Product Development – Life Science & Tech Startups

This meeting was co-sponsored by the IEEE Consultants Network (CNET)

Entrepreneurs’ today don’t need to build a manufacturing plant to start a business. They need less money to build prototypes, prove that it works, prove there is a market and show a potentially profitable business model before scaling. The road maps have changed but the core has stayed the same. Why will your customers buy it?

Whether you want to sell a new kind of transportation system, a new app or a life saving device, you’ve got to develop your idea into a product that customers are willing to pay for. 

• Do you try to develop the product in house or do you outsource the development?
• How do you fund your product development?
• How do you make sure you’re developing the right product for your market? 

The panelists have deep experience in developing different types of products in the life sciences and high tech fields. Our discussion will offer guidance in matching your product to your market and practical suggestions for making the most of your development budget. Listen to our speakers share a few stories from their own product development adventures and effective advice for avoiding product development pitfalls. 

Agenda: 

6:30-7:30 PM – Registration & networking 

7:30-7:40 PM – ENET Chairman’s announcements

7:40-7:55 PM – E Minute – Up to 3 Startup companies’ presentations

7:55-8:45 PM – 3 expert speakers on the night’s topic

8:45-9:00 PM – Audience / Speakers Q & A

9:00-9:30 PM – Final networking includes meeting presenting speakers

A question and answer session follows the presentation, and panelists will be available afterwards for responses to individual questions.  As with every ENET meeting you will also get the chance to network with the panelists and other meeting attendees, both before the start of the meeting and afterwards.Speakers:

STEVE OWENS, founder of Finish Line PDS (www.finishlinepds.com) has over 30 years of successful product development experience in many different industries and is a sought-after adviser and speaker on the subject. Steve has founded four successful start-ups and holds more than twenty-five patents.

Steve has worked for companies such as Halliburton and Baker Hughes.  He has experience in the Internet of Things, M2M, oil and gas, and industrial controls.  Steve’s insight into the product development process has generated millions of dollars in revenue for start-ups and small businesses. Finish Line PDS provides product and technology development management, mechanical design, and development of electronics, firmware and sensors, as well as design verification testing and other services. Finish Line PDS is a proud sponsor of the Boston ENET. https://twitter.com/FinishLine_PDS

LYNN BIRCH, Vice President, Product Engineering at Skreens

https://www.skreens.com is senior level leader with 20+ years of experience in the areas of business development, product management, and technical architecture and definition with a proven track record of success delivering competitive high technology solutions, products and services. Lynn has recently been working to help bring to market a disruptive technology in display and video delivery technologies that will change the way that content is consumed. Lynn holds both a BS Electrical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s in Business Innovation from Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business.

Lisa Sasso, MBA, CPCC, ACC, President and Executive Coach,, Medical Development Partners, LLC

Lisa Sasso (http://meddevpartners.com/) is the President and Executive Coach of Medical Development Partners, LLC (MDP). Prior to MDP, Lisa was the co-founder of Radi Medical Systems, Inc., a high tech medical device distributor specializing in innovative cardiology products. During her six-year tenure as President/CEO, she grew the company from inception to revenues of $28M with profitability. Lisa’s vision and strategic direction were responsible for the company’s explosive annual triple digit growth. Lisa built a seasoned Medical Device sales force with more than 550 years of combined sales experience. Motivated by excitement for new technologies, she built strong physician advisory boards and a seasoned clinical/sales team. Lisa and her team ultimately helped healthcare professionals make more informed treatment decisions resulting in better patient care. Lisa was recognized for her efforts and ranked #28 out of 100 Women Led Businesses in Massachusetts in 2004.

 As the founder of Medical Development Partners, she is passionate about helping entrepreneurial medical “start-ups start up”. With a focus on business planning and execution, she brings strategic thinking to both clients and their companies. Her vision and values have been instrumental in helping international companies successfully commercialize products in the United States.

 Lisa is the past President of Medical Development Group of Boston and has served on the Board Of Directors for 9 years. Lisa served on the Board of Scitent, a medical education and training company for 5 years. She is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) where she received her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) certification and is an active marketing and planning committee member. Finally, Lisa also speaks professionally to motivate and inspire individuals. Organizations and company professionals learn how to be the best that they can be and also how to achieve what they want both personally and professionally.

Lisa earned a BBA in marketing and a BA in economics, from the University of Massachusetts; and an MBA from Bentley University, graduating with High Distinction.

Moderator:

ROBERT ADELSON, business and tax attorney, partner at Boston law firm of Engel & Schultz LLP, and Chairman of The Boston Entrepreneurs’ Network.  Rob has been an attorney for over 30 years specialized in business, tax, stock and options, employment, contracts, financings, trademarks and intellectual property.  Rob began as an associate at major New York City law firms before returning home to Boston in 1985 where he has since been a partner in small and medium sized firms before joining his present firm in 2004.  Rob represents entrepreneurs, start-ups and small companies, independent contractors and employees and executives. Rob is a frequent speaker on business law topics and author of numerous articles published in Boston Business Journal, Mass High Tech and other publications. He has been named among the “Top 20 Boston Startup Lawyers” by ChubbyBrain.com, a website that provides tools for entrepreneurs. Rob has been on the ENET Board since 2002 and Chairman since 2009 and is also a Co-Founder and Board member of the 128 Innovation Capital Group (2004 -2015). In 2016, he received the IEEE USA Professional Achievement award for “extreme dedication to the entrepreneurship community.” He holds degrees from Boston University, B.A., summa cum laude, Northwestern University (Chicago), J.D., Law Review, and New York University, LL.M. in Taxation. His website – www.ExecutiveEmploymentAttorney.com

Co-Organizer:

JASON LASSER, founder AppliedDesign

Intrigued by problems, Jason works with start-ups, entrepreneurs and established companies build brands through the form, function and life cycle of their products; using innovation, passion and discovery to develop beautiful solutions that serve purpose. As founder of Applied Design, a full service design and fabrication consultancy appreciation of art, aesthetics and process continuously pushes the quality of idea and impact of solution to the users, customers and consumer. To learn more and start a dialogue visit www.AppliedDsgn.com