Building Business Models

Business models! The elusive component of every startup’s infrastructure. Maaike Doyer and Carley Jacobson of Business Models Inc and Chelsea Brownridge, CEO of Dog Parker, will help you think through your business model. They’ll hone in on different revenue models, talk about how to pivot your approach and adapt to new potential streams of income. No matter what stage you’re at, this workshop will introduce new ways of approaching your model. Passcode: futureworkspartner

Building with Arduinos

This workshop will give an introduction to the Arduino programming board, a highly functional programming board that allows you the user to create amazing electronic devices. The workshop will cover the basic functionalities of the board, basic electronic components and basic coding used to program the Arduino board, including: how the Arduino board is composed, structure and capabilities. This workshop will appeal to makers and others who are interested in robotics, home automation or electronics in general with little or know understanding of electronics or programming. 10 available Futureworks slots.

Thin-Film Deposition Fundamentals Workshop

The ASRC NanoFabrication Facility and Futureworks NYC, in collaboration with the Kurt J. Lesker Company, are offering a free technical workshop on vacuum deposition techniques. J.R. Gaines, Technical Director of Education for the Kurt J. Lesker Company, will introduce attendees to fundamental concepts and operating principles for the deposition of thin films by thermal and e-beam evaporation as well as sputtering by DC and RF techniques. The workshop is designed for both new and experienced users.

Factory Tour & Raffle

Voodoo hosts an open factory tour with pizza and drinks including a raffle to anyone who attends for a $625 printing credit to Voodoo’s online direct-print service.

Handmade Computer Workshop

What if we hand make our computers? This workshop will introduce the fundamentals of computation and electronics. Participants will learn to use breadboard, switch, LED and NAND (which is short for not AND logic) Integrated Circuit chips. By combining NAND gates in various arrangements we will make every possible binary logic pattern. Using the logic, we will make Half-Adder which has an arithmetic function that performs Boolean algebra, SR Latch which has a memory function that stores data and an oscillator with a clock function that keeps track of time and synchronizes the computer’s various operations.

Workshop 7: Finance and Operations

Once you’ve developed your core value propositions, building finance and operations strategies become essential. How do you track costs, anticipate revenue, prepare for rainy days (or months), hire, run payroll and manage the business? Alek Marfisi of Upwind Strategies, Elli Papadopoulos of Skopos, and Ulas Neftsi of Midtown Manhattan Small Business Development Center lead this workshop on the tangible infrastructures you’ll need to thrive. Passcode: futureworkspartner

Introduction to CAD

Learn how professionals use CAD (Computer Aided Design) to design objects in 3-dimensions. This workshop is an introduction to CAD drawing and design. Participants will receive a basic understanding of CAD Designworks and will be able to design their own 3D models using free CAD tools like TinkerCad and Fusion 360. This workshop will appeal to makers and others who are interested in 3D printing, computer assisted design and designing for manufacturing in general with a baseline understanding of computers. 10 available Futureworks slots.

Workshop 8: Legal – Forming Companies, Protecting Products and IP

Legal fees are serious expenses. In the workshop, we’ll empower you with the strategy to handle the work yourself and prepare you for when you need to bring on counsel. Marjorie White and Jonathan Askin of Brooklyn Law Incubator & Policy Clinic (BLIP), Len Gray of Gray Legal, Daniel Gross of Myers Wolin and Peyton Worley of Emerging Companies and Capital Markets lead a series of intimate conversations on IP, founder and shareholder agreements. Passcode: futureworkspartner

HANDMADE COMPUTER WORKSHOP

NEW INC, the New Museum's incubator for art, design and technology, in collaboration with Futureworks NYC, is pleased to present the "Handmade Computer" workshop, developed and led by artist Taeyoon Choi.

Nanofabrication Workshop: An Introduction to Utilizing Nanotechnology

The CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) NanoFabrication Facility and Futureworks NYC present a two-day micro & nanofabrication workshop to be held November 9th and 10th. The program will be particularly useful for those interested in research and industrial applications of micro/nano fabrication and materials characterization. This two-day program will have both lectures and in lab (cleanroom) components. The material concepts will be accessible to non-scientists, including entrepreneurs interested in nanotechnology, students and researchers new to the field and engineers looking to expand their skill set. Lecture Topics: Fundamental processes for nanofabrication applications. Attendees will receive hands on cleanroom training on several tool sets, processing sample silicon wafers through each major process area.

