In response to a growing need across the University, Pitt is growing a new community to support innovators at every stage of their journey. We are excited to invite you to be part of the Community of Innovators, an in-person initiative from the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) that brings together researchers, OIE staff, and external experts for education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. As a member, you’ll have access to resources that can accelerate your translational research and increase your chances of securing future funding and success.
Upcoming In-Person Sessions - RSVP for Any or All!
Sept. 8, 2026 — Week 1: Jonathan Pearlman, PhD
Murdoch Building, 3rd floor 3:30-5 p.m. Faculty innovation and entrepreneurship journey at Pitt: resources and experiences.
RSVP for the Sept. 8 sessionSept. 15, 2026 — Week 2: The first steps toward commercialization: IP and funding Status
University of Pittsburgh Big Idea Center 3:30-4:30 p.m. Presented with Carnegie Mellon University and Startup Pittsburgh. This session is shorter than the others and uses a separate registration link.
RSVP for the Sept. 15 sessionSept. 22, 2026 — Week 3: Tyree Williams, PhD
University of Pittsburgh Big Idea Center 3:30-5 p.m. Beyond the dissertation: translating academic research into medical device innovation.
RSVP for the Sept. 22 sessionOct. 6, 2026 — Week 4
Murdoch Building, 3rd floor 3:30-5 p.m. Topic to be announced.
RSVP for the Oct. 6 sessionOct. 13, 2026 — Week 5
Murdoch Building, 3rd floor 3:30-5 p.m. Topic to be announced.
RSVP for the Oct. 13 sessionOct. 20, 2026 — Week 6
Murdoch Building, 3rd floor 3:30-5 p.m. Topic to be announced.
RSVP for the Oct. 20 sessionOct. 27, 2026 — Week 7
Murdoch Building, 3rd floor 3:30-5 p.m. Topic to be announced.
RSVP for the Oct. 27 sessionNov. 3, 2026 — Week 8
University of Pittsburgh Big Idea Center 3:30-5 p.m. Topic to be announced.
RSVP for the Nov. 3 sessionNov. 10, 2026 — Week 9
Murdoch Building, 3rd floor 3:30-5 p.m. Topic to be announced.
RSVP for the Nov. 10 sessionNov. 17, 2026 — Week 10
Murdoch Building, 3rd floor 3:30-5 p.m. Topic to be announced.
RSVP for the Nov. 17 sessionProgram FAQ
The Community of Innovators is open to Pitt faculty and staff. No prior innovation experience and no project idea are required. Participants take part at their own pace.
Discover who can join the Community of Innovators and how you can get involved—whether you’re just curious or already have an idea. Learn about the flexible, low-pressure approach to participation and what to expect before and after joining.
No, you’re welcome to join without a specific project in mind. The program is designed to support individuals exploring innovation and commercialization.
No specific steps are required. Participants are encouraged to explore OIE’s other education, mentoring, and funding opportunities at their own pace.
Explore when and where sessions take place, what the weekly experience looks like, and why in-person attendance is key. Get a preview of the engaging talks, team updates, and networking opportunities that define the program.
Fall 2026 sessions are held Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Sept. 8 through Nov. 17, 2026, on Pitt’s Oakland campus. There is no session the week of Sept. 29. The Sept. 15 session ends at 4:30 p.m. Sessions meet either in the Murdoch Building, 3rd floor, or at the University of Pittsburgh Big Idea Center; the location for each date is listed in the session schedule on this page.
No, sessions are in-person only. The program’s education, mentoring, and networking components are best experienced face-to-face.
Sessions feature talks from invited speakers, updates from Pitt innovation teams supported by OIE, and discussions with experienced innovators. Each session includes active discussion and dedicated networking time.
Community of Innovators – Goals
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Provide Pitt innovators with opportunities to explore their interests in innovation and commercialization.
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Introduce participants to the Pitt SPARK program, which draws inspiration from the SPARK academic translation model developed at Stanford and disseminated via SPARK GLOBAL.
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Introduce participants to the funding and training programs offered through Pitt’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
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Provide opportunities for participants to develop relationships with other Pitt innovators.
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Provide opportunities for participants to connect with and learn from experienced innovators and entrepreneurs.