Urbana Campus Research Calendar (OVCRI)

Join the FAST (Federal and State Technology) Center of Illinois for a monthly SBIR/STTR webinar event from 2:00-3:00pm on March 31, 2026.

Fuel Your Startup: Access Illinois' $114M Equity Capital Program — Insights from DCEO & Funded Founders

The Illinois Innovation Venture Fund (INVENT) is a $114 million direct equity capital program funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). This session will provide an overview of the INVENT program, eligibility requirements, and how your business can access equity capital to grow and thrive, including firsthand perspectives from Illinois startup founders who have already gone through the process.

DCEO is committed to ensuring opportunities for founders and communities that have faced barriers to accessing capital. INVENT is dedicated to supporting very small businesses (fewer than 10 employees), Capital Disadvantaged Business (CDB) owners, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI), and businesses in industries aligned with the state's key sectors in Illinois' economic development plan.

Featured Speakers

Donna Yuen - Venture Capital Program Manager, State of Illinois (DCEO)

Donna is the Venture Capital Program Manager at the State of Illinois, where she oversees the INVENT program and works to expand access to equity capital for Illinois entrepreneurs and small businesses. Prior to joining the State, she managed LP relationships and supported fund operations across $250 million in capital at 7wire Ventures, a key investor behind the largest digital health deal in history. She brings nearly two decades of experience in the public and private sectors and offers a unique perspective on connecting underserved entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow.

Gabe Price - Co-founder & Research Lead, Earnest Agriculture

Gabe is the Co-founder and Research Lead of Earnest Agriculture, an Illinois-based startup that designs bacterial-based seed coatings to reduce farm pesticide and fertilizer use. Earnest Agriculture has grown with support from the Illinois entrepreneurship ecosystem, including participation in the iVenture Accelerator program, receiving an Illinois Innovation Voucher, and winning the Edwin Moore Agricultural Innovation Prize. Through his work, Earnest has also been awarded Phase I STTR grants from both the NSF and USDA as well as a private grant from Dairy Farmers of America to develop new products for corn and sorghum. To date, his team has raised over $2.4 million in funding and is a portfolio company of both IndieBio NY and AgLaunch. Gabe will share his experience navigating the INVENT program and offer practical advice for fellow founders seeking equity funding.

Alex Gorsuch - Co-founder & CTO, Ascent Integrated Tech

Alex is the Principal Architect of the WearTAK software, which connects smartwatches to the Tactical Assault Kit software platform developed by the Air Force Research Lab. He taught mission discovery for 5 years and architected 68 warfighter-driven workflows within the WearTAK system, focusing on enhancing the interoperability, lethality, and readiness of the dismounted operator while ensuring information dominance against freedom's adversaries. He fielded 682 watches across the Department of War, Federal Agencies, Allied partners, and Civilian Public Safety sectors, reaching every branch of service. He also stewarded $7.3M in non-dilutive research and development funding to ensure the WearTAK system remains free to all public safety and warfighters, forever. Alex will share his experience securing INVENT funding and what he wishes he had known going into the process.

This is a free, virtual event, but registration is required. The Zoom link to the webinar will be emailed to you upon completion of your registration. 

Recording Notice: By registering for this webinar, you acknowledge and agree that it will be recorded and shared online for public viewing.

For more information and how to access more resources, visit the FAST Center at Illinois website. 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.