Up to $40K in Matching Grants for NYC Manufacturers

National Grid and ITAC invite NYC manufacturers to learn about important programs that can help them save significant money. Learn about funding opportunities for projects* that demonstrate commitment to:

• Implementing "lean manufacturing" or other similar principles;
• Exploring increased utilization of existing equipment; and/or
• Incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency.

For over thirty years, both National Grid and ITAC’s economic and community development programs have helped to create jobs and revitalize communities throughout New York. Please join us for breakfast, to learn how you can benefit from this and additional business incentive programs. * Funding is open to NYC manufacturers in the National Grid NYC Service Territory (Brooklyn, parts of Queens, and Staten Island).

Venture Capital Investments in Nanotech Companies

As nanotechnology finds new uses ranging from energy applications to medicine and portable electronics, a growing number of early stage companies are forming to bring new nanotech innovation into these markets. These high-tech companies face unique challenges, including navigating their way through the current finance market. While investors are showing interest in nanotechnology investments, raising investor capital still remains extremely difficult. Join us at the ASRC for a panel discussion with venture capitalists, currently working in the nanotechnology space. Panelists will discuss investment strategies of nanotech venture capital firms, the state of investments in this arena, and identify challenges facing these companies to expert advice for current and future entrepreneurs.

Workshop 9: Marketing & Storytelling for Product Startups

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Websites, LinkedIn, YouTube, blogs, newsletters, investor updates, pitch decks, capabilities decks, press releases, white papers; sheesh. These days, telling your brand story can seem like it’s your main business. Adafruit's Jessica Califano, Infinia Ventures Managing Director Chris Gorges, SecondMuse's Greg Spielberg and Olivia Knox's Shanley Knox make storytelling strategies simple and powerful in this workshop. Passcode: futureworkspartner

C4Q Labs Kickoff

Join us as we launch C4Q Labs, which aims to catalyze new frontiers at the nexus of software and hardware. This event will feature makers, engineers, and entrepreneurs leading a new wave of innovation in the city.   C4Q Labs is part of Futureworks NYC, a key component of New York City’s Industrial Action Plan to help emerging and existing manufacturers adopt advanced technologies and increase local production.    

Invent-Her Pitch Night at Collab

Applications due Nov 17. As part of the Futureworks Shops program, production spaces across NYC have been opening up their doors to hardware startups and entrepreneurs. This month, Collab hosts Invent-Her Pitch Night, an opportunity for women-led startups to win three months of free production and office space at Collab. The Hudson Square-based hub gives innovators and creative entrepreneurs access to prototyping and digital fabrication equipment in the heart of Manhattan as well as the mentoring and space to build their ideas. Apply here!

Laser Cutting Basics

In collaboration with Futureworks NYC, NYDesigns is hosting this beginners workshop to get acquainted with laser cutting. The class will be taught on the Trotec CO2. Learn the basic skills to inspire your next project idea. The class will take place at the NYDesigns FabLab, our 5,000 square foot, on-site fabrication lab that allows makers to prototype design concepts in a safe, secure facility. In addition to the laser cutter, the FabLab is equipped with an array of tools, both analog and digital, including traditional hand and power tools, 3D printers, a CNC Router, a vacuum former, and an FDM rapid prototyper. Participants should be familiar with Adobe Illustrator, or another program which creates vector and raster files, and bring a simple design saved on a USB drive.

