RCCD APEX Accelerator Director Engages in Innovation and Collaboration at SBIR/STTR Conference
10/30/2024

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) proudly announces the participation of Valorie Piper, MBA, Interim APEX Accelerator Director, at the 2024 SBIR/STTR Conference held on October 22-23 at the University of California, Riverside. The conference convened experts from academia, industry, and government to share insights into funding opportunities, technology innovation, and business development.
Piper represented RCCD’s ongoing commitment to supporting economic development by engaging with thought leaders and innovators focused on advancing small businesses and entrepreneurship through federal programs. "Participating in the SBIR/STTR Conference was a tremendous opportunity to connect with regional partners and explore strategies for supporting innovation within our community," said Piper.
The two-day event featured workshops and panel discussions with high-profile presenters from agencies including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Key topics included research commercialization, intellectual property protection, and crafting compelling funding proposals.
"The insights gained from this conference will further empower RCCD’s APEX Accelerator to better assist small businesses in the region with navigating federal funding programs and building sustainable growth," Piper added.
Piper also participated in discussions focused on defense funding and academic-corporate partnerships, emphasizing RCCD’s role as a critical bridge between local entrepreneurs and federal innovation initiatives. The event highlighted RCCD’s commitment to fostering regional partnerships that fuel job creation and economic development.
For more information about RCCD’s involvement in workforce and economic development initiatives, please contact the Office of Workforce and Economic Development.
About RCCD
Riverside Community College District (RCCD) serves students and communities through its three colleges—Moreno Valley College, Norco College, and Riverside City College. RCCD is committed to providing accessible and high-quality education, workforce training, and community development initiatives.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications