UR Ventures: Risk Assessment Lecture on 3/17

The latest session of Technology Commercialization at the University of Rochester Lecture Series will be held on Tuesday, March 17, from noon–1:00 p.m. in the Gowen Room in Wilson Commons. Focusing on risk assessment for technology investments, the session will focus on the thought process investors go through when evaluating an opportunity for investment. The discussion, presented by Omar Bakht, director of new ventures and technology development, will include issues around scientific risk, technology risk, market risk, regulatory risk, and more. Through this understanding, inventors and entrepreneurs will be better prepared to approach investors and minimize risks. Please RSVP to Kelly Smith. Lunch will be provided.

Eastman Virtual Event: Lessons from a Streetwise Professor: A Conversation on Music Entrepreneurship: 3/17

Entrepreneurship is a major buzz word in music schools today, and a topic of growing interest in the arts. But what does it really mean for musicians looking to build a career in the 21st century? How can musicians prepare for careers that are increasingly entrepreneurial? How can musicians separate themselves, follow their dreams, and make a living doing it? Dr. Ramon Ricker has been at the forefront of this discussion, leading innovative programs at the Eastman School's Institute for Music Leadership and writing about it in his 2011 book Lessons From a Street-Wise Professor; What You Won’t Learn at Most Music Schools. Dr. Ricker will discuss what skills and experiences he sees as being crucial for success. Join us on Tuesday, March 17 at 8 p.m. EST. This is a free event. Learn how to participate online.

Red Paperclip Challenge: 3/20 - 21

The SPARK Entrepreneurs club is holding a 24-hour Red Paperclip Challenge for students at all levels of study from Friday, March 20 to Saturday, March 21. Event registration starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday in the Rettner Hall atrium. The event will kick off with an introduction about the Challenge, ice-breakers, and optional brainstorming sessions. Over the next 24 hours, SPARK e-board members will take shifts operating the table in Rettner, where they will be offering free coffee and help for participants. The Rettner screen will display a live Twitter feed of the teams’ documented trade transactions. At 6:00 p.m. the following night, all participants will return and present their final item to three judges. Three winners will be selected and awarded cash prizes. The event will close with food, networking, and live DJing from WRUR. Watch the trailer and pre-register on Facebook.

Mark Ain Workshop 2 Rescheduled: 3/26

The 2015 Mark Ain Business Model Workshop Series continues with the second workshop “Sharks and Angels Read Between The Lines: How to Deliver a Winning Marketing and Sales Story,” a presentation by Sarah Plasky-Sachdev, CEO of Aquavation. The workshop has been rescheduled for 4 to 5:15 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in Schlegel Hall 207. Workshops are free and open to all members of the University and the general public. The competition (submissions are due April 15) is open to currently enrolled University students at any level of study. Food and refreshments will be provided at each workshop. Attendees must register online or call 276-3500.