3D Printing & Design Workshop

Workshop 10: Fundraising for Product Startups: Crowdsourcing, VCs and Beyond

Money is everywhere, but how do you get your hands on some is what you want to know? By some, we mean enough to scale your company. Jonathan Hirschman of PCB:NG and Chelsea Brownridge of Dog Parker lead this series of workshop on finding investors, preparing pitches and raising funds. On December 6, they’ll take you through the VC route, talk about accelerator experiences and the many, many ways to finance your startup outside of venture capital. Passcode: futureworkspartner

Workshop #1: 3D Printing & TinkerCAD

TBD

Meetup #1: 5 Boroughs of Making

TBD

Arduino Workshop

Interested in learning more about Arduino, but not sure where to start? This workshop will provide all the tools you need to start building your own projects. Participants will learn about electronics and the innerworkings of the basic Arduino UNO. They will then design and build simple circuits that solve real-world problems using Arduino IDE software. This workshop is aimed at individuals with basic computer proficiency, but no software development experience is necessary. We will teach attendees how to use this introductory workshop as a springboard for more complex projects. Please bring your own laptop. We will provide all the software and hardware needed for the workshop.

C4Q Labs Open Access

C4Q opens up our electronics and 3D printing space for anyone interested in working on hardware and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. We provide equipment safety lectures to beginners, and allow experienced hardware prototypers to use our facilities for their current projects. It's a great, unstructured block of time to dive deeper into electronics and rapid prototyping.

Voodoo Manufacturing Happy Hour & Factory Tour

Come out for a tour of Voodoo Manufacturing, the digital factory making manufacturing as fast, affordable, and scalable as software. Food and drink will be served and two lucky winners will leave with $300 of free 3D printing credits. The Bushwick-based factory has 160 3D printers that can make thousands of plastic parts and products in an astonishingly short period of time.

Queens Hardware Meetup

Join us as we celebrate Queens-based hardware innovators. Hear from entrepreneurs who are building innovative physical products and companies. You will also have the chance to tour the NYDesigns Fab Lab.

  Schedule
6:30pm - Registration
7:00pm - Linh Le: Co-Founder & CEO, Bonbouton
7:20pm - Matthew Oswald: Head of Research & Development, Argyle Co
7:40pm - Jordan Mayerson: Co-Founder & CEO, Hoplite Power
8:00pm - Speaker Q&A moderated by Tristan Bel
8:20pm - Networking and Tour of NYDesigns Fab Lab
9:00pm - Closing

Haptics Workshop

Interested in learning more about wearables and haptics, but not sure where to start? This workshop will provide all the tools you need to start working on your own projects. Participants will learn about haptic feedback and will experience how different types of inputs (temperature, pressure, light...) create distinct sensory outputs. You'll do all of this using simple Arduino boards. We will teach attendees how to use this introductory workshop as a springboard for more complex projects. Please bring your own laptop. We will provide all the software and hardware needed for the workshop.

MAKE/MODEL Hackathon

MAKE/MODEL is a hackathon-style event focused on giving participants a hands-on glimpse into the design and manufacturing process. Co-developed by NEW INC and A/D/O, the event will bring together 100 participants to prototype project and product ideas together around the theme of Future Urban Living, with a particular focus on design solutions developed by and for the communities most likely to be impacted by ongoing changes to our city.

3D Printing & Design Workshop

Are you interested in exploring 3D modeling & printing, but unsure of how & where to start? We will cover the 3DP ecosystem: Software, hardware & materials as well as strategies for incorporating them into you design practice. This workshop is aimed at individuals with basic computer proficiency, & preferably, experience with 2D design software like Photoshop. No 3D experience is necessary. All software taught in the workshop will be free to download.
Please bring your own laptop and a 3-button mouse!

Zahn Innovation Summit

At the Zahn Innovation Center, diversity drives innovation. Please join us on March 6th for the Zahn Innovation Summit, a premiere event in Harlem featuring thought provoking conversation from NYC government officials, investors and entrepreneurs. Join us for a Fireside Chat between NYC CTO Miguel Gamino and US News & World Report Managing Editor Lylah Alphonse. NY Times Journalist Linda Villarosa will moderate a discussion among angel investors and entrepreneurs about the essential opportunity of investing in non-traditional entrepreneurs. You will not want to miss this exciting program, brought to you in partnership with NYC Open Data Week, Silicon Harlem, NYCEDC's Futureworks Program.

