Innovator

Piranha Pond is a “pitch party” where a select group of entrepreneurs has up to 5 minutes to convince a panel of investors to meet with them to further discuss their ventures. Using a format similar to the popular television show Shark Tank, investors provide feedback to the entrepreneurs about their presentations and companies, and information to all about why they decide to be “In” or “Out.” If they are “In” they will meet with the Entrepreneur at a later time to discuss their company. If they are “Out” there is no interest at this time. Again, the investor lets us know why s/he will not move forward with the presenter.

For this event, TechSandBox seek companies beyond the idea stage. The ideal company will have raised funds from friends, family, and/or grants such as SBIR’s. If the company’s product is a software or SAAS product, it should be in beta testing or later.

Please note: There is a $50 application fee required in order to be considered. A selection committee will choose the top 8 applicants to present. The successful applicants will be deemed to have companies most likely to interest the investment panel. In the past, the successful companies have been beyond the idea stage, with a finished product and/or revenue or significant progress toward commercialization if a pharma, equipment or medical device company.

For more information, click here.

You’ve come up with a brilliant and innovative idea, submitted a patent application, and started your company. Are you done thinking about IP? No! IP is an ongoing process for innovators: as your inventions, products, marketing and business evolve, so too must your IP strategy and considerations.

•            What if you hire a design firm to improve the function or look and feel of your product?
•            What if your manufacturer comes up with a better way to make your product?
•            What if an employee leaves and takes a trade secret?
•            What if you change the name of your product?

As you bring in people – both internal and external – to expand your business,  you constantly need to protect your IP.

Wolf Greenfield and Manta Product Development will provide the legal and design engineering backdrop, and then delve into case studies that explore the interplay between ongoing product development and IP protection.  Eric Amundsen will be speaking for Wolf Greenfield and Bruce Ackman from Manta to explain considerations and answer any questions.

For more information, click here.

Come join Worcester CleanTech Incubator's welcoming community to share food, drink, and ideas.  This is open to all ideas, not just clean-tech.  Just bring your energy and positivity - everybody has something to share and something to gain. If you don't know what it is, come and find out. Wether you are a facilitator, an entrepreneur looking for training, or just curious - you start by showing up!

For more information, click here.

Millions of dollars in vouchers, from to $50,000 to $300,000 per small business, are available through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Small Business Vouchers Pilot. The vouchers allow small businesses to partner with the unique facilities and proven expertise of national labs.

Register to learn more about how Berkeley Lab can help your business overcome critical technological and commercialization challenges to reach market potential. 

To learn more about the Small Business Vouchers Pilot, click here.

To register for the webinar, click here.

Mr. Marcus Gay is the Executive Director of NEWIN (New England Water Innovation Network) – the water-innovation and industry cluster organization servicing water-sector members in the Northeastern US and he is founder of the innovation and insight services firm Novus Technical Services, LLC. Mr. Gay is a leading innovation and business strategy consultant with expertise in the oil & gas, renewable energy and water sectors and has worked in Massachusetts within the water, energy and environmental services industry for over 15 years. Through his work in technology development and as a consultant for clients in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors, Mr. Gay is able to provide a balanced and comprehensive view of water-innovation, the challenges and opportunities across the US landscape.

In this Water Club lecture, Mr. Gay will discuss how water innovation can be defined and measured at every stage right from technology development to market engagement. He will also talk about case-studies of companies which originated from the New England region over the last few decades.

For more information, click here.

TechBreakfast is bringing this event to Boston for the first time! Get a chance to meet with 16+ investors, engage with investors on two panels on VC and investing, 2 Lightning Rounds, and a Venture Fair where you get a chance for some 1:1 with the investors there.

There will be over 16 awesome Venture Capital (VC) and Angel Investors there answering your questions on what is VC, the process for getting VC, what investors look for, and more. Plus a chance to tell your story and meet with some of the investors 1:1.

For more information and to register, click here.

On April 15 TiE-Boston will bring Boston Entrepreneurs together at TiE StartupCon.  Launched in 2000, StartupCon has grown to become New England's largest startup conference, with over 1,000 attendees, all-day panels and networking. This year the conference promises to be even bigger and better, featuring three keynotes including renowned biotechnologist and inventor Bob Langer, three tracks "Ideate & Innovate, "Scale", and "What's trending in Tech, Healthcare and Pharma" and a Startup Expo showcasing 50 of the hottest startups in the area including 15 TiE ScaleUp companies.  The conference will also feature "Mentor Connect", a match-making breakfast offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet serial entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

Early bird tickets will be on sale until February 29th.

For more information and to register, visit tiestartupcon.com

March 3: Networking With A Twist: What’s it take to get into an accelerator or business plan pitch? Register HERE

Most accelerators and business plan competitions receive 10-100 times the number of applicants than make the first cut! From MassChallenge to TechStars, thousands can apply with fewer than 10% being accepted, even to the 2nd round, let alone the finals.

"MassChallenge 2015: 2250 applications> <20% on to 2nd round judging>>128 made it into the 4 month accelerator."

So, what are some of the best practices for increasing your odds of getting a seat?

Hear from Judges, Mentors and Entrepreneurs who have been in this ecosystem to help you:

• Understand what was of value in the process
• What the applications expect and how to best answer each question
• What opportunities exist and if they are right for you

Speakers:

• Barbara Finer: MassChallenge Judge, MIT $50K Judge, Ignite/CTO Mentor, MassChallenge Mentor
• Karl Buttner, Former Chief Mentoring Officer at MassChallenge and co-founder, 170 Systems
• Dr. Donna Brezinki, CEO, Little Sparrows Technologies

For more information, click here.

Come to Greentown Labs for an awesome night of cleantech community networking leading up to the Cleantech Open 2016 Accelerator program.

Entrepreneurs, students, savvy technologists, investors, professionals, and other interested parties are all welcome!

At the launch party you'll be able to:

• Connect with Boston's top innovators, supporters, and thought leaders in the cleantech space.
• Get exposure by giving your 1 minute elevator pitch in front of judges and potential teammates (if you're ready!).
• Listen to past competitors as they share their experience with Cleantech Open.
• Celebrate the amazing community!  

For more information, click here.

Sean Grundy, a 2013 Sloan alum and co-founder of the MIT Water Club, will speak about his experience starting up Bevi (formerly Refresh) right out of school.  Bevi is redesigning the beverage supply chain with machines that purify water and make customized drinks in seconds. Their system vastly cuts the cost and carbon footprint of beverages.  Hear about the resources and opportunities Sean took advantage of while at MIT and the Boston area, and the challenges of the start-up world post-graduation.   Bevi has just raised $6.5M, so come hear about what Sean and Bevi have planned for 2016 at the lecture, then join the Water Club with Sloan’s Net Impact, Sustainability Initiative and SEID at Firebrand Saints for refreshments!

For more information, click here.