From Ideation to Impact: Commercializing Early-Stage Sustainable Innovation

UPDATE – POSTPONED UNTIL MARCH 26

Early-stage sustainable innovations face distinct challenges long before questions of scale arise. Moving from ideation and research into real-world use requires access to the right resources, partners, and pathways for adoption. In this session, Ashwathi Iyer will explore how innovators navigate this transition, drawing on concrete case studies that illustrate different models for commercialization and adoption by industry or community partners.

The discussion will highlight resources available to innovators, common barriers encountered at this early stage, and practical approaches to achieving real-world uptake. While some examples are specific to the University of Michigan, others draw from Ashwathi’s experience working in the social sector in India, with tools and lessons that apply broadly. The conversation will also surface potential touch points between university researchers and the Ann Arbor business and sustainability community, emphasizing collaboration, translation, and impact.

promo image for March meet up

Event Details

Rescheduled to March 26 (originally January 22).
Cahoots Coworking, 206 E. Huron

8:00–8:30 AM – Coffee and conversation

8:30–9:00 AM – Featured talk

9:00–9:30 AM – Q&A and more networking

Thanks Bill Crane for co-hosting these gatherings.

So grateful to Ann Arbor SPARK and the Green Business Challenge for their continued support of the Sustainable Innovation Meet Up.

More on this series here