Shows
UR Ventures Tech Hustle and BuzzleEpisode 3: Jim Senall- President, NextCorpsIn this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Jim Senall, president of NextCorps, about his journey in technology and entrepreneurship, the evolution of NextCorps as a
tech accelerator, and the various programs it offers to support startups. They discuss the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the importance of collaboration
with local universities, and the role of the Rochester Angel Network in funding startups. Jim shares insights on the future of technology trends, particularly in AI and climate tech, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
For more about Jim Senall and NextCorps, check out the...2024-12-1636 min
Forward FasterBuilding Creative Networks and Careers: Kavyar's Path to GrowthBeing successful as a photographer or other creative professional in the fashion/beauty industry isn't just about producing good work. It requires fostering connections and selling that work. Kavyar, a long-time member of NextCorps' startup incubator, is all about making those connections easier, bringing together people who have creative opportunities and professionals who would be perfect for them. Today, over 430,000 creatives are members of the Kavyar platform. NextCorps' Director of Startup Incubation, Matt Foley, talks with Kavyar Co-Founder, Sean Charles Morris, about Kavyar's growth strategy and recent milestones hit, his experience launching a mobile app, what he sees for the...2024-07-1519 min
Forward FasterHow Hydronic Shell Breathes New Life Into Old BuildingsHeating and cooling old buildings is one of the largest emitters when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. Hydronic Shell is addressing these older buildings head-on with its patented HVAC technology for decarbonizing multifamily buildings in a way that's cost-effective and non-invasive. Its retrofit solution is installed from the exterior without disrupting tenants, while being cost-effective and improving tenant quality of life.
David Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Hydronic Shell, joins Chris Carpenter, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at NextCorps’ For ClimateTech team, to talk about how this idea can breathe new life into old buildings.2023-10-2515 min
Forward FasterHow Launch NY is Funding Startups with One of the Most Active Seed Funds in the CountryStartup businesses less than five years old are now the greatest generator of new jobs. Launch NY's mission is to identify, support, and fund these high-growth-potential startup businesses, and it does so through pro-bono mentoring and the most active seed fund in New York State. NextCorps' Marketing Director, Holly Barrett, sits down with Launch NY's Co-Founder, President, and CEO, Marnie Lavigne, to talk about the non-profit's mission and how it's making it easier to invest local. Marnie shares tips for entrepreneurs to be investor-ready and her take on the deals happening in Upstate New York.
Investors, entrepreneurs, and startup supporters — le...2022-11-2113 min
Forward FasterVPIphotonics Brings Cutting-Edge Capabilities to RochesterVPIphotonics of Berlin, Germany recently relocated its U.S. office from Boston to Rochester and now shares a building with NextCorps and the Luminate accelerator. Chris Maloney, Managing Director of the firm’s U.S. operations, sits down with Luminate's Managing Director, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, to talk about the reasons behind the move, what it means for the regional photonics ecosystem, and his advice for technology startups.2022-09-0917 minForward FasterVPIphotonics Brings Cutting-Edge Capabilities to RochesterVPIphotonics of Berlin, Germany recently relocated its U.S. office from Boston to Rochester and now shares a building with NextCorps and the Luminate accelerator. Chris Maloney, Managing Director of the […]2022-09-0917 min
Forward FasterSecuring Government Contracts: Tips for EntrepreneursThere are many opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to work with the government — on the local and federal levels, as well as with branches of the military. Annette Brenner, Senior Business Advisor with NextCorps’ Growth Services, moderated a roundtable discussion with leaders from the Air Force Research Lab, Monroe County, and the Monroe County Finger Lakes Procurement Technical Assistance Center on how to best approach government contract opportunities, and the specific programs and incentives available to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Monroe County.
Guests:
Anna Vulaj Fitzsimmons, Program Director for the Monroe County Finger Lakes Procurement Technical Assistance Cent...2022-08-2433 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on 2EyesVision: Empowering Personalized Assessment of Multifocal Corrections Multifocal corrections in the form of contact lenses or intraocular lenses are the best options for an expanding number of patients with presbyopia and cataracts. However, multifocal vision is a new visual experience that’s hard for patients to understand and for clinicians to explain. 2EyesVision, a startup in cohort 4 of the Luminate accelerator, […]2021-09-2215 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Momentum Optics: Delivering Affordable Custom Optics, Ultra-Fast Custom, high-precision optical components are found everywhere, but getting them produced at mass comes with astronomical lead times and costs that are out of reach for many companies. Momentum Optics, a startup in cohort 4 of the Luminate accelerator, is making custom optics more accessible, helping eliminate the barriers to high-volume production while delivering […]2021-09-1515 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Mesodyne: Building Generators That Fit in the Palm of Your Hand The demand for portable power is constantly growing, and there’s currently no solution for lightweight, portable power generation. Mesodyne, a startup in the Luminate accelerator’s fourth cohort, is developing a new kind of generator that enables compact, efficient, long endurance power generation anywhere, any time, from any fuel. CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Veronika Stelmakh, […]2021-09-0914 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on OSCP: Transforming Motion Sensing for Autonomous Vehicles Current autonomous vehicles rely on Global Navigation Satellite System sensors. In GPS-denied environments, like parking garages or tunnels, the vehicle may get misguided, increasing the chance of collision. One Silicon Chip Photonics (OSCP) is solving this problem with its high-performance IMU that’s more precise, uses eight times less power, and is up to 30 […]2021-09-0217 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on PreAct Technologies: Saving Lives with Car Crash Prevention Today’s automotive safety systems are designed to either avoid or respond to collisions. PreAct Technologies, a startup in cohort 4 of the Luminate accelerator, is focused on detecting car crashes before they happen, enabling various safety measures to engage in a matter of milliseconds. Founder and CEO Paul Drysch shares how PreAct’s technology can […]2021-08-1912 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Owl AI: Unlocking Safe Autonomous Operation To make a vehicle safer, perception systems need to be able to emulate what we do as humans — not only see but identify and classify objects, and estimate where they are and where they’re going. Owl AI, a startup in cohort 4 of the Luminate accelerator, is improving the perception of sensors used in […]2021-08-1124 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Organic Robotics Corporation: Measuring Muscle Activity at the Speed of LightFor professional athletes, every move matters. And for those training to reach the pro level, more information can help them achieve their goals. Organic Robotic Corporation's wearable Light Lace™ sensors offer real-time biomechanical analysis on the field, giving athletes and their trainers data on muscle movement, joint angles, respiration, and more.
ORC co-founders, Ilayda Samilgil and Dr. Rob Shepherd, talk with NextCorps about the wearable market, their experience in the Luminate accelerator, and what helped their company move forward.2021-08-0512 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Organic Robotics Corporation: Measuring Muscle Activity at the Speed of Light For professional athletes, every move matters. And for those training to reach the pro level, more information can help them achieve their goals. Organic Robotic Corporation‘s wearable Light Lace™ sensors offer real-time biomechanical analysis on the field, giving athletes and their trainers data on muscle movement, joint angles, respiration, and more. ORC co-founders, Ilayda […]2021-08-0512 min
Forward FasterDIEMlife: Changing the Way We Change the World If you’re looking for a way to make a difference and create change in your own life, one startup has a unique solution. DIEMlife offers a simple online platform for individuals and organizations to build “quests” and rally teams to do good things. Co-Founder and CEO, Timothy Midgley, shares the inspiring story behind the […]2021-07-2914 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Andluca Technologies: Making Glass Smarter and More Efficient Inefficient windows account for about $52 billion in wasted energy every year. Smart glass solutions help, but current products have external wires that make them challenging or impossible to implement in existing buildings, which are responsible for 40% of America’s carbon footprint. Andluca Technologies enables wireless smart glass products by harvesting ultraviolet light. Co-founder and […]2021-07-2221 min
Forward FasterPartner Spotlight: Rev Ithaca Startup Works In this episode, we spotlight our New York Neighbors at Rev Ithaca Startup Works and their Director, Ken Rother. Rev Ithaca Startup Works has a long history of serving entrepreneurs. Recently they launched their ClimateTech Prototyping Hardware Accelerator that offers customized workshops, trainings, and guest speakers specifically for climate tech entrepreneurs. Learn more about […]2021-07-1621 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Infrascreen: Bringing Better Climate Control to Greenhouse Growers High-tech greenhouses — the only way to grow fruits and vegetables without pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides — are evolving quickly. While many companies are focused on advancing greenhouses through automation and robotics, few are addressing energy use and sustainability. Infrascreen is working to make greenhouses more green, so fruits and veggies are better for […]2021-07-0119 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Dynocardia: Changing the Way We Measure and Manage Blood Pressure Cuff-based devices, which have been used for more than a century to measure blood pressure, are largely inaccurate. Even if you manage to get an accurate reading, cuffs cannot provide continuous measurement of a vital sign that changes significantly throughout the day. Dynocardia, a startup in the Luminate accelerator‘s fourth cohort, came up with […]2021-06-2414 min
Forward FasterDan O'Connell's Climate Tech Success Story Dan O’Connell, now plant manager for Plug Power, has launched several companies rooted in his passions for environmentalism, cars, and Rochester. Dan was previously the co-founder and CEO of American Fuel Cell (AFC), which was acquired by Plug Power. American Fuel Cell participated in NEXUS-NY, an early stage climate tech proof of concept center, […]2021-06-1519 min
Forward FasterHow Climate-Conscious Companies Can Start Sustainable Practices Environmental responsibility is becoming a more important consideration for consumers, but it can be intimidating for companies looking to get started. Kim Bawden, Senior Pollution Engineer with the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute, lists out where your business can start in its journey to being a climate-conscious company. Kim covers best practices and where to […]2021-06-0905 min
Forward FasterGrowing a Family at Sydor Optics What started as a father-son operation in a garage is now a booming family business with nearly 90 employees. Sydor Technologies carved out a niche in ultra precision flat optics, with work that leaves no room for error but plenty of opportunities for fun. Program Manager, Matt Sydor, shares how happiness is a core […]2021-06-0320 min
Forward FasterStarting a Business and a Family Teri Dankovich, Co-Founder of Folia Materials, and Bertha Jimenez, Co-Founder of Rise Products, not only started new businesses and participated in cohort 2 of the Scale For ClimateTech program, but also gave birth mid-program and mid-pandemic! Teri and Bertha joined Shelby Thompson, Sr. Community Manager at SecondMuse, on Forward Faster’s podcast (or better yet, […]2021-05-2633 min
Forward FasterThe Optical Systems Technology Program at MCCOptics is the industry of the future, revolutionizing everything from the smart phones in our pockets to our national security. But there are more jobs for optical technicians than there […]2021-05-1821 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Sniffy Labs: Putting Personalized, On-Demand Dog Training in Your PocketIn-person dog training classes can be helpful, but they're not for everyone (especially during a pandemic). Sniffy Labs has developed an app that packages professional training plans, in-depth video tutorials, a progress tracker, and connections to certified dog trainers to provide users with personalized, on-demand dog training. Co-founders Howard Shyng and Ting Zhu spoke with NextCorps' Director of Startup Incubation, Matt Foley, about their pivot from a dog-walking app and how being part of NextCorps has helped move their company forward.
Check out the Sniffy app (now available on iOS and Android).2021-05-0514 minForward FasterSpotlight on Sniffy Labs: Putting Personalized, On-Demand Dog Training in Your PocketIn-person dog training classes can be helpful, but they’re not for everyone (especially during a pandemic). Sniffy Labs has developed an app that packages professional training plans, in-depth video tutorials, […]2021-05-0514 min
Forward FasterUtilizing Smarter Supply Chains to Scale Your Business and Climate SolutionsSupply chains affect everything we buy, sell, and use, and have taken center stage in the news between COVID-19 vaccine rollout, ketchup shortages, and ships stuck in the Suez Canal. This episode, we sit down with Rich and Roland Mokuolo, founders of Partsimony, where they specialize in supply chain management. Co-founders and twin brothers, they share how dynamic supply chain management can be the difference between scaling to success or losing your company altogether.
