ImpacTech

Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Josh Anderson, Program Director, Assistive Technology Specialist for Easter Seals Crossroads, and Host of Assistive Technology UpdateGuest(s): Brandon Biggs, CEO of XR Navigation; John McInerney, IMPACT Mentor and Board MemberIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Easter Seals Crossroads | WebsiteAssistive Technology Update | Website, Podcast Apple PageXR Navigation | LinkedIn, WebsiteTranscript | Word Doc,  PDF

Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Josh Anderson, Program Director, Assistive Technology Specialist for Easter Seals Crossroads, and Host of Assistive Technology UpdateGuest(s): Brandon Biggs, CEO of XR Navigation; John McInerney, IMPACT Mentor and Board MemberIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Easter Seals Crossroads | Website Assistive Technology Update | Website, Podcast Apple PageXR Navigation | LinkedIn, WebsiteTranscript | Word Doc,  PDF

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghCo-Host: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of Technology Translation, IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Emilie Maamary, CMO of Steadiwear IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFSome abbreviations used during the episode:B to B to C: business to business to consumerMVP: minimum viable product

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghCo-Host: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director of Technology Translation, IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Emilie Maamary, CMO of Steadiwear Use the code "IETF" to get an additional $50 off the pre-order of the Steadiwear Three device, which is currently available at a 40% discount through the end of the year 2024.IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFTimestamps:1:43 Steadiwear's Origin and Personal Inspiration3:47 Challenges and Initial Steps4:45 User Testing and Product Development8:40 Navigating the FDA Process16:53 Seeking Consultants and Mentors18:37 Collaborations and Connections21:40 Promotions and Final Thoughts

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Leah Marmo, Director of Impact Accelerator at Iglis, Pittsburgh, PAIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFTimestamps:1:59 Leah's Background Story20:15 Key Lessons Learned Throughout Her Career27:37 Mission and Vision of the Inglis Impact Accelerator 41:07 Sample Clients56:26 Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in this Space Companies Mentioned in EpisodeTogether International | Website testa-seat | WebsiteCookie Cookie Ice Cream | WebsiteRiver City Growers | WebsiteDisability Media Network | Website 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Rose Morris, Founder of Abram's NationIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDFTimestamps:1:45 Rose Morris and Abram's Nation Introduction2:05 Motivation to start Abram's Nation6:57 Challenges of Learning About FDA Registration and Insurance Requirements11:56 Memorable Success Stories18:50 Expansion into International Markets and SBA Exporter of the Year27:25 Future Plans

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Todd Hargroder and Troy Tesmer, co-founders of Soul Mobility, Inc.IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDF Timestamps:0:58 The IMPACT Award2:31 How they got into the mobility space9:43 Involvement in the field13:02 Building a substantial product17:50 Challenges during development24:05 The future of power-assist34:38 Never give up

Host : Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Associate Director of Technology Translation, and Dr. Julie Faieta, Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Rehabilitation Science Researcher and Licensed Clinical Occupational TherapistGuests: RESNA Developers' Showcase Teams (see below for more information)Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 02:13 Stephanie - VehiCLE  03:48 Wayne - Wall Storage  05:51 Leslie - Hummingbird  09:46 Karen - Work Access  13:04 Finn - Auli Tech  16:20 Nadine - Kinemo  21:01 Roger - MyAccessibleHome  25:07 Todd - PowerFlex  IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram1. VehiCLE by the Cleveland VA Technology Transfer Program - Stephanie Bailey | Website2. Fully Accessible Wall Storage by Novabiz - Wayne Crowley | Website3. The Hummingbird by the Prism Lab at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto - Leslie Mumford | Website4. Work ACCESS by the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech - Karen Milchus5. Cato by Auli Tech - Finn Biggs | YouTube, Email, 6. Kinemo by Georgia Tech - Nordine Sebkhi | Website, LinkedIn7. myAcessibleHome App by R2D2 Center at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Roger Smith | Website8. PowerFlex by Soul Mobility - Todd Hargroder | WebsiteTranscript | PDF

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Julie Gulick, President and CEO of Bally DesignJulie Gulick - Bally Design | LinkedIn,  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, InstagramTranscript | PDF

