The Innovation 2 Market (I2M) Patent Showcase will be held on August 14, 2025, in Champaign, IL, for businesses and investors to learn about featured technologies developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). ERDC seeks to identify business entities with manufacturing or distribution capabilities that can benefit from commercialization of ERDC patented technologies. There is no cost to attend.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for businesses and investors with the potential to introduce new innovations to the marketplace.
Why You Should Participate
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with ERDC inventors and learn about ERDC’s streamlined licensing process which makes it easier to evaluate and pursue market potential of ERDC CERL’s innovations. Many of these patented technologies have been prototyped, proven, and have dual-use applicability. Participants will be introduced to ERDC patents including:
- Automated Construction of Expeditionary Structures (ACES), a 3D concrete printer that can fabricate buildings efficiently and inexpensively
- Bacterial Process for Production of Active Coagulant Protein, highly effective, scalable and economic solution for clean water
- Carbon Nanotubes Engineered for Stability and Scalability, scalable, non-destructive biological fabrication method for single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)
- High Volume Air Stream Water Recovery System, recovers water for reuse with minimal energy expenditure
- Hydrogel-Enzyme Systems and Methods, perform bioreactions for cleanup in harsh conditions
- Modular Assembly Shelter (MASh) Kit, enables rapid on-site construction of expeditionary shelters from lightweight materials
- Self-Regenerating Biofilter, maintenance-free water treatment system
Attendees will also learn how they can submit innovative solutions for funding consideration by ERDC.
Location
I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center (View in Google Maps)
1900 South First Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Lodging: Book group rate using Block Code: DERDX25 and Guest Password: z@ev5
Tentative Agenda
| Wednesday, August 13 (All times in CT) | |
| 1:30 pm | Guided Tour of ERDC CERL* (Meet at I Hotel for shuttle to CERL) |
| 5:00 pm | No-Host Social at Houlihan’s Restaurant (I Hotel) |
| Thursday, August 14 (All times in CT) | |
| 8:30 am | Sign In, Coffee & Networking |
| 9:00 am | Welcome & Signing Ceremony with New ERDC Partners (ERDC Office of Research and Technology Transfer) |
| 9:30 am | ERDC Overview (Dr. Andrew Nelson, Director of ERDC Construction Engineering Research Laboratory) |
| 10:00 am | Licensing Opportunities & Resources Panel |
| 11:00 am | Break |
| 11:10 am | Positioning Your Company for Licensing Success |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch on Your Own |
| 1:15 pm | Spotlight on ERDC Innovations |
| 2:50 pm | Remarks & Networking Launch |
| 3:00 pm | Networking Session (All Attendees) |
| 4:30 pm | Adjourn |
*Open to U.S. citizens only. Guided tour of ERDC is extremely limited capacity. Details will be available upon registration. Tour may involve uneven terrain and outdoor conditions; participants should be prepared for walking and potential weather exposure. Closed-toe shoes required.
Travel Accommodations
Airport
University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) (5.2 miles to I Hotel)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) (125 miles to I Hotel)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) (150 miles to I Hotel)
Lodging
I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center (Book group rate using Block Code: DERDX25 and Guest Password: z@ev5)
Other Resources
Dress Code
Business Casual
How to Participate
Click here to register to attend.
Questions: For event-related questions, contact [email protected].