On Tuesday night, industry professionals, mostly VCs, angels, startupers and Boston University alums and supporters, came together for the first ever Tech, Drugs & Rock ‘n Roll! The event was created as a way to help members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem network with one another and learn about what Boston University is doing to become known as a top player in research and commercialization efforts. U2 cover band Joshua Tree played in the background while enthusiasts checked out what’s hot from Boston University.
The Tech department at BU had been sitting on the idea for an event called Tech, Drugs Rock and Roll for at least two years, but was waiting for the right time to finally unveil the event.
Boston University wants to change the way people view the school. The new motto for the Technology department of BU is to “maximize collision and minimize friction.” The goal is to get people to meet each other, creating “collisions” that may result in the formation of new ventures. There were a lot of investors in the room as well, doing their best to cultivate the openness that is necessary to facilitate different kinds of collisions between those with capital and those with ideas.
Robert A. Brown, President of Boston University
Boston University President Robert A. Brown delivered the keynote speech, which addressed both concerns and the future of Boston University as a standout enterprise. Boston University wants to transform its image so that it is viewed as an international organization with a strong research component.
Key Takeaways From Brown’s Address:
- The creation of ideas, processes and devices are at the core of science, engineering and medicine, which puts universities at the core of the innovation ecosystem.
- Economic recovery is able to occur when we are able to give value to creation and jobs here in the United States. Boston University’s Technology and Research department is leading this effort.
- Countries all over the world are creating the same kinds of support ecosystems; we must be the leader here in Boston. By supporting great research organizations like Boston University, the United States will stand out.
- Collaboration is essential. To be the most innovative city, Boston must show the strength of its colleges and graduate schools, as well as willingness to collaborate between staff, students and professional communities.
- The entrepreneur ecosystem relies heavily on venture capital firms to engage with schools and students. The engagement factor between the VC world and industrial communities will help move products from the research phase to the commercialization stage.
Mark Grinstaff, Winner of the First Annual Boston University Innovator of the Year Award
Boston University also announced its first ever Innovator of the Year Award. This award will be given annually to someone who uses research to create a product that can be commercialized and who encourages other Boston University faculty members to do the same. This year, the award went to Mark Grinstaff, a professor who teaches both Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering and chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has co-founded three companies that have now commercialized his ideas: Hyperbranch Medical Technology, Flex Biomedical and Acuity Bio, which is commercializing a new drug delivery device for the prevention of tumor recurrence after surgical resection.
Tags: Boston University, drugs, rock n' roll, tech
