Harvard Grid

Founded six years ago by Harvard Physics researchers experimenting with laser-based quantum computing methods, QuEra Computing Inc. has rapidly evolved into a global leader in quantum technology. Yesterday, we had the honor of hearing from QuEra’s Co-Founder and CTO, Nate Gemelke PhD, as he recounted the company’s extraordinary journey from a small research project in a Harvard lab basement to a world renowned player in quantum computing. And special thanks to Moran Cabili-Kalmar, our Grid partner at the Harvard Office of Technology Development (OTD) for moderating this Lab-to-Launch Lounge! #HarvardGrid #Innovation #ToughTech

Santiago Canete, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard SEAS, presented plans for robotic mobility solutions designed to assist individuals with disabilities. The team is developing assistive technology that provides active assistance through machine learning. He shared the project at a recent "Pitch to Match" event where students and researchers from across Harvard gathered to exchange ideas and explore interdisciplinary collaborations.

Another successful tech translation workshop in the books! From discussions on building the right team, to case studies on how to learn from past failures - students were buzzing with ideas, enthusiasm, and questions that made the day meaningful and impactful. Special thanks to our Harvard Business School faculty that led the day - Thomas Eisenmann, Jim Matheson, Tom Clay, and Joshua Krieger and to Liane Clamen - founder and CEO of Adaptilens who shared insights on how to face and overcome challenges in the startup journey. #Harvardinnovation #Harvardventuring #Toughtech

Last week Harvard Grid, in partnership with HBS Rock Center for Entrepreneurship tried something new in an effort to shake up our format and accelerate connections between schools. As Harvard SEAS Dean David Parkes shared with our community, "science and engineering is a team sport," and this event was a testament to that ethos. Over 30 individuals took the stage to showcase robotic assistive devices and advanced early breast cancer diagnostic sensors to innovative video game data collection programs designed for AI training, and unique touch-based meditation systems, the ingenuity of our Harvard entrepreneurs was nothing short of inspiring. Special shoutout to Christophe Chantre for kicking off the event and energizing the room with your start-up success story.

Last week, we hosted the Venturing@Harvard series in collaboration with the Harvard Innovation Labs, HBS Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, Lemann Center for Creativity and Entrepreneurship, and the Harvard HealthLab Accelerator bringing together company founders and potential collaborators. Founders pitched groundbreaking ideas, from merging neuroscience and AI in the biotech industry to public service ventures aimed at improving financial literacy among Peruvian women. The event showcased the innovative and impactful work happening at Harvard, providing a unique platform for founders to connect with partners and build interdisciplinary teams. For more events celebrating Harvard's entrepreneurial spirit, please visit the Harvard Grid website. There's much more to come! #HarvardGrid #Venturing@Harvard #Innovation #venturing

A lookback on 2024: As the year comes to a close and we look ahead, we're filled with gratitude for everyone who joined events, contributed to speaker series, supported groundbreaking Grid Accelerator projects, and accelerated research with real-world impact. You’ve truly made this year one for the books! It's been a whirlwind of inspiring events and symposia that brought together tough tech innovation across disciplines. Not to mention, Harvard Grid Fellows Keith Powell, PhD and Santiago Canete, PhD have made impressive strides in their year-long research translation project, adding to the successful track record with three recent Grid Accelerator projects and 20 organizations collectively raising nearly half a billion dollars in the past decade. Looking ahead, we're excited to expand the Grid impact and serve as a NSF I-Corps Hub - designing programs to help researchers commercialize science and technology innovations through customer discovery. Here’s to pushing limits, breaking barriers, and venturing boldly into the future.

Innovation in Motion: Meet Santiago Canete, one of the inaugural Harvard Grid Fellows! Santiago's pioneering work in the Harvard Biodesign and Ability Labs is focused on developing a self-learning ankle exoskeleton to aid stroke survivors in reclaiming their ability to walk independently. This device doesn't just promise to enhance gait and endurance; it aims to revolutionize personal mobility, granting stroke survivors the gift of freedom in their own communities. As part of the Grid Fellowship, Santiago is not only refining this groundbreaking technology but also building the entrepreneurial skillset needed to transition from lab to market. We are thrilled to support Santiago's journey and witness the profound impact of his work in assistive robotics. #HarvardGrid #Innovation #AssistiveRobotics

Last night, we engaged with two tough tech CEOs, Drs. Adam Behrens from Mori and Simon Chaput from Boréas Technologies, as part of the Grid's Lab-to-Launch Lounge series. Simon pushed attendees, “if you really believe in your idea, go for it,” since you will encounter plenty of skeptics and it will take relentless internal drive to turn your ideas into impact. Further, both Simon and Adam did not mince words when describing toughness required in launching tough tech ventures. From hiring (and when necessary, trimming) the right team to maintaining investor relationships to constantly rethinking product form and market entry points, challenges constantly abound. A crucial and often underestimated leadership trait is strength in personal values, from building an engaging and inclusive office culture to demonstrating resiliency along the roller coaster ride of early startup days. While CEOs intrinsically have intense drive and work ethic, self-care is critical to be the best version of yourself, day-in and day-out, through personal advisers and other wellness practices. Adam concluded the LLL session with a hard lesson for all aspiring tough tech CEOs: only when you are okay with the possibility of failure, will you succeed. Thank you Adam and Simon!

Yesterday, Harvard Grid joined forces with MassRobotics, Professor Conor Walsh and the Harvard Move Lab to explore the transformative potential of robotics in supporting our aging population. The 'Robotics in Age: Assistive Tech' event brought together innovators and thought leaders to address the challenges and opportunities in creating technologies that enhance the quality of life for older adults. Through insightful discussions and compelling demonstrations, we witnessed how cutting-edge robotics can empower independence and improve everyday living. Thank you to everyone involved for sharing your expertise and vision, propelling us toward a future where technology compassionately meets the needs of our aging society. #HarvardGrid #MassRobotics #MoveLab #AgingTech #Innovatoin #Robotics

Sports Equipment Designed for Women, by Women. Inclusive Engineering is how we design better, human-centered machines, devices, apparel, and other built-world concepts that do not immediately fail 50% or 100% of intended 'users.' Thank you Sara Falkson, Jamie Mittelman, Lauren Scruggs OLY, and Christine Yu for ideas and actionable strategies. As our guide and thought leader/partner on inclusive engineering design, thank you as always, Karen Korellis Reuther for shaping Harvard Grid's third installment examining how scientists and engineers create models and shape our physical world to help everyone pursue their hopes and dreams, including Olympic gold! Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University https://lnkd.in/gWqdVJCA