The Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship will explore the drivers of innovation and how to capitalize on the moments that inspire innovation at its next forum on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The forum will be held from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Pavilion of the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center.
“Innovation is driven by the human spirit and our innate curiosity to understand and improve our world,” said panel moderator Jim Dunning, program manager of the Research and Economic Development Office at Cal Poly. “Inventors are typically focused on solving a specific problem. When the problem is solved, they sometimes think the invention is ‘market ready.’ It is extremely important for an inventor to understand that in most cases significant time and money are usually needed to bring an invention from proof of concept to market.”
The PEN (Pitches, Exhibits & Networking) portion of the evening will feature student, faculty and entrepreneur innovations such as:
• Bloxygen, an inert gas preservation system based on an aerosol can of pressurized argon
• MegaMatter Acoustics, a lightweight, moldable, noise-absorbing composite that is extremely fireproof and durable
• Flexible Fastener, which is axially rigid but laterally flexible
• KeyZ, a keyring alternative that doubles as a USB drive and multitool.
• FarmBot, an open-source, automated, precision farming machine
• Otto, a surface-climbing robot capable of traversing any surface while handling heavy loads.
A panel discussion will focus on seizing opportunities, creating products, commercializing technologies, and driving them to market. Panelists include Joe O’Connor, product sales and marketing expert; Chris Kitts, professor and chair of Cal Poly’s Biological Sciences Department and director of the Cal Poly Center for Applications in Biotechnology; Christine Tovee, chief technology officer at EADS North America; and Brian Riley, Cal Poly graduate and co-founder/CEO of Slidepad Technologies.
CIE Forums unite the Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo entrepreneurial communities. Guests can network with local and national innovators, meet student entrepreneurs, and learn more about CIE resources and services.
Attendees can support entrepreneurship and innovation at Cal Poly by becoming Pioneer Pass Holders with a pledge of $100. The pass gives holders expedited registration, access to special industry events, and more.
The events are free and open to the public; advance registration is required. For more information and to register, visit cie.calpoly.edu.