Sponsorship
Launch Showcase
When: April 29, 2026 | 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: University of North Dakota Memorial Union, Social Stairs
The Launch Showcase is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship and the second installment of this growing event. Held on April 29, 2026, at the UND Memorial Union Social Stairs, the Showcase features short startup pitches followed by networking with founders from across UND’s entrepreneurship pipeline. Participating companies include Runway Accelerator founders, NSF I-Corps teams, ventures supported through SBA FAST and SBIR/STTR programs, and potential companies emerging from the Moonshot Initiative. The event brings together an audience of investors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurial ecosystem partners to help advance these companies and accelerate their development and impact.
Agenda
08/20/2026
04:30 PM
to 04:45 PM
Check-In
Check-In
08/20/2026
05:00 PM
to 06:25 PM
Program
Program
08/20/2026
06:30 PM
to 07:00 PM
Networking Reception
Networking Reception
Presenters
No speakers found
We couldn't find any speakers that match your filters. Please adjust the filters or check back soon.
Sponsors
UND Center for Innovation
UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
UND Research & Economic Development
S&S Promotional Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Please fill in the registration form with some basic information to get started.
The information you provide upon registration will only be used to establish you as a user on the platform and to create your login credentials. It will not be used for any other purposes.
Yes, the vFairs platform is compatible with any computer or mobile device and any browser.
Yes, this event is completely free to attend. We encourage you to login and have a look around at your convenience.
The event will be on demand indefinitely, however we may make updates and changes to the platform periodically. Make sure to keep checking back in to see our newest features in action!
SoS, Who should attend?
Industry
Owners, C-Level, VP-Level, Engineers, Legal, R&D, Patent/Small Business Attorneys, Finance & Venture Capital
Gain access to top-tier federal partners and insight into technology transfer, autonomy, and space-aligned SBIR programs.
Connect with officials from DoD, DOE, NSF, and other agencies seeking innovators and dual-use collaborators. If you think all the opportunities are in Texas and California — think again. Grand Forks is a growing hub for space innovation.
Academia
Presidents, Chancellors, VPRs, Tech Transfer Officers, Researchers
Academia - Why Attend?
Explore federal funding pipelines, network with mission-aligned agencies, and connect with entrepreneurs and startups ready to collaborate. From CHIPS Act partnerships to federal grant access, SOS is a launchpad for institutions looking to plug into the national space and tech economy.
Government
Federal, State & Local Policymakers, Program Officers, Incentive Managers, Economic Development Professionals
Government - Why Attend?
Meet the engineers, entrepreneurs, and researchers shaping North Dakota’s space future. Learn how to drive economic growth while fulfilling Congressional mandates.
UND and its innovation partners are creating a nationally relevant ecosystem and government agencies are invited to engage directly with on-the-ground change-makers.
Registration
Sponsorship Levels
Silver Sponsorship ($200-$1,000)
- Logo displayed on event website
- Grouped sponsor highlight on social media
- Recognition on event slideshow with verbal acknowledgment
- Logo listed in event program
- Recognition in post-event thank-you email
Gold Sponsorship ($1,000-$5,000)
- Logo displayed on event website
- Grouped sponsor highlight on social media
- Recognition on event slideshow with verbal acknowledgment
- Recognition in post-event thank-you email
- Mention in press release
- Half-page advertisement in event program
- Thank-you signage at the networking portion of the event
Platinum Sponsorship ($5,000+)
- Logo displayed on event website (premium placement)
- Dedicated thank-you posts across UND and partner social media channels
- Recognition on event slideshow with verbal acknowledgment
- Recognition in post-event thank-you email
- Mention in press release
- Half-page advertisement in event program
- Premium signage at the networking portion of the event
- Sponsor table at the event
Become a Mentor
Not ready to be a sponsor quite yet, but want to make a meaningful impact by working with our current and future founders?
Become a mentor!
Fill out this brief form and one of our team members will contact you soon.
Thank you for considering!