May 15, 2024

This paid event listing is sponsored by IEEE-USA.

IEEE-USA will host the Innovation, Workforce and Research Conference June 10-11, bringing the CHIPS Act to South Dakota with key sponsors AFRL Regional Network-Midwest and South Dakota State University.

This exciting two-day event will feature an evening reception June 10 and a full-day summit June 11 in Sioux Falls. The program agenda is available here.”

Those who can’t attend the Tuesday event can still attend the Monday reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The District, 4521 W. Empire Place.

IWRC offers a forum for experts from the region and across the country to discuss research grants, technology transfer programs, startup funding, intellectual property and a host of other topics related to inspiring and empowering true innovation in the Dakotas and the Midwest. Most importantly, IWRC brings together change-makers from key parts of local economies to meet, learn, talk and plan for how the CHIPS Act will affect this corner of America.

“The IWRC Dakotas Conference is not just about exchanging ideas,” said Stacy Manni, Ph.D., a conference sponsor and director of AFRL Regional Network-Midwest.

“It’s about catalyzing economic growth and prosperity in the Dakota region. Our network aims to facilitate collaboration across the Midwest and help state and local partners better engage with the federal government.”

Sandra Richardson, Ph.D., a conference speaker and head of the research capacity and competitiveness section at NSF Office of Integrated Activities, agrees.

“By fostering partnerships, leveraging resources and enhancing the research infrastructure within EPSCoR jurisdictions, we are creating an environment where creativity and innovation flourish in our jurisdictions and, more broadly, in businesses throughout the United States.”

The conference agenda also features expert-led discussions on a wide array of topics, including the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, Small Business Administration, federal partnerships, the future of the South Dakota workforce, partnering with tribal colleges and more.

Participants also can expect engaging breakout sessions on topics such as funding opportunities, utilizing state and local resources, AI, regional economic development and how the CHIPS Act affects South Dakota and neighboring regions.

“South Dakotans are natural innovators,” said president José-Marie Griffiths of Dakota State University, a conference speaker.

“That is why our universities are stepping up to offer cutting-edge courses to ensure South Dakotans have the jobs of the future, like advanced degrees in artificial intelligence we now offer at Dakota State University.”

Other speakers include:

• Brian McJilton, Air Force Research Laboratory Office of Small Business.
• Antonio de la Serna, Siemens EDA.
• Derek DeGeest, DeGeest Corp.
• Mike Kiley, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office.
• Sarah Hughes, CHIPS R&D Metrology Program.
• Susan Feindt and Jade Borgeson, National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology, or NATCAST.

The IWRC Dakotas Conference is an excellent chance for stakeholders across the region to join forces and contribute to the growth and prosperity of local innovation economies. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to take an active role in planning the future success of your community.

Tickets are available now! Use the code STARTUPSF for a discount. To get information, see the program agenda or register, visit here.

About IEEE-USA

IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization.