In recent years, there's been an intensive effort in Connecticut to support the development of new products, technologies and the entrepreneurs behind them. On Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m., the public is invited to learn about this expanding entrepreneurship ecosystem at a free Fairfield University panel discussion focusing on early stage ventures.

Co-sponsored by Fairfield University's School of Engineering and the Inventors Association of Connecticut (IACT), the event - "The Commercialization of Innovation" - will take place in the Dolan School of Business Dining Room.

"The members of the panel have prior experience starting successful businesses," said Doug Lyon, Ph.D., professor of computer engineering and IACT president. "They'll share insights, experience and connections. We encourage people to bring their ideas to the meeting, where you can learn how to bring them to market."

Janis Collins, the panel moderator, is a startup company advisor in the ‘Connecticut Innovation Ecosystem,' a public-private partnership accelerating the creation and growth of innovative companies and industries in the state.

The panelists include:

• Vince D'Agostino, president of Brilig, an open marketplace where online advertising audiences are created, analyzed, bought and sold under the supervision of the company's audience commerce platform.
• Bill Gordon and Andy Moss, co-founders of Lean Launch Ventures, a business and technology accelerator based on LeanLaunchPadTM methodology.
• Janet Steinmayer, founder and chief executive officer of Appleseed Food Frontiers, a business accelerator and investment firm chiefly supporting expansion-stage consumer packaged good food companies.

The IACT series of events are about taking that first step in creating a startup, and are an opportunity to network. For more information about the School of Engineering, and for directions to campus, visit www.fairfield.edu . For further event details, visit http://www.inventus.org

Posted On: 06-07-2013 11:06 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 302