Registration open for Innovation Week events

Celebrate Case Western Reserve University’s entrepreneurial spirit at the third annual Innovation Week, packed with networking sessions, daily workshops, innovation awards and more. 

Registration is now open for this year’s Innovation Week, which is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28, through Friday, Nov. 1. It centers around the theme “Failure and Persistence in Innovation.” 

All faculty, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend Innovation Week, including the four featured lunchtime sessions. Free meals and networking time will be available during each session.

Read highlights of the week’s activities below, or see the complete schedule and register for events today.

Day 1: Kickoff luncheon featuring James Kenyon; plus presentation of Faculty Distinguished Research Awards.

Monday, Oct. 28
Noon-2 p.m.

James A. Kenyon, director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, will share stories of perseverance during and through failure. 

President Eric W. Kaler will present this year’s Faculty Distinguished Research Awards.

Lunch will be provided.

Register for Day 1 event.

Day 2: Luncheon featuring Patrick Hanley; plus presentation of Innovator of the Year awards

Tuesday, Oct. 29
Noon–2 p.m.

Patrick Hanley, research and development director at Dow Chemical, will deliver a keynote speech focused on this year’s theme: “Failure and Persistence in Innovation.” 

Michael Oakes, senior vice president for research and technology management, will present Innovator of the Year awards.

Lunch will be provided.

Register for Day 2 event.

Day 3: Luncheon and SEEK contest/awards

Wednesday, Oct. 30
Noon–2:30 p.m.

Inspired by the history of the Michelson Morley experiment, the “Serendipitous Epiphany through Efforts to gain Knowledge” (SEEK) Award will be awarded to the faculty researcher whose persistence through research setbacks led to the best unintended and unexpected results. 

Submissions for the SEEK award are due by Friday, Oct. 18. Learn how to apply to the SEEK contest.

Physics Emeritus Professor Phil Taylor will lead the event, and audience votes will determine the winners. Finalists will win $500 while the top award winner will receive $1,000. 

Lunch will be provided.

Register for Day 3 event.

Day 4: Luncheon and industry panel discussion

Thursday, Oct. 31
Noon–2 p.m.

Leaders from Nestle, Sherwin Williams and Lubrizol will share stories of failure and success during this lunchtime panel.

This year’s Milestone Awards will also be presented.

Lunch will be provided.

Register for Day 4 event.

Day 5: Pitch-Your-Poster Contest

Friday, Nov. 1
Noon–3 p.m.

Students and postdocs are encouraged to enter the Pitch-Your-Poster Contest, which will be held on Friday, Nov. 1. Ten $1,000 awards will be awarded by CWRU and regional judges. Students and postdocs who wish to present must complete the online participation form by Monday, Oct. 21. They also must register for the event on CampusGroups.

Register for Day 5 event.