Strategic Initiatives

Keep up to date on upcoming opportunities for Business & Industry collaboration and training by signing up for the Strategic Initiatives newsletter:

Strategic Initiatives Newsletter

See our list of current event and training opportunities below:

October

Experience Stratasys at Wichita State University

October 15-16 | 10:30AM - 2:30PM Both days

Explore the latest trends shaping the future of manufacturing at Experience Stratasys, coming to Wichita State University Oct. 15-16. Attendees can get an up-close look at the latest Stratasys 3D printers, materials, software and additive manufacturing solutions while connecting with engineers and production experts.

The event will run from 10:30AM.-2:30PM both days. Two Food trucks, The Flying Stove (Day 1) and Wok Hei Noodle House (Day 2), are available from 11AM-2PM.

Location: Campus Lot 35S, Outside of John Bardo Center at WSU

Register

ACIS 2026: Where the next frontier begins

October 20-21 | Wichita, KS

Strap in for two days of boundary‑breaking research and next‑orbit innovation at NIAR’s ATLAS Composites and Innovation Summit (ACIS). From automated manufacturing that moves at warp speed, to thermoplastic welding guided by real‑time “in‑flight” inspection, to next‑gen aerospace structures built for the vehicles of tomorrow, ACIS brings the industry’s brightest minds together for a mission of discovery.

Join government representatives, defense experts, tier‑1 suppliers, and materials pioneers as we navigate the future of advanced composites and aerospace manufacturing.

Register

SBA: Small Business Lender - Borrower Matchmaking & Resource Event

October 28 | 8 AM - 12:30 PM | WSU Metroplex, 5015 E. 29th St N

Representatives from several banks, certified development companies, credit unions, and alternative lending sources will be on hand to meet with existing and start-up business owners to discuss funding for:

  • Business Start-ups
  • Working Capital
  • Business Expansions
  • Refinancing
  • Business Modernization
  • Commercial Real Estate

Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to:

  • Pitch your business idea at a special One Million Cups.
  • Discuss financing needs with multiple lenders in scheduled, one-on-one 10-minute sessions!
  • Access business advisory services from participating resource organizations such as the SBA, SCORE, Kansas Small Business Development Center, etc.

Cost: Free to Attend

Register

November

Automated Fiber Placement Programming

November 2-6 | 8AM - 5PM

Learn to program automated fiber placement (AFP) parts using VERICUT Composites Programming (VCP), a third‑party software platform capable of supporting a wide range of AFP systems.

This five‑day, hands‑on course provides detailed instruction on required material specifications, model import workflows, course and ply generation, sequence linking, and post‑processing for AFP machines. Participants will receive guidance on exporting models and programs from VCP into VERICUT Composites Simulation (VCS) to verify layup accuracy, identify machine over‑travels, and detect potential collisions through a full simulation environment. Participants are encouraged to bring a sample part for use on day five, enabling direct application of newly acquired skills to a real aerospace component with support from experienced instructors.

Location: NIAR, Wichita State University main campus

Price: $1,250

The price displayed above for this course reflects a 50% subsidy, applied for all registrants through 2026. This discounted price is made possible by the EDA Build Back Better grant.

Register

Expert-Level Additive Manufacturing Certificate Program

November 17 - 19 | Cost: $750/seat

WSU NIAR’s Expert-Level Additive Manufacturing (AM) Certificate Program is an in-person, three-day training designed for graduate students, engineers, manufacturing professionals, technicians and researchers interested in developing industry-oriented AM skills. The program covers advanced CAD training, topology optimization, parameter optimization, ASTM-driven quality procedures, and the business and economics of AM, with a primary focus on metal powder bed fusion (PBF). Participants will also learn how Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles can be applied to 3D printing as an Industry 4.0 tool.

The training will be held at the below dates and times:

  • Nov. 17  9AM - 4:30PM
  • Nov. 18  9AM - 4:30PM
  • Nov. 19  9AM - 11AM

Register