The Next Generation

by JoJo Platt, senior contributing editor

As the neurotechnology industry enters its third decade, industry leaders would be wise to consider where the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives will come from. While government and nonprofit agencies such as the NIH and the NSF have played a major role in promoting and funding young neurotech researchers, success in a commercial setting requires a unique combination of technical, organizational, and entrepreneurial skills.

Such was the motivation for Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland FES Center to launch the Cleveland NeuroDesign Entrepreneurs Workshop five years ago. The 2024 event, held on the CWRU campus earlier this month, continued to cement its reputation as a leading platform for neurotechnology innovation. The workshop, rooted in the Stanford Biodesign framework, attracted a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs, students, and early-career professionals eager to immerse themselves in the rigorous process of developing cutting-edge neurotech solutions.

The workshop’s curriculum, designed to guide participants from identifying clinical needs to crafting viable business models, has evolved to include hands-on mentoring from some of the brightest minds in the neurotechnology space. The four-day event culminated in a pitch competition, where teams presented their startup ideas to a panel of venture capitalists and neurotech leaders.

The effect of the workshop endures long after the final pitch. The participants and faculty are indelibly marked by the experience. One 2024 participant described the experience as “eye-opening” and emphasized how it equipped her with the tools to view neurotech translation through a broader lens. “The skills I learned aren’t just applicable to neurotech—they shape how I approach problems and think across different fields,” she shared in a LinkedIn post.

Another participant echoed similar sentiments, calling the event “an invaluable journey.” She highlighted how the intense curriculum, combined with mentorship from leading neurotech experts, left her with a renewed sense of purpose. She also praised the connections she formed during the workshop, underscoring the collaborative spirit that is central to its success.

The workshop’s impact on its participants is undeniable, but it also draws praise from faculty members and mentors. Rob Barnes, one of the faculty leads, commented, “This is truly one of the things I look forward to each year with great anticipation. It’s fun, it’s inspiring, and it’s intense.” Jeff Kramer added, “This event started out great and has, amazingly, gotten better and better over time!” He credited the volunteers for setting a stellar example for future neurotech leaders.

As the workshop celebrates its fifth year, it has built a network of over 150 alumni—each a potential leader in the growing neurotechnology industry. As Tim Marjenin, a mentor, noted, “That network is only going to get bigger and have more influence.” With such positive momentum, the Cleveland NeuroDesign Entrepreneurs Workshop is poised to remain a crucial incubator for neurotech innovation for years to come.