Unleash Your Potential Through Federal Innovation
FLIPspace offers a unique opportunity to explore and apply federal intellectual property (IP) to real-world challenges facing regions and communities. With access to innovative technologies and patents sourced from federal research labs across the U.S., participants work alongside peers to explore solutions to regionally relevant challenges—including challenges related to mobility, logistics, sustainability, and access across urban and rural contexts.
This access to federal IP means you can fast-track projects with cutting-edge solutions developed by top scientists and engineers, ready to be adapted to local and regional needs. Through structured exploration and applied learning, participants bring new ideas to life.
FLIPspace is a cohort-based program designed for postgraduates, faculty, university staff, and administrators interested in translating federal innovation into real-world impact. Participants do not need a technical background in the program’s focus area—just curiosity and a willingness to tackle real-world problems. You’ll dive into hands-on training in areas like:
- Tech transfer basics: Learn how to leverage federal IP to create tangible, market-ready solutions.
- Lean startup methodologies: Gain practical business-building skills to take your concept to market.
- Pitch preparation: Develop and refine your pitch and present your work to Highway Ventures, an Arkansas-based venture studio, to explore potential next steps, including incubation and funding opportunities.
Through the program, you’ll access exclusive mentorship from industry professionals, tailored training sessions, and ongoing support to refine, validate, and advance your solution.
Each FLIPspace cohort is grounded in regional context and real-world challenges. Recent cohorts have explored questions such as:
- How can we improve access to remote areas with limited public transportation?
- What green solutions could be used for freight and goods movement?
- How might we create sustainable transit options for local communities?
Your journey in FLIPspace will include dedicated guidance from mentors and experts from organizations like the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, Highway Ventures, and the Licensing Executives Society. Partner organizations vary by cohort. These advisors will support you in applying cutting-edge IP to tackle pressing problems and craft practical solutions.
Key Program Features
- Support every step of the way: Financial support and program resources may vary by cohort. You will also get plus access to resources, mentors, and industry connections.
- Access to innovative technologies and federal intellectual property: Work with nationally developed innovations and patents that can be adapted for diverse regional and institutional contexts.
- Pitch event with Highway Ventures: Present your solution to a venture studio for potential investment and incubation.
- Community of innovators: Join a statewide network of changemakers, each passionate about bringing fresh ideas to advanced mobility and creating lasting regional impact.
Who FLIPspace Is Designed For
FLIPspace is designed for postgraduates, faculty, and university-affiliated staff who are interested in exploring real-world challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants come from a range of disciplines and backgrounds and do not need a fully formed invention or prior startup experience.
The program is structured to support individuals who are curious, collaborative, and interested in applying venture-informed approaches to problem-solving within higher education and regional innovation ecosystems.
FLIPspace cohorts are developed and delivered in partnership with regional organizations, which lead recruitment and participant selection based on local priorities and needs.
Applications are currently closed. Sign up to receive updates on future cohorts.
Join a Collaborative Effort To Transform Arkansas Mobility
The FLIPspace program is delivered in partnership with organizations that support regional innovation and entrepreneurship. Current partners include Walton Family Foundation, the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, Highway Ventures, and the Licensing Executives Society. These organizations are committed to empowering the next generation of problem-solvers, providing valuable resources, guidance, and expertise to help you develop solutions with real impact.
With their support, you’ll have access to mentorship, funding, and pathways for growth, creating an ecosystem that allows your innovative ideas to thrive.