Launching Oct. 22, 2025

The UMass Lowell Office of New Venture Development (NVD) and the Jack M. Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship (WCE) are excited to launch Round 3 of the UML Virtual Entrepreneurship Training Series. This semester’s theme focuses on transforming cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research into high-impact, scalable startups.

This program is designed for faculty, researchers and graduate students who are eager to explore how AI can drive innovation, commercialization and new venture creation.

Opening Speaker: Jack M. Wilson

Program Kickoff: Oct. 22, 2025

Opening Speaker: Jack M. Wilson, President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts

We’re honored to welcome back Professor Wilson to kick off this year’s series. As one of the nation’s foremost thought leaders in technology innovation and higher education entrepreneurship, Professor Wilson will lead the first session on Foundations of AI Entrepreneurship, exploring AI market trends, opportunities, and real-world case studies of successful academic spinouts.

Why Participate?

  • Gain practical insights into using AI across all startup functions (operations, market analysis, IP, etc.).
  • Learn from experienced leaders in academia, entrepreneurship, and AI.
  • Build skills in recognizing market opportunities, protecting intellectual property, and leveraging AI for efficiency.
  • Participants who attend at least 4 sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Manning – Jack Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship

Format & Schedule

  • Duration: Each session is 90 minutes via Zoom
  • Format: Weekly virtual workshops, delivered in two rounds (Fall 2025 & Spring 2026)
  • Structure: Two rounds: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Fall 2025

Session 1: Foundations of AI Entrepreneurship

  • Date and Time: Oct. 22 | Noon-1:30 pm
  • Speaker: Prof. Jack Wilson
  • Topics Covered:
    • AI market analysis and identifying commercial opportunities
    • Case studies of successful AI startups

Session 2: AI for Competitive Market Analysis

  • Date and Time: Oct. 29 | Noon-1:30 pm
  • Speaker: Associate Dean and Professor Yi Yang
  • Topics Covered:
    • Leveraging AI tools to analyze competitive landscapes
    • AI-driven market intelligence and trend forecasting

Session 3: AI-Enhanced Operational Efficiency

  • Date and Time: Nov. 5 | Noon-1:30 pm 
  • Speaker: Dean and Professor Bertie Greer
  • Topics Covered:
    • AI tools for cost reduction and process optimization
    • Automating routine business operations (finance, human resources, inventory management)

Session 4: Intellectual Property Strategies for AI

  • Date and Time: Nov. 12 | Noon-1:30 pm
  • Speaker: Mary Lou Wakimura and Keith Wood of Hamilton Brook Smith Reynolds (HBSR)
  • Topics Covered:
    • Securing intellectual property (IP) rights specific to AI technologies
    • Licensing and commercialization pathways

Program Outcomes

  • Understand key commercialization pathways for AI technologies
  • Gain actionable insights into IP protection, go-to-market strategy, and startup formation
  • Learn how to integrate AI into business operations to boost efficiency and scalability
  • Certificate of completion from the Manning - Jack Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship.

Register now. Space is limited!

For any questions about the program, please email Hakim_Hammach@uml.edu, director of New Venture Development, or email Yi_Yang@uml.edu, associate dean for graduate studies and research in the Manning School of Business.