Hosted by Chris Carpenter, Marketing and Community Relations Specialist with NextCorps, hear how companies have weathered the disruption of COVID-19 and can prepare for future disruptions...2021-04-2928 minForward FasterUtilizing Smarter Supply Chains to Scale Your Business and Climate SolutionsSupply chains affect everything we buy, sell, and use, and have taken center stage in the news between COVID-19 vaccine rollout, ketchup shortages, and ships stuck in the Suez Canal. […]2021-04-2928 min
Forward FasterLeveraging Customer Experiences to Implement Climate SolutionsHow do you empower your customers and company with the information to make sustainable and healthy decisions? How do you make celebrating differences a core characteristic of your company? Rasha […]2021-04-2641 min
Forward FasterFinger Lakes Forward: A Vision for Our Region's FutureThe Finger Lakes Region and its urban core, Rochester, are undergoing a fundamental economic transformation. Finger Lakes Forward, a strategic plan developed by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council […]2021-04-1232 min
Forward FasterFrom AgTech to Accelerator with Zoe WelzMeet Zoe Welz. Zoe got her start as a CEO and Co-founder in the AgTech sector with her company, Drovr, using smart-movable fences to help transform livestock management. From there […]2021-04-0713 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on OVITZ: Delivering Life-Changing Vision ImprovementsAlmost everyone has some form of inconsistency or “aberration” with the shape or surface of their eyes. Some have more complex vision errors called higher order aberrations (HOAs), such as […]2021-03-3126 min
Forward FasterAdvice from a Serial Software EntrepreneurFor Aaron Newman, chasing the bleeding edge has paid off time and time again. Executive Chairman and Founder of CloudCheckr, Aaron also founded and sold three other successful startups: Techrigy, DbSecure, and Application Security, Inc. He sits down with Matt Foley, Director of Startup Incubation at NextCorps, to talk about his passion for the creative process of finding and investing in the next emerging technology. Hear his thoughts on why to start a software company, how to know when to pivot, factors at play with finding success, and what the Greater Rochester Region needs to scale as a software hub.
...2021-03-1834 minForward FasterAdvice from a Serial Software EntrepreneurFor Aaron Newman, chasing the bleeding edge has paid off time and time again. Executive Chairman and Founder of CloudCheckr, Aaron also founded and sold three other successful startups: Techrigy, […]2021-03-1834 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Rubitection: Advancing Early Bedsore DetectionThe impact on the healthcare system can be up to $45,000 to treat a single bedsore, and some pay the ultimate price. 60,000 people in the U.S. alone die each […]2021-03-0429 min
Forward FasterCelebrating Black Leaders in Climate TechTo meaningfully address present and future impacts of the climate crisis, diverse leaders, perspectives, and voices are critical for sustainable solutions. Chante Harris, Sr. Manager of Venture For ClimateTech, highlights […]2021-02-2551 min
Forward FasterManufacturing Accelerators Partner Up to Form Scale For ClimateTechManufacturing accelerators, M-Corps administered by SecondMuse and Hardware Scaleup administered by NextCorps, have formally partnered up under one name as Scale For ClimateTech to fully capitalize on climate tech manufacturing […]2021-02-1842 minForward FasterManufacturing Accelerators Partner Up to Form Scale For ClimateTechManufacturing accelerators, M-Corps administered by SecondMuse and Hardware Scaleup administered by NextCorps, have formally partnered up under one name as Scale For ClimateTech to fully capitalize on climate tech manufacturing opportunities across New York State. Shelby Thompson, Scale For ClimateTech Community Relations Manager, and Mike Riedlinger, Scale For ClimateTech Managing Director, speak with Chris Carpenter, Marketing and Community Relations Specialist at NextCorps, to highlight what each program has brought to the table and how Scale For ClimateTech will ultimately lead to more climate tech hardware solutions in New York State.
Learn more about how Scale For ClimateTech is helping not...2021-02-1842 min
Forward FasterMergers & AcquisitionsPresident of global technology group Jenoptik Optical Systems, Jay Kumler got his start in the defense industry designing and building reconnaissance lenses and has since been on both the buy- […]2021-01-2726 minForward FasterMergers & AcquisitionsPresident of global technology group Jenoptik Optical Systems, Jay Kumler got his start in the defense industry designing and building reconnaissance lenses and has since been on both the buy- and sell-sides of M&A. He talks with Luminate Managing Director, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, about his successful transition from a startup founder to doing business internationally as part of a publicly traded company. Hear what exciting trends this Luminate board member is seeing in emerging technologies, insights from overcoming M&A challenges, and his advice for optics companies.
