What: Symposium celebrating the vibrant startup ecosystem developing at the University of Montana, hosted by the University of Montana College of Business
When: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 6th
Where: Gallagher Business Building, Room 106, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59802
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
This two-hour event celebrates innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship at the University of Montana—and showcases how students and alumni are shaping the future of business in Montana and beyond. Appetizers will be provided as part of a networking lead-in that begins at 12:30 p.m.
Connor Folley, College of Business alumnus and serial entrepreneur, will share insights on entrepreneurship and his work with artificial intelligence in a talk titled “Scaling Smarter: Lessons from Building in the Age of AI.”
The program also includes a brief discussion on new entrepreneurship initiatives at UM, followed by GrizPitch, the student elevator pitch competition—where emerging Grizzly founders will present their ideas live.
We hope you’ll join us in supporting UM and Missoula’s growing innovation ecosystem, celebrating alumni, and cheering on the next generation of UM entrepreneurs.
The event is free and open to all interested in supporting and further developing entrepreneurship in Montana. Registration isn’t required. For more information, please contact Erik Guzik at erik.guzik[at]umontana.edu.
Agenda Highlights:
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Check-In & Networking - Enjoy light appetizers and connect with fellow students, alumni, and local entrepreneurs.
1:30 pm - 2:10 pm: Building Regional Entrepreneurship and Innovation through GRIZ - Exploring GRIZ (Grizzly Regional Innovation Zone), a collection of new initiatives and programs to support entrepreneurship at and beyond UM.
2:15 pm - 2:55 pm: Scaling Smarter: Lessons from Building in the Age of AI - Featured Speaker: Connor Folley, UM College of Business alumnus and entrepreneur
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm: GrizPitch - Selected UM students, researchers, and faculty pitch their ideas in front of the live theater audience.