Lab to Impact: A Red Apple from the Lab to Your Shopping Cart: The SNAPDRAGON® Story
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/lab-to-impact-a-red-apple-from-the-lab-to-your-shopping-cart
Join us for an engaging discussion with Dr. Susan Brown, Cornell University’s renowned apple breeder, who will share the remarkable journey of commercializing the SNAPDRAGON® apple. Discover how a single cross-pollination in a Cornell research orchard in 1998 evolved into a premium apple variety now available in grocery stores nationwide.

In today’s competitive fruit marketplace, developing a successful new apple variety requires more than just exceptional tasting variety. A discussion of how the commercialization of SNAPDRAGON® parallels the modern startup journey, including challenges in intellectual property protection, strategic partnerships, and brand development. Familiar topics in bringing SNAPDRAGON® to market include navigating the product development landscape, market fit, scaling, and international expansion – challenges familiar to any entrepreneur.

This hour-long virtual discussion offers unique insights into how university innovations can successfully transition to the marketplace and challenge traditional academic approaches to plant breeding.
Register here.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Spring 2026 Information Session
2026-03-13 12:00 - 13:00
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program offering up to $50,000 to help Cornell research teams advance disclosed inventions toward commercialization. Funding supports work that moves technologies toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
Applications are open from March 2 to April 24, 2026.
Who Should Apply?

Cornell faculty

Postdoctoral researchers

PhD innovators

Research teams developing technologies with commercial potential

Join our next info session on March 13 at noon. This session will provide an overview of:

Program goals and funding scope

Application process and timeline

Eligibility and selection criteria

How this program fits into the Ignite: Lab to Market funding series

Register here.

Lab to Impact: Building Bridges — Bringing Life Sciences Technologies to Market Through Business Development
2026-03-25 12:00 - 13:00 | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/lab-to-impact-building-bridges-bringing-life-sciences-technologies-to-market-through-business-development
This Lab to Impact session will explore the strategic role of business development and partnering in advancing life sciences innovation from academia to industry. Through a moderated discussion, we will compare how venture capital, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical organizations evaluate academic technologies, define partnership objectives, and engage in collaboration. Hosted by Jamie Brisbois, Manager of Business Development and Licensing at CTL at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Register here.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Spring 2026 Information Session 2
2026-03-27 12:00 - 13:00
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program offering up to $50,000 to help Cornell research teams advance disclosed inventions toward commercialization. Funding supports work that moves technologies toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
Applications are open from March 2 to April 24, 2026.
Who Should Apply?

Cornell faculty

Postdoctoral researchers

PhD innovators

Research teams developing technologies with commercial potential

Join our next info session on March 27 at noon. This session will provide an overview of:

Program goals and funding scope

Application process and timeline

Eligibility and selection criteria

How this program fits into the Ignite: Lab to Market funding series

Register here.

Ignite Innovation Acceleration Spring 2026 Information Session 3
2026-04-10 12:00 - 13:00
Ignite Innovation Acceleration is a gap funding program offering up to $50,000 to help Cornell research teams advance disclosed inventions toward commercialization. Funding supports work that moves technologies toward licensing, startup formation, or industry partnerships.
Applications are open from March 2 to April 24, 2026.
Who Should Apply?

Cornell faculty

Postdoctoral researchers

PhD innovators

Research teams developing technologies with commercial potential

Join our next info session on April 10 at noon. This session will provide an overview of:

Program goals and funding scope

Application process and timeline

Eligibility and selection criteria

How this program fits into the Ignite: Lab to Market funding series

Register here.

Lab to Impact: The Rocky Road to Instant Ice Cream
2026-04-29 12:00 - 13:00 | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/lab-to-impact-the-rocky-road-to-instant-ice-cream
Using the evolution of instant ice cream technology as a captivating case study, our distinguished speakers will explore the complex landscape of food tech commercialization. From regulatory hurdles and scaling challenges to consumer acceptance and market timing, discover how game-changing food innovations make their way from bench to brand.
Hosted by Marie Donnelly, Business Development and Licensing Manager at CTL
Register here.

Lab to Impact: The Hard Reality of Building a Biotech Startup - A CEO's Perspective
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 | https://ctl.cornell.edu/event/lab-to-impact-the-hard-reality-of-building-a-biotech-startup-a-ceos-perspective
Join us for an exclusive virtual presentation that will demystify the complex world of biotech entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a scientist, researcher, or aspiring entrepreneur, this comprehensive session will equip you with the essential tools to transform your innovations into successful ventures.
Hosted by Lynda Inseque, Director of Technology and Venture Initiatives & Engagement at CTL.
Register here.
