Forward Faster

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A limited series podcast interviewing thought-leaders on hot topics in education and the future of work.

Ritchie School at the University of Denver


    • Apr 21, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 92 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Forward Faster

    Grant Writing from the Ground Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 11:37


    To have a successful career in science, you must be able to convince strangers to give you enormous sums of money. Unfortunately, many scientists miss the mark and write terrible […]

    Spotlight on Instant Input: Connecting Community Members to Projects They Care About

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 17:44


      When Tanya Mooza Zwahlen’s neighborhood playground disappeared overnight, she was inspired to develop a solution that would give people insight into projects going on in their communities. Hear from […]

    Optica (formerly OSA), a New Name for the Leading Global Society in Light Science and Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 8:53


    After more than a century, the world’s leading champion for optics and photonics has a new name. Optica (formerly The Optical Society of America) is a reflection of the society’s […]

    Optica (formerly OSA), a New Name for the Leading Global Society in Light Science and Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 8:53


      After more than a century, the world’s leading champion for optics and photonics has a new name. Optica (formerly The Optical Society of America) is a reflection of the society’s global reach and commitment to continuous growth and inclusivity. Dr. Eric Mazur, Optica’s Foundation Chair and 2017 President, talks about the decision to rebrand […]

    Spotlight on Layer Metrics: Enabling Reliable 3D Metal Printing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2021 7:10


      Manufacturers of mission-critical components like facial implants and aircraft engine pieces are currently using metal printing to produce multiple parts to get one good one. It’s a problem that costs the global manufacturing industry billions of dollars a year. Layer Metrics, a startup in cohort 4 of the Luminate accelerator, is working to address […]

    Spotlight on Layer Metrics: Enabling Reliable 3D Metal Printing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2021 7:09


    Manufacturers of mission-critical components like facial implants and aircraft engine pieces are currently using metal printing to produce multiple parts to get one good one. It’s a problem that costs […]

    Spotlight on 2EyesVision: Empowering Personalized Assessment of Multifocal Corrections

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 15:23


      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, […]

    Spotlight on 2EyesVision: Empowering Personalized Assessment of Multifocal Corrections

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 15:23


    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 […]

    Spotlight on Momentum Optics: Delivering Affordable Custom Optics, Ultra-Fast

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 15:17


      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 […]

    Spotlight on Momentum Optics: Delivering Affordable Custom Optics, Ultra-Fast

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 15:18


      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.

    Spotlight on Mesodyne: Building Generators that Fit in the Palm of Your Hand

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021 14:53


    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 […]

    Spotlight on Mesodyne: Building Generators that Fit in the Palm of Your Hand

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021 14:53


      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, talks […]

    Spotlight on OSCP: Transforming Motion Sensing for Autonomous Vehicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 17:42


      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 […]

    Spotlight on OSCP: Transforming Motion Sensing for Autonomous Vehicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 17:42


    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 […]

    Spotlight on PreAct Technologies: Saving Lives with Car Crash Prevention

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 12:39


    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 […]

    Spotlight on PreAct Technologies: Saving Lives with Car Crash Prevention

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 12:39


      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 […]

    Spotlight on Owl AI: Unlocking Safe Autonomous Operation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 24:00


      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 […]

    Spotlight on Organic Robotics Corporation: Measuring Muscle Activity at the Speed of Light

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 12:00


    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 […]

    Spotlight on Organic Robotics Corporation: Measuring Muscle Activity at the Speed of Light

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 12:00


      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 […]

    DIEMlife: Changing the Way We Change the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 14:36


      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 […]

    DIEMlife: Changing the Way We Change the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 14:36


    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 […]

    Spotlight on Andluca Technologies: Making Glass Smarter and More Efficient

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 21:50


      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 […]

    Spotlight on Andluca Technologies: Making Glass Smarter and More Efficient

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 21:50


    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 […]

    Partner Spotlight: Rev Ithaca Startup Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 21:27


      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 […]

    Partner Spotlight: Rev Ithaca Startup Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 21:27


    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. […]

    Spotlight on Infrascreen: Bringing Better Climate Control to Greenhouse Growers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 19:48


      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 […]

    Spotlight on Infrascreen: Bringing Better Climate Control to Greenhouse Growers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 19:49


    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 […]

    Spotlight on Dynocardia: Changing the Way We Measure and Manage Blood Pressure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2021 14:21


      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 […]

    Spotlight on Dynocardia: Changing the Way We Measure and Manage Blood Pressure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2021 14:20


    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 […]

    Dan O’Connell’s Climate Tech Success Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 19:04


    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 […]

    Dan O’Connell’s Climate Tech Success Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 19:04


      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, […]

    How Climate-Conscious Companies Can Start Sustainable Practices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 5:39


    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 […]

    How Climate-Conscious Companies Can Start Sustainable Practices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 5:39


      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 […]

    Growing a Family at Sydor Optics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 20:46


    What started as a father-son operation in a garage is now a booming family business with nearly 90 employees. Sydor Optics carved out a niche in ultra precision flat optics, […]

    Growing a Family at Sydor Optics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 20:46


      What started as a father-son operation in a garage is now a booming family business with nearly 90 employees. Sydor Optics 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 […]

    Starting a Business and a Family

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 33:55


    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 […]

    Starting a Business and a Family

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 33:56


      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, […]

    The Optical Systems Technology Program at MCC

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 21:04


      Optics 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 are trained people to fill them. Dr. Alexis Vogt, Endowed Chair and Professor of Optics at Monroe Community College, speaks with Luminate‘s Technology Program […]

    NREL Industry Growth Forum Highlights

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2021 17:10


      Every year the National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL) hosts the Industry Growth Forum, the premier conference for those who work or invest in the renewable energy landscape. The three-day conference is packed with investor meetings, innovator pitches, and networking with the brightest minds in the industry. Kate Moore, who manages strategic partnerships for NREL, […]

    Spotlight on Sniffy Labs: Putting Personalized, On-Demand Dog Training in Your Pocket

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 14:40


      In-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 […]

    Utilizing Smarter Supply Chains to Scale Your Business and Climate Solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 28:01


      Supply 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, […]

    Leveraging Customer Experiences to Implement Climate Solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 41:18


      How 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 Hasaneen, PhD, Vice President of Innovation at Trane Technologies and Executive Director of Center for Healthy & Efficient Spaces, shares her lessons learned in […]

    Finger Lakes Forward: A Vision for Our Region’s Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 32:41


      The 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 (FLREDC), reflects a shared vision to build upon recent progress, overcome challenges, and extend economic opportunity to all residents. Vincent Esposito, Regional Director of […]

    From AgTech to Accelerator with Zoe Welz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 13:07


      Meet 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 she’s used her experience to help entrepreneurs and startups grow their businesses and ultimately landed on the Venture For ClimateTech team as a program […]

    Spotlight on OVITZ: Delivering Life-Changing Vision Improvements

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 26:30


      Almost 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 keratoconus. OVITZ is making it easier for optometrists to capture measurements and work with manufacturers to deliver custom vision correction to their patients. Nick […]

    Advice from a Serial Software Entrepreneur

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 34:49


      For 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 […]

    Spotlight on Rubitection: Advancing Early Bedsore Detection

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 29:58


      The 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 year from these highly preventable pressure ulcers. Dr. Sanna Gaspard, CEO of Rubitection, is passionate about changing the outcomes. She speaks with Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, […]

    Celebrating Black Leaders in Climate Tech

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 51:25


      To 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 the best ideas, teams, and investments the climate tech space has to offer with guest panelists Danielle Harris, Director of Mobility Innovation at Elemental […]

    Manufacturing Accelerators Partner Up to Form Scale For ClimateTech

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 42:09


      Manufacturing 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 […]

    Mergers & Acquisitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 26:44


      President 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 […]

    A New Voice and Venture for ClimateTech

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 22:01


      There 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, […]

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