Hack the Future Workshops Innovation requires action. Our workshops have been specifically designed to help you take the next key step with your startup. Inspired by the subject of our four competition tracks–hardware, software, social impact, and women & tech–you’ll find there’s a workshop for everyone.

• How to measure sustainable impact w/ B Lab – The workshop will provide you with a clear step-by-step process to start capturing and tracking your social impact, while getting you ready for future evaluation with more sophisticated methodology to communicate with your intended stakeholders.
• Negotiating in a biased environment – Participants are introduced to the framework for negotiating. They overcome any reluctance to negotiate as they engage in exercises and role plays that demonstrate how to solve a party’s interests rather than confront their position, and how to engage in bargaining to achieve creative solutions.
• Using open data in your software application w/ Socrata – The workshop, Inclusive Web Programming – Programming on the Web with Open Data for Societal Applications — connects three themes: open data, web programming, and the need to provide better analytics over the web with open data to citizens to promote better quality of life
• Sales Training for Startups w/ Google – Learn how to become a pro at sales with this actionable workshop with experts from Google

A Fireside Chat with Miguel Gamiño, New York City’s CTO; moderated by Lylah Alphonse, Managing Editor, U.S. News & World Report
How does Silicon Alley differ from Silicon Valley? As New York City emerges as a leader in tech and entrepreneurship, how will it distinguish itself from the already robust tech space? Join us and New York City’s CTO, Miguel Gamiño, in a conversation about why NYC has chosen to invest in tech, and what the city plans for the future.

An Investor Panel
Inspired by Raj Chetty’s research on “Lost Einsteins”, this panel will discuss why it’s important to invest in marginalized entrepreneurs. The panel features venture capitalists and entrepreneurs who are making the investment in a new future of entrepreneurship. You’ll learn about their unique approach to investment, how they choose companies and their thoughts on how to create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters these types of innovators.

The panel will be moderated by Linda Villarosa, Author, Journalist, and Professor at CCNY. Panel includes: Rehana Nathoo of Spectrum Impact, Lorine Pendleton of Portfolia Funds, Clayton Banks of Silicon Harlem, and Elizabeth Vilchis of latinTech (she’s also a CCNY grad).

The Zahn Startup Competition Practice Pitch
The very heart of Zahn Innovation Center is our Zahn Venture Competition. Every year, 24 teams compete for over $150,000 total prizes. You’ll meet the current teams vying for these prizes at their first public pitch in preparation for April’s Demo Day. Come support and see them as they take their first step into the public eye.

NY Hardware Startup Meetup

Join us at the NY Hardware Startup Meetup at the Microsoft office in Times Square! You'll hear from Futureworks Incubator startups incuding Move 38, Hoplite Power, WearWorks, and Ooneee and connect with more than 75 other hardware entrepreneurs over pizza and beer.

Agenda:
6:15 - 6:30pm: arrival, pizza and beer

6:30 - 6:40pm: Welcome and note from Futureworks

6:40 - 7:00pm: Move 38 (https://move38.com/), developers of a new type of board game, will talk about how to handle the departure of a co-founder and building a support system because nobody is positive all of the time (oh and the art of over-delivering)

7:00 - 7:20pm: Ooneee (http://ooneepod.com/) will be talking about their journey taking on smart cities and infrastructure, and their upcoming beta at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

7:20 - 7:40pm: Hoplite Power (https://www.hoplitepower.com/), makers of vending type machines for charging your phone, will talk about developing hardware while being bootstrapped, manufacturing on a budget and design iteration.

7:40 - 8:00pm: WearWorks (http://www.wear.works/), makers of a wearable device for haptic navigation will talk about the value of Social Capital and dominating micromonopolies.

8:00pm+: Networking and community announcements.

See you all there!

Nanofabrication Workshop: An Introduction to Utilizing Nanotechnology

The CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) NanoFabrication Facility and Futureworks NYC present a two-day micro & nanofabrication workshop to be held on March 19th and 20th. The program will be particularly useful for those interested in research and industrial applications of micro/nano fabrication and material characterization. This two-day program will feature both lectures and lab (cleanroom) components.