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, Director of the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), an elite wheelchair racer, a Paralympic ambassador, public speaker, disability advocate, and former assistant professor at Vanderbilt University.Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt | LinkedIn, ACL.gov News,  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDF Info on pursuing NIDILRR funding- View NIDILRR funding opportunities at Grants.gov- View NIDILRR Funding Opportunities on ACL.gov   Tip: When the page is displayed in your browser, choose the "NIDILRR" category from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, Director of the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), an elite wheelchair racer, a Paralympic ambassador, public speaker, disability advocate, and former assistant professor at Vanderbilt University.Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt | LinkedIn, ACL.gov News,  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Transcript | PDF Key Mentions- NIDILRR main webpage- NARIC- About NIDILRR video Adaptive sport/exercise RRTC- How to find adaptive sport/recreation: https://www.naric.com/?q=en/FAQ/where-can-i-find-accessible-recreational-activities- NIDILRR funded: https://www.rectech.org/- The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) AT3 and NARIC links on Assistive Tech- https://acl.gov/programs/assistive-technology/assistive-technology- AT3 Center State Assistive Technology Program Directory- https://www.naric.com/?q=en/content/assistive-technology-0- NIDILRR's Small Business Innovation Research program- Knowledge Translation Centers Program Info on pursuing NIDILRR funding- View NIDILRR funding opportunities at Grants.gov- View NIDILRR Funding Opportunities on ACL.gov   Tip: When the page is displayed in your browser, choose the "NIDILRR" category from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Hosts: Dr. Michelle Zorrilla, Associate Director of Technology Translation and Mrs. Nancy Augustine, Project Manager, at the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh,Guests: Madeline Lee and Meghan Mulloy, graduate student entrepreneurs from the University of Pittsburgh's Masters of Rehabilitation Technology programMeghan Mulloy | LinkedInToothbrush Buddy |  WebsiteRESNA Student Design Challenge 2022 | WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Full Transcript | PDFKey Mentions  SHRS Master of Rehabilitation Science https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/mrtRESNA.org www.RESNA.org    

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Tracey McGillivray, Entrepreneur/Co-founder & CEO at Axtion Independence Mobility Inc.; Liam Maaskant, Mechanical Engineer; Co-Founder & CPO, Axtion Independence Mobility Inc.Tracey McGillivray | LinkedInLiam Maaskant | LinkedIn | EmailAction Independence Mobility Inc. |  TwitterIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Full Transcript | PDFKey Mentionswww.Rise4Access.orgwww.RESNA.org 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Dr. Portia Singh, Director of Research at Cariloop, the world's first human-powered caregiver support platform that combines professional health care coaching services, and cloud-based tools that help families plan and manage every aspect of their caregiving journey; Shireen Abdullah, CEO of  Yumlish, an AI-powered digital health platform that provides culturally relevant nutrition therapy for minorities with diabetes and addresses socio-economic barriers to dietary adherence. Dr. Portia Singh | LinkedIn, CariloopShireen Abdullah | Yumlish Website, LinkedInIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Dr. Portia Singh, Director of Research at Cariloop, the world's first human-powered caregiver support platform that combines professional health care coaching services, and cloud-based tools that help families plan and manage every aspect of their caregiving journey; Shireen Abdullah, CEO of  Yumlish, an AI-powered digital health platform that provides culturally relevant nutrition therapy for minorities with diabetes and addresses socio-economic barriers to dietary adherence. Dr. Portia Singh | LinkedIn, CariloopShireen Abdullah | Yumlish Website, LinkedInIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Timestamps:1:22 Dr. Portia Singh background7:28 Shireen Abdullah background15:17 What inspired Portia's work?24:39 What inspired Shireen's work?29:42 Barriers faced in development and technology transfer 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Karin Leire, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Permobil; Dr. Laura Rice, Associate Professor at the University of Illinois, Associate Director of the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability, and Interim Director of Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration Programs; and Dr. Shantha Sarangapani, Founder & CEO of ICET Inc., a growing contract R&D company aggressively developing new ideas, concepts and technologies in the areas of biomedicine, energy, and environment.Karin Leire | LinkedInDr. Laura Rice | Lab Website, LinkedInDr. Shantha Sarangapani | ICET Inc Website, LinkedIn IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Timestamps:01:02 What is unique about rehab tech and its path to market? 02:40 From concept to prototype to market04:12 Pushing for the greater masses06:48 Collaborations with Industry10:24 When to engage other sectors11:45 Intellectual Property Challenges14:32 Large company secret sauce

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Karin Leire, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Permobil; Dr. Laura Rice, Associate Professor at the University of Illinois, Associate Director of the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability, and Interim Director of Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration Programs; and Dr. Shantha Sarangapani, Founder & CEO of ICET Inc., a growing contract R&D company aggressively developing new ideas, concepts and technologies in the areas of biomedicine, energy, and environment.Karin Leire | LinkedInDr. Laura Rice | Lab Website, LinkedInDr. Shantha Sarangapani | ICET Inc Website, LinkedIn IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter  Timestamps:1:12 Backstories9:12 Flexible Employment Program for Women Scientists at ICET, Inc. 12:22 Barriers Faced by Female Innovators16:09 Experiences Impacted by Gender 18:22 Patents and Investments23:39 Is work-life balance achievable?33:08 Leading by example37:11 Monday Motivation  

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Barbara G Stymies Chair in Rehabilitation Technology, and lead of the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics team at KITE, and Dr. Tilak Dutta, Scientist at the Toronto Rehab Institute. AGE-WELL NCE | Website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeKITE Research Institute | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTubeIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Timestamps:01:30 Knowledge Translation Beyond Products06:37 Barriers and Facilitators of Implementing Standards10:19 Challenges of an Aging Population15:49 Technology Polarities faced by the Aging18:40 Advice for those going into AT

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Barbara G Stymies Chair in Rehabilitation Technology, and lead of the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics team at KITE, and Dr. Tilak Dutta, Scientist at the Toronto Rehab Institute. AGE-WELL NCE | Website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeKITE Research Institute | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTubeIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Timestamps: 01:15 Alex Background & Intro02:21 Tilak Background & Intro03:28 KITE Center - What they do and the research teams05:12 Collaboration, Commercialization and Translation07:51 The Home Lab and End-Users14:47 KITE Startups - Braze Mobility18:15 Research, Funding & Support 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Dr. Pooja Viswanathan, CEO of BRAZE Mobility Inc and  Dr. Rosalie Wang, Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of TorontoFASTER Collective | WebsiteAGE-WELL NCE | Website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeBRAZE Mobility Inc | Website, Facebook, YouTube, TwitterIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFASTER Publication |  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33992634/ Wang, R. H., Kenyon, L. K., McGilton, K. S., Miller, W. C., Hovanec, N., Boger, J., Viswanathan, P., Robillard, J. M., & Czarnuch, S. M. (2021). The Time Is Now: A FASTER Approach to Generate Research Evidence for Technology-Based Interventions in the Field of Disability and Rehabilitation. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 102(9), 1848–1859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.04.009AGE-WELL Workshop Position Paper | Smart Wheelchairs in Assessment and Training (SWAT): State of the FieldFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 01:15 Pooja Background & Intro01:51 Rosalie Background & Intro03:13  Barriers to Commercialization in Rehab Tech08:32 Technology Based Interventions09:57  Current Approaches for Technology-Based Interventions16:24 Diving Deeper into the FASTER Framework23:54 What would success look like? 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Pooja Viswanathan, CEO of BRAZE Mobility IncBRAZE Mobility Inc | Website, Facebook, YouTube, TwitterIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 00:56 Background & Intro01:58 BRAZE Mobility and the technology03:29 From Academia to Entrepreneurship07:25 Funding and IP16:15 Mentorship is critical17:40 How each side can work together

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Dr. Dan Zondervan (VP) and Dr. David Reikensmeyer (Clinical Advisor) of FlintRehabFlintRehab | Website, Facebook, YouTube, TwitterProducts |  FitMi, MusicGloveIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 01:18 Clinical Trial Process - Research Perspective04:14 Clinical Trial Process - Industry Perspective and Communicating the Value of a Product05:40 FlintRehab's Consumer Product Mentality06:31 Including Qualitative Components07:44 FDA Process and Tips12:08 Business Models Differ by Product17:05 Size and Structure of FlintRehab21:12 Final advice

