.org.
● Startups and Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Highlighting startups that have emerged from academic research, complete with product demonstrations and success stories. (Ex., university spin-offs that have developed breakthrough technologies now entering the market).
● Interactive Innovation Challenges: Engage attendees with fun, hands-on activities and challenges that put their problem-solving skills to the test. (Ex.,design sprints, rapid prototyping sessions, or crowdsourced brainstorming competitions, all aimed at driving fresh ideas and creative solutions in real-time.)
Each Booth Includes: 10x10 Exhibit space
HD LCD data/video display
6ft table with 2 chairs + linen
Booth Cost: $2,000
Special Events
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
Our special events are an engaging and lively way for attendees to network with old and new friends and connect with industry contacts. The Visionary, Champion, Innovator, and Changemaker levels come with the benefit of sponsoring or co-sponsoring one of VIA’s special events, providing significant brand visibility.
VIA Impact Awards
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
The VIA Impact Awards—the headliner special event of the summit—will celebrate the trailblazing innovators shaking up the I&E world.
From government to industry to higher education, these changemakers are redefining what’s possible across the country. This will be a high-energy celebration filled with inspiring moments and captivating storytelling as we honor the visionaries whose groundbreaking ideas and relentless drive are making innovation waves.
VISIONARY
Special Events
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
Our special events are an engaging and lively way for attendees to network with old and new friends and connect with industry contacts. The Visionary, Champion, Innovator, and Changemaker levels come with the benefit of sponsoring or co-sponsoring one of VIA’s special events, providing significant brand visibility.
Innovation Lab Reception
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
The Innovation Lab is your go-to hub for pushing the boundaries of innovation!
Leaders and champions from across the STEM world will come together to spark new ideas, forge impactful partnerships, and shape the future of research and technology.
CHAMPION
Special Events
NOLA Innovation Tour
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
We’ll explore innovation sites across New Orleans, from on-campus higher ed entrepreneurship centers and cutting-edge innovation spaces to incubators and community hubs. Year after year, the tour is a sold-out and waitlisted pre-conference event, drawing attendees looking to shape their ecosystems.
Welcome Reception
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
The Welcome Reception is the official opening of VIA, where connections spark and ideas come to life. Taking place at the hotel venue set in the French Quarter. Be part of the energy and inspiration that sets the tone for an unforgettable summit experience!
Partners Dinner
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
This invite-only dinner is an opportunity for our summit sponsors and industry partners to network with VentureWell staff and board members, as well as leaders in the higher education I&E ecosystem.
CHANGEMAKER
Past Sponsors
JUNE 10-12, 2025 | NEW ORLEANS