Lecture Topics: Fundamental processes for nanofabrication and applications. General topics guidelines are:

• Device applications and technologies
• Introduction to cleanrooms and safety training
• Thin-film deposition techniques
• Photolithography techniques
• Etching, plasma and chemical techniques
• Metrology techniques

Q&A session will follow according to audience feedback.

Cleanroom Training: Attendees will receive a practical introduction to several cleanroom tools, which will be guided by our experienced Nanofabrication team.

Please fill out the attached survey, as lecture specific topics and cleanroom equipment training will be tailored to attendees' needs and requests.

Google Survey Link

Rapid Prototyping

The greenhouse at NYU MakerSpace is back with the second prototyping workshop! Join Lee Kim from Design for America in a session of ideation, journey mapping and rapid prototyping.

Lee is a transportation engineer/urban planner who believes in the magic of human connection. She specializes in pedestrian and transit modeling and believes that by understanding motivations - the “whys”- we can find better solutions.

Lee’s expertise in the way humans interact with built environments lends valuable perspective for the S.S Columbia project to engage communities at scale. In addition, her experience coaching teams on design thinking will help the team use best practices in the human-centered design process. She has been a mentor of the S.S Columbia Project.

Design For America, NYU is an organisation of students who want to use Human-Centered Design to tackle local social issues to develop solutions that have impact locally and globally. Learn more : http://www.dfanyu.com/

Electronics 101: Intro to Arduino

Ever dream of building your own robot or electronics? Arduino, a simple microcontroller, makes it possible with just a little training and a couple lines of code.

The Bronx Innovation Factory is offering a hands-on workshop for youth and emerging entrepreneurs in the Bronx. We focus on leveraging the talent and creative skills that young Bronxites have to build shared wealth and ownership in the advanced manufacturing sector. This workshop will use Arduino to introduce young people to advanced manufacturing.

No previous knowledge of Arduino or advanced manufacturing is required. Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited so register today to secure your spot!

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¿Alguna vez has soñado con crear tus propios robots o electrónicos? Esto es posible hacerlo con Arduino, un simple microcontrolador que sólo requiere algo de entrenamiento y un par de líneas de código. La Fábrica de Innovación del Bronx albergará este evento, un taller práctico para jóvenes y emprendedores emergentes del Bronx. El evento se enfocará en aprovechar el talento y la capacidad creativa de los jóvenes del Bronx para crear riqueza compartida y propiedad comunitaria en el sector de manufactura avanzada. Este taller usará Arduino para introducir a los jóvenes la manufactura avanzada.

No es necesario tener conocimiento previo sobre Arduino o manufactura avanzada. Serviremos comida ligera. Cupos son limitados. ¡Regístrese hoy para asegurar su participación!

3D Scanning Workshop

Interested in exploring 3D scanning, but not sure where to start? This workshop will provide an overview and demonstration of various approaches, from DIY Kinect to structured light and handheld laser scanners. Participants will have the opportunity to have their faces scanned, and learn to clean up and sculpt the file to prepare it for 3D printing, using free and/or open source software. Please bring your own laptop. We will provide all the software and hardware needed for the workshop.  

Instructors

Sophie Kahn

Sophie is a Brooklyn-based Australian new media artist. She earned a BA in Fine Art/History of Art at Goldsmiths College, University of London; a Graduate Certificate in Spatial Information Architecture from RMIT University, Melbourne; & an MFA in Art & Technology Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she was awarded a full tuition Trustee Scholarship. Sophie is also the owner of ScannerWorks NY, a business providing 3D scanning & consulting to artists, designers & filmmakers in New York City.

Lauren Slowik

Lauren is the Director of Education + Designer Evangelism at Shapeways. She also a founding member of the Lady Tech Guild, a group started to connect & inspire women working in the 3D industries. She is occasionally a part-time professor at Parsons School of Design where she also received her MFA in Design+Technology. Lauren has contributed to organizations such as Apple, MoMA, the Ms. Foundation, Eyebeam Art+Technology Center, the Museum of Arts & Design & Etsy.com. Her research is focused on 3D design & 3D printing & the future of creativity in education with a focus on storytelling & user experience/interaction design.

