We bring the specialists to you! Through the IEEE Brain Q&A video series, IEEE Future Directions interviews some of the top subject matter experts in brain research and neurotechnology. IEEE Brain Videos provide you with access to the industry’s best of the best.

The “IEEE Brain Neurotech Entrepreneurs Corner” Interview Series provides personal insights from uniquely qualified experts who can offer tremendous value in the translation of neurotechnology from research to commercialization. In these video interviews, the neurotech innovation community shares their visions for applied neuroscience and neurotechnology, their roles in supporting technology transfer, and advice for those interested in their own start-up journey. As a hotbed for entrepreneurship, neurotechnology is providing innovative ways to treat health conditions and to improve human performance, and it offers exciting opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and start-ups. IEEE Brain brings together thought leaders from venture capitalists to scientists and everything in-between to further developments in this rapidly advancing field.

Althea Stillman, Ph.D., Associate Director, Life Sciences, IP Group Inc.

In this interview, Althea Stillman discusses how she assess possible investments and when entrepreneurs should start a dialogue with investors. She offers some excellent advices for aspiring entrepreneurs to get out of their comfort zone.

 
Dan Rizzuto

Dan Rizzuto, Ph.D., CEO, Nia Therapeutics

As CEO, Dan Rizzuto gives firsthand account of how he started a new company from a research university. He shared lessons learned through this process, including being comfortable with uncertainties, being persistent, and remaining committed to the mission. Dan explains the importance of engaging with all stakeholders including IP, regulatory, clinical, products and reimbursements.

 
Kyle Siegal

Kyle Siegel, J.D., Chief Patent Counsel and Senior VP of Life Sciences, Skysong Innovations

As a leader in executing patenting and licensing strategies, Kyle Siegel discusses how his team works with principal investigators to translate technologies from the lab to patient care. Kyle stresses the importance for entrepreneurs to be true to themselves and to build a team around them to be successful.

 
Emily Caporello, Ph.D.

Emily Caporello, Ph.D., Scientific Program Manager, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Stay tuned for an insightful discussion with Emily Caporello regarding her passion in supporting small businesses and NIH in the translation process to get basic research out of the lab and into the market. She shares her excitement for neurotechnology that is coming to fruition and advices for women in the science and engineering field.

 
Jamie Tyler

Jamie Tyler, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University

Besides being an associate professor, Jamie Tyler has co-founded several companies. In this interview, Jamie shares personal experiences regarding tough lessons learned in his entrepreneurial ventures. He sheds light on how he balances his business and academic duties, and how he sees the integration of neurotechnology in main stream society in the near future.

 
Amy Kruse

Amy Kruse, Ph.D., Partner and Principal Biologist, Prime Movers Lab (previously with Platypus Institute)

Amy Kruse shares her vision of bringing applied neuroscience and neurotechnology to help improve the human experience with a multi-disciplinary team and partnerships. She embraces her journey as an entrepreneur navigating through ethical questions, engaging with multi-disciplinary teams and partners, and being innovative continually.

 
Eric Van Gieson

Eric Van Gieson, Ph.D., Biological Technologies Offices, DARPA

Eric Van Gieson provides valuable insights on his experiences working for a start-up and for the government. He brings a new perspective from the molecular discipline into the neurotech community. As a Program Manager for DARPA, Eric explains how DARPA helps shape the technology space, supports entrepreneurship, and works to ensure its investment has longevity.

 
Dr. Cristin Welle

Cristin Welle, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Departments of Neurosurgery and Physiology & Biophysics, University of Colorado

Cristin Welle discusses her research that lies at the intersection between neural device technology and their implications in the nervous system. Having previously worked at the FDA focused on neural interface technology, Cristin sheds light on entrepreneurial opportunities, regulatory issues, and the importance of promoting diversity in the neuroscience community.