While many dream of starting their own company to solve any of AEC’s innumerable challenges, few know how or where to begin. Join the Center for Innovation in conversation with national experts from Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding programs as they share how to de-risk innovative ideas and fuel entrepreneurial success.
Co-founder/CEO at Forsight digital
Zigmund (Zig) Rubel is the Co-founder/CEO of Forsight digital, a technology company focused on data-driven processes to plan and program healthcare facilities. He has over 30 years of architectural design experience and has worked on over 20 million SF of healthcare facilities worldwide. Zig is a founding Board Member and Treasurer for the Center For Innovation and a member of the AIA College of Fellows.
Chief Science Officer at Mariposa Technology
Dr. James Guenther, Chief Science Officer at Mariposa Technology, develops AI algorithms, research, and funding proposals. He received his doctorate in biochemistry at The University of Tennessee and has authored publications on multiple topics. He directed a biotech program and worked with NSFATE. He consults for academic and private industry, specializes in SBIR funding, and is Chapter Director for StartupGrind New Orleans, an entrepreneurial community that connects millions globally.
Program Director - NSF I-Corps at UC Berkeley
Dave Weiner is the Program Director for Bay Area NSF I-Corps Method, a program at UC Berkeley designed for early stage technology based startups to accelerate finding product market fit. Prior to coming to Berkeley, Dave was the co-founder of Mujus, a social good e-commerce platform, and most recently was an early hire at Springboard, a Series B mentor led digital skills EdTech startup based in San Francisco.