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuests: Dr. Dan Zondervan (VP) and Dr. David Reikensmeyer (Clinical Advisor) of FlintRehabFlintRehab | Website, Facebook, YouTube, TwitterProducts |  FitMi, MusicGlove, IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 1:22 FlintRehab's Backstory.7:56 SBIR Funding Mechanism got them started.8:39 Their Products.10:09  What the data is suggesting.14:53 Why neuro-rehabilitation.16:37 Straddling the university and small business role.20:51 Wearing many hats. 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest Co-Host: John Inserra, Principle at Mindful Venture ConsultingGuests: Don Morrison, chairman of Deal Flow for BlueTree Allied Angels, and Corinne Vinopol, CEO of the Institute for Disabilities Research and Training Inc.John Inserra | LinkedInCorinne Vinopol | LinkedInDon Morrison | LinkedInIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 1:40 Essential pieces for product to succeed.3:57 Product/Market Fit.7:28 Importance of intellectual property.11:45 Identifying a more compelling or promising IP strategy, problem statement or value proposition.12:16 Customer Discovery & Finances.13:20 Pitching and the Kinds of Pitches.17:22 Eye contact and presence.18:23 People remember stories not numbers. Slides and storytelling.20:24 Top 2 to 3 things an entrepreneur can do to get to market.23:57 Get out of your comfort zone.

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest Co-Host: John Inserra, Principle at Mindful Venture ConsultingGuests: Don Morrison, chairman of Deal Flow for BlueTree Allied Angels, and Corinne Vinopol, CEO of the Institute for Disabilities Research and Training Inc.John Inserra | LinkedInCorinne Vinopol | LinkedInDon Morrison | LinkedInIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 01:08 IMPACT Center Training01:56 Co-host and Guest Intros04:55 What is in it for the mentor and what do they bring to the table?08:08 Business experience is not enough10:39 It is more than knowledge and skill13:20 How effective communication is important18:21 Pitching vs Discovery vs Conversation

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Dr. Cathy Bodine, Associate Professor, Director, Center for Inclusive Design and EngineeringUC Denver - CIDE |  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 2:38 Advice to those making their technologies open source and how to think about sustainability.4:40 Analyzing market share and the other critical components of a business plan.11:01 The Technology Act Programs.14:47 Innovation Trends in Academia.17:35 Advice to women and other underrepresented innovators.22:20 When is it time to move on to the next thing?25:08 How to get or stay motivated after several rejections?

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Dr. Cathy Bodine, Associate Professor, Director, Center for Inclusive Design and EngineeringUC Denver - CIDE |  WebsiteIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 1:13 How Dr. Cathy Bodine got into assistive technology3:19 Taking the leap from industry to academia4:19 The start of the innovation hub at CU and Dr. Bodine's roles6:01 Paths and challenges associated with getting technologies out of the university7:59 Future changes assisting innovators10:06 Advice for innovators in the CU ecosystem11:44 Complimentary perspectives and team science15:10 Involving the university's tech transfer office16:46 Where partnerships between academia and industry can go wrong19:07 Other guidance when working with industry partners in academia

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Steve Sutter, President of CreateAbility Concepts, Inc.CreateAbility Concepts, Inc. |  Website, EmailIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDFTimestamps: 

Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of PittsburghGuest: Steve Sutter, President of CreateAbility Concepts, Inc.CreateAbility Concepts, Inc. |  Website, EmailIMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterFull Episode Transcript | PDF Timestamps: 02:47 From the corporate world to starting his own business.04:33 What problem needed to be solved?07:53 How the solution would help the stakeholders; Company values.09:32 Focus groups; Engaging the community; Gap analysis and Mini Release Cycles. 12:00 Impact of COVID-19 on the company and stakeholder engagement.13:48 Benefits and COVID-1915:50 Saboteurs 18:05 Competitors21:52 What is coming up in Episode 2?