Learn more about Jenoptik at jenoptik.us
Don Golini podcast mentioned by...2021-01-2726 min
Forward FasterA New Voice and Venture for ClimateTechThere has never been a better time to launch, invest in, or work for a climate tech company. Our future depends on the speedy adoption of climate tech solutions to […]2021-01-2122 minForward FasterA New Voice and Venture for ClimateTechThere has never been a better time to launch, invest in, or work for a climate tech company. Our future depends on the speedy adoption of climate tech solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Jacqueline Ros Amable, Managing Director of the new venture studio + accelerator, Venture For ClimateTech, sits down with NextCorps President, Jim Senall, to talk about the program as it recruits its first cohort of climate tech innovators. Hear about Jackie's background as a startup founder, teacher, and mentor, and what drove her passion around solving for the climate crisis.
Learn more about Venture For ClimateTech and apply...2021-01-2122 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Kavyar: Revolutionizing How Creative is Bought and SoldFor photographers and creatives in the fashion and beauty industry, getting published is everything. Sean Charles Morris, Co-Founder of Kavyar, shares how his company pivoted from a portfolio network to […]2021-01-1421 minForward FasterSpotlight on Kavyar: Revolutionizing How Creative is Bought and SoldFor photographers and creatives in the fashion and beauty industry, getting published is everything. Sean Charles Morris, Co-Founder of Kavyar, shares how his company pivoted from a portfolio network to what is now the world's leading platform that photographers use to get published and that magazines use to source work. Hear how Kavyar made the critical shift in their business model, what they've done to help creatives through the pandemic, and how being part of the NextCorps incubator helped them on their path to success.
Creative professionals, check out active calls for work at kavyar.com.2021-01-1421 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Haqean: Fighting Counterfeiting with Quantum TechnologyBy 2022, counterfeit goods will drain trillions of dollars from the economy and cost millions of jobs. Haqean, a Luminate cohort 3 startup, is helping to combat counterfeiting in the pharma industry by digitizing quantum optical fluctuations, generating random numbers for physically unclonable functions of products. NextCorps Marketing Director, Holly Barrett, speaks with Haqean's CTO, Farhan Firaq, and Founder and CEO, Hanaan Hashim, about their quantum technology, how they benefited from participating in the Luminate accelerator, and their advice for other entrepreneurs.2020-12-1015 minForward FasterSpotlight on Haqean: Fighting Counterfeiting with Quantum TechnologyBy 2022, counterfeit goods will drain trillions of dollars from the economy and cost millions of jobs. Haqean, a Luminate cohort 3 startup, is helping to combat counterfeiting in the […]2020-12-1015 min
Forward FasterWhat You'll See at the OIDA Technology ShowcaseLooking for new products for your organization and information about the latest technology? Sujatha Ramanujan, PhD, Managing Director of Luminate NY, speaks with Simin Cai, President and CEO of Go!Foton, […]2020-11-1813 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on AkknaTek: Reducing Postoperative Surprises After Cataract SurgeryAs the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, cataract surgery presents minimal patient risk. However, the visual outcome is not always optimal due to dislocations of premium intraocular […]2020-10-1516 min
Forward FasterWorking the RoomNextCorps Marketing Director, Holly Barrett, speaks with Founder and President of Solutions by Sloane and NextCorps Events Consultant, Sandy Sloane, about the ins and outs of networking. Making connections can […]2020-10-0133 minForward FasterWorking the RoomNextCorps Marketing Director, Holly Barrett, speaks with Founder and President of Solutions by Sloane and NextCorps Events Consultant, Sandy Sloane, about the ins and outs of networking. Making connections can be make or break, especially in the entrepreneurial atmosphere. With networking norms shifting to virtual settings, it is still just as important. Sandy shares some of her tips and tricks that can help you make the best out of your next networking opportunity whether it is in person or virtual.
Learn more about Solutions by Sloane at solutionsbysloane.com.2020-10-0133 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Kilo Medical Solutions: Modernizing the NICUThe light and noise environment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has important effects on the health and development of premature infants. NICU nurses currently place fabric blankets over […]2020-09-2521 minForward FasterSpotlight on Kilo Medical Solutions: Modernizing the NICUThe light and noise environment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has important effects on the health and development of premature infants. NICU nurses currently place fabric blankets over incubators to monitor light conditions, a practice that poses various safety and sanitary concerns. Kilo Medical Solutions, an early-stage medical device startup of NextCorps Luminate's third cohort, is working to combat these challenges with their first product, Brise-Solette. This electrical film application provides a controlled light and noise environment that mimics the conditions of the mother's womb, while also monitoring infants' vitals.
Luminate Director of Operations, Andy Simon, speaks with...2020-09-2521 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Black Button Distilling: Spirits, Hand Sanitizer, & Cross-Industry SuccessBlack Button Distilling is now eight years in the making, the fastest-growing distillery in the northeast, and second in the nation. With expansion from three to 14 states suddenly put […]2020-09-0329 minForward FasterSpotlight on Black Button Distilling: Spirits, Hand Sanitizer, & Cross-Industry SuccessBlack Button Distilling is now eight years in the making, the fastest-growing distillery in the northeast, and second in the nation. With expansion from three to 14 states suddenly put on hold, the company temporarily pivoted into an entirely new industry to meet the needs of the local healthcare community and keep Black Button employees from being furloughed.
NextCorps Director of Startup Incubation, Matt Foley, speaks with Founder and Head Distiller at Black Button Distilling, Jason Barrett, about his solopreneur journey.2020-09-0329 min
Forward FasterOSA FiO+LS: An All-Virtual Experience in Optics, Photonics, Quantum Tech, Augmented Reality & MoreClaudio Mazzali, Sr. Vice President and CTO of the Corning Optical Communications Sector, Corning, Inc., USA, Optical Society (OSA) Fellow, and Co-Chair of this year’s Frontier in Optics + Laser […]2020-08-1000 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on What's Good: Using Trends to PivotAs an entrepreneur, being able to quickly adjust in the face of an unforeseen challenge can be crucial. Holly Barrett, NextCorps Marketing Director, welcomes back Jennifer Young, Founder of What's Good, an online marketplace focused on providing customers with eco-friendly and socially responsible products. Young reflects on how she has been able to learn from and capitalize on trends while continuing to grow her business during such an unconventional time for the retail industry.
Learn more at shopwhatsgood.com.2020-08-0626 minForward FasterSpotlight on What's Good: Using Trends to PivotAs an entrepreneur, being able to quickly adjust in the face of an unforeseen challenge can be crucial. Holly Barrett, NextCorps Marketing Director, welcomes back Jennifer Young, Founder of What’s […]2020-08-0626 min
Forward FasterIntellectual Property (IP) StrategyDarius Sankey, Luminate Board Member and Advisor, General Partner at Moore Ventures, and former President of Ocean Tomo China, explains the importance of having an intellectual property strategy, what it […]2020-07-2014 min
Forward FasterPatenting on an International ScaleDarius Sankey, Luminate Board Member and Advisor, General Partner at Moore Ventures, and former President of Ocean Tomo China discusses the importance of patenting. He shares his insights on patenting […]2020-07-2005 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Nordetect: Biochemical Analysis Tools for Sustainable Precision AgricultureNordetect, a Denmark-based company and Luminate cohort III startup, is working to transform the future of the agriculture industry through chemical analysis systems for agricultural and environmental testing that would […]2020-07-1719 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Herogard: Lessons Learned When Launching a Second StartupWhen the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit the U.S., the food industry was undoubtedly going to face repercussions. While medical institutions were at the top of the list for receiving support, George Zheng realized that acquiring protection for his employees at his organic mushroom company was going to become difficult. This resulted in him launching his second startup company, Herogard, which supplies FDA approved protective face masks and donates masks to food banks with every purchase. Sandy Sloane, president of Solutions by Sloane and events consultant at NextCorps, speaks with George Zheng, founder of Leep Foods and Herogard, both...2020-06-2524 minForward FasterSpotlight on Herogard: Lessons Learned When Launching a Second StartupWhen the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit the U.S., the food industry was undoubtedly going to face repercussions. While medical institutions were at the top of the list for receiving […]2020-06-2524 min
Forward FasterWhat Businesses Can Do to Overcome Digital Transformation ChallengesEmbracing data is a challenge for many organizations. It requires accountability from leadership and a culture of change. Amy Gurske, Director of Client Strategy at Cause+Effect Strategy, talks with NextCorps Marketing Director, Holly Barrett, about methods for building data into daily organizational processes. Amy encourages entrepreneurs to begin ingraining data into their businesses from the get-go, to start small before pulling in all data possible, and to know that failure can be a good thing.
Check out how Cause+Effect Strategy is helping the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce harness the power of its data: https://rochesterbeacon.com/2020/02/26/chamber-moves-data-to-the-forefront/
...2020-06-1022 minForward FasterWhat Businesses Can Do to Overcome Digital Transformation ChallengesEmbracing data is a challenge for many organizations. It requires accountability from leadership and a culture of change. Amy Gurske, Director of Client Strategy at Cause+Effect Strategy, talks with NextCorps […]2020-06-1022 min
Forward FasterBusiness Insight CenterIn 2019 alone, the Business Insight Center (BIC) at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County saved the community $1.5 million in market research costs. Kate Meddaugh, Manager of […]2020-05-2614 min
Forward FasterPatents & Intellectual PropertyThere are only five Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) in New York State, and 85 in the entire country. The Carlson Center for Intellectual Property at the Central Library […]2020-05-1915 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on ExPrimary: Improving Access to Bioanalytical ToolsA typical person goes to their physician once a year, which provides just one set of data points around their personal health. ExPrimary, a Luminate cohort III startup, is working […]2020-05-1115 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Augmentiqs: Redefining Digital PathologyWhen a patient is diagnosed with cancer today, a pathologist will look at a tumor sample and attempt to suggest the best treatment based on what they see in the […]2020-04-3027 min
Forward FasterSBA Loan Assistance: Coronavirus Relief OptionsWith the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, small businesses are facing unprecedented disruption. NextCorps President, Jim Senall, talks with Virginia Smith, Branch Manager for the Small Business Administration in Buffalo and Rochester, about SBA funding options and temporary relief programs established with the CARES Act. Get information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), and other resources.
Stay up to date on SBA programs at sba.gov/coronavirus.2020-04-0819 minForward FasterSBA Loan Assistance: Coronavirus Relief OptionsWith the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, small businesses are facing unprecedented disruption. NextCorps President, Jim Senall, talks with Virginia Smith, Branch Manager for the Small Business Administration in Buffalo and Rochester, […]2020-04-0819 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on SaNoor: Enabling the Internet of Underwater ThingsYou’ve heard of WiFi, but what about LiFi? Chao Shen, PhD, CTO and Technical Leader of SaNoor Technologies, sits down with Luminate Technology Program Manager, Dr. Damon Diehl, to share […]2020-04-0218 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on ShopLocalli: Helping Local Artists and Retailers Get DiscoveredOutside of art festivals and the public market, it can be challenging for local artists and small businesses to get discovered. ShopLocalli is an online marketplace for printmakers, jewelers, furniture crafters, […]2020-03-1811 minForward FasterSpotlight on ShopLocalli: Helping Local Artists and Retailers Get DiscoveredOutside of art festivals and the public market, it can be challenging for local artists and small businesses to get discovered. ShopLocalli is an online marketplace for printmakers, jewelers, furniture crafters, and other local businesses and artists in Rochester, NY. Sam Jividen, ShopLocalli Founder, describes this showcase of the talent in Rochester and his relentless focus on supporting the local community. Hear about his experience at NextCorps, his advice for other early-stage entrepreneurs, and his vision for the future of ShopLocalli. To explore Rochester, NY artists and retailers, or to become a ShopLocalli seller, visit shoplocalli.com.2020-03-1811 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Sanatela: Revolutionizing Cancer TreatmentDespite advancements in cancer therapies, testing is performed inside a patient’s body with no lab standard to determine which treatment will work best. Sanatela Medical is helping doctors get closer […]2020-03-1125 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on VPG Medical: Making Cardiac Monitoring EffortlessWearable health monitoring solutions can be extremely valuable to both physicians and patients, but only if there is compliance. VPG Medical is reducing the need for behavior change by putting […]2020-03-0522 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Think Biosolution: Enabling Customized Remote Patient MonitoringPatient monitoring typically takes place in hospital or clinical settings, meaning doctors lack a complete picture of their patients to be able to effectively individualize care and prevent rehospitalizations. Think […]2020-02-2614 min
Forward FasterThe Impact of 5G5G has been in development for years, and we are now on the cusp of dramatic changes in terms of capacity, speed, timeliness, and reliability of wireless communications. Osmund deSouza, […]2020-02-1316 minForward FasterThe Impact of 5G5G has been in development for years, and we are now on the cusp of dramatic changes in terms of capacity, speed, timeliness, and reliability of wireless communications. Osmund deSouza, Principal Architect at AT&T, talks with NextCorps President, Jim Senall, about how 5G will transform how we use and share data, enabling positive strides in the human experience. Hear how 5G will bring Smart Cities to life with useful information, empowering both providers and consumers to monitor resources and navigate services.
Stay up to date on 5G news at att.com/5g.2020-02-1316 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on What's Good: Encouraging Consumers to Shop with PurposeMany consumers want to shop from environmentally and socially conscious brands, but they are limited by choice and challenged by inconvenience. Jennifer Young, Founder of What’s Good, talks about some […]2020-02-0623 minForward FasterSpotlight on What's Good: Encouraging Consumers to Shop with PurposeMany consumers want to shop from environmentally and socially conscious brands, but they are limited by choice and challenged by inconvenience. Jennifer Young, Founder of What’s Good, talks about some of the cleaning supplies and self-care products you can find at her online store, shopwhatsgood.com, and the care she takes to research and select brands people can trust that align with the ethos of her business. She describes the many “shades of green” or spectrum of comfort levels people have when it comes to eco-friendly products, and how she strives to offer something for everyone. Hear her tips for li...2020-02-0623 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on SunDensity: Solving Inefficiencies in PhotonicsDr. Nish Sonwalkar, Founder and CEO of SunDensity, has developed a Photonic Smart Coating (PSC™) technology that improves the efficiency of solar panels as well as electronic devices and architectural glass. He talks with NextCorps Marketing Director, Holly Barrett, about SunDensity's mission to save the world through improving the adoption of solar energy. Hear his advice for startups around navigating the scaleup process, why Rochester is the ideal place for photonics companies like his, and how the Luminate accelerator has provided critical support.
Learn more about SunDensity and their groundbreaking PSC technology at sundensity.net, and check out the Luminate ac...2020-01-2913 minForward FasterSpotlight on SunDensity: Solving Inefficiencies in PhotonicsDr. Nish Sonwalkar, Founder and CEO of SunDensity, has developed a Photonic Smart Coating (PSC™) technology that improves the efficiency of solar panels as well as electronic devices and architectural […]2020-01-2913 min
Forward FasterAttributes of a Successful StartupWhat do investors look for in a company? NextCorps President, Jim Senall, sits down with Don Golini, founder of SANICA Ventures and QED Technologies International, successful entrepreneur, startup mentor, chairman of the Luminate Accelerator Advisory Board, and former chairman of the Rochester Angel Network (RAN). Don shares his criteria when evaluating a company, his thoughts on the traits of a great CEO, and insights into how angel investors look at deals, in Rochester and bigger markets like Boston.2020-01-2229 minForward FasterAttributes of a Successful StartupWhat do investors look for in a company? NextCorps President, Jim Senall, sits down with Don Golini, founder of SANICA Ventures and QED Technologies International, successful entrepreneur, startup mentor, chairman […]2020-01-2229 min
Forward FasterBetter Living and Business Performance Through MindfulnessMindfulness teaches us to ground ourselves in the moment and direct our attention in ways that refresh us. Mindfulness coach, Sabrina Vogler, CPC, CEC, joins us to describe the many […]2020-01-1513 min
Forward FasterBusiness Models for Investing and ResourcesIn part three of his conversation with Luminate Managing Director, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Dr. Milton Chang gives his thoughts on how and when to exit a business and tips for […]2020-01-0906 min
Forward FasterNavigating InvestmentIn part two of a three-part conversation with Luminate Managing Director, Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Dr. Milton Chang describes the different types of investments and misconceptions around the challenges of raising […]2020-01-0813 min
Forward FasterThe Path to EntrepreneurshipDr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Managing Director of the Luminate accelerator, sits down with Dr. Milton Chang, Managing Partner of Incubic Management, author of Toward Entrepreneurship, and Luminate Board Member. In part […]2020-01-0709 min
Forward FasterFlower City Pro-Am HackathonScott Root, Professional Development Manager from Wegmans’ IT Department, shares how to get involved with Wegmans’ Flower City Pro-Am Hackathon, a 24-hour hackathon taking placing March 28-29, 2020. Focused on […]2020-01-0219 min
Forward FasterSpotlight on Gian: Empowering Healthier Grocery ChoicesAmeet Bhattacharya, Co-Founder and CEO of Gian, shares how HealthCart, his company’s innovative health software platform and application, empowers grocery shoppers to make healthy choices online and in-store based on […]2019-12-1818 min