Technology in Fashion

Wearable technology has progressed over the last decade and has become fully integrated into our lifestyles. 3D printed clothing, high-performance materials, smart fabrics and computational fashion are revolutionizing the fashion industry and leading it into a new, exciting era.

Join us at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) for a panel session with fashion experts. Panelists will discuss how technology is implemented into fashion, what challenges designers are facing to keep up with this fast-paced world, and how technology is changing the business of fashion.

5.30 - 7.00 Panel Discussion

7.00 - 8.00 Reception/Networking and Tours

This event is sponsored by the CUNY ASRC NanoFabrication Facility and Futureworks NYC.

Venture Capital Investments in Nanotechnology Companies

As nanotechnology finds new uses ranging from energy applications to medicine and portable electronics, a growing number of early stage companies are forming to bring new nanotech innovation into these markets. These high-tech companies face unique challenges, including navigating their way through the current finance market. While investors are showing interest in nanotechnology investments, raising investor capital still remains extremely difficult. Join us at the ASRC for a panel discussion with venture capitalist, currently working in the nanotechnology space. Panelists will discuss investment strategies of nanotech venture capital firms, the state of investments in this arena, and identify challenges facing these companies to expert advice for current and future entrepreneurs.

6:00-7:30PM Panel Discussion
7:30-8:00PM Reception/Networking and Tours

PANELISTS:

Ramphis Castro, J.D. Co-Founder at ScienceVest Founding Board Member for the New York City Innovation Collective

Jean-Noel Poirier, MBA CEO at Inventec Performance Chemicals USA Managing Partner at the Clean Energy Venture Group

John Blaho, Ph.D. Director, Industrial-Academic Research Office of the CUNY Vice Chancellor for Research


This event is sponsored by the ASRC NanoFabrication Facility (http://nanofab.asrc.cuny.edu/) and Futureworks NYC (https://futureworks.nyc/).

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Digital Manufacturing

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Digital Manufacturing Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of digital manufacturing technologies (e.g. sensors, data analytics, IoT, process simulation, electronic work instructions, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant to your company.  

This workshop will be presented by Rochester Institute of Technology's Center of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing (RIT COE-ASM) and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Digital Manufacturing:
Digital Manufacturing is the use of digital tools to collect and analyze data to improve tool design, product design, or manufacturing operations. Benefits include reduced time of product design and manufacturing; improvement of product, process, and enterprise performance; and across-the-board savings regardless of industry.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Please click here to see a calendar of all workshops and for additional information.

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Robotics

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Robotics Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of robotics (e.g. collaborative robots, automated systems, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant and affordable for your company.  

This workshop will be presented by NYU Tandon's Mechatronics, Control and Robotics Lab (MCRL), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Robotics:
Robotics is the use of integrated systems that perform tasks deemed tedious, difficult, repetitive, or dangerous for people. Robotics includes the use of collaborative robots (cobots), which work side-by-side with people in shared workspaces. Benefits include increased quality and accuracy from consistent, repeatable operations; enhanced workflows lowering production costs; and improved payback periods due to increased robot affordability (e.g. cobots).  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 
Agenda:

8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Advanced Materials

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is an Advanced Materials Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of new or advanced materials so that you can better identify which materials may be most relevant to your company and its products.  

This workshop will be presented by Cornell University's Center for Materials Research (CCMR), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Advanced Materials:
Advanced Materials is the advance or modification of traditional materials to obtain better or specific properties, resulting in improved products. Benefits include optimized product performance and durability (e.g. strength, weight, shelf life); lower environmental risks (e.g. coatings, finishes, sustainable materials); and reduced project lifecycle costs.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Sound & Sensors Workshop

Convert analog stimulus into digital sounds.

Overview
We will teach you to design and build a simple electronic drum. This project is a basic, piezo-based drum which participants will finish by the end of the session. Students will be able to alter the pitch of a sound by manipulating a sensor. This will be both fun and educational.

Building Wireless Devices

Learn to build custom wireless controllers and computer peripherals using Bluetