Friday, November 4, 2016 - Dr. John Lesko, Virginia Tech
Dr. John Lesko will present a seminar on Friday, November 4, 2016 at Min H. Kao, Room 124 from 12:20pm to 1:10pm EST.
Broadcast Link: Click here
Topic: Dr. Lesko will describe the NSF Innovation-Corp process and how it can effectively be integrated into Engineering Research Center Technology transfer programs.
Title: Integrating I-Corps Lean LaunchPad Principles into ERC Technology Transfer Opportunities
Abstract: The National Science Foundation has invested in the development of training and a network supporting the promotion of Lean LaunchPad thinking for the academic community. Nearly 900 teams have now gone through the National training as I-Corps teams in nearly the last 5 years. The process engages faculty, graduate students and postdocs in a 7 week process where they use customer discovery principles seeking to identify product-market fit for a minimum viable product that can position a repeatable and scalable business model for a technology developed out of their laboratories. The DC I-Corps Regional Node (one of 7 teaching nodes across the US) has experimented with other versions of the training to address various business model and potential product generation opportunities with good success. Thus, this talk will provide a perspective on how an ERC might integrate the core principles of Lean LaunchPad into the innovation ecosystem with an aim to help with the translation of the center discoveries to the market place.
Biography: Dr. John “Jack” Lesko is a Professor of Engineering Mechanics at Virginia Tech and currently serving at the Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies. Jack has 25+ years of design and analytical experience as a mechanical engineer, with background in physics, mechanics and system analysis. His work has resulted in the implementation of in-service structures/systems using new multifunctional composite technologies and systems, and the creation of standards for their design in industrial and international codes.
Jack is the co-founder of PowerHub Systems, a start up in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. PowerHub Systems develops, designs, and manufactures stationary battery electric storage and power processing systems for electric utility distribution systems. Through this startup experience, Jack has initiated problem based learning pilot programs enabled through interdisciplinary experiences in engineering education and entrepreneurial training. Jack is a Co-PI for the NSF I-Corps Mid Atlantic Regional Node (DC I-Corps) and is an instructor for both the National and Regional training programs guiding technical professionals through the Lean LaunchPad approach. Additionally, Jack serves on the Executive Committee of the GEM National Consortium, and on the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Center Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM).
Go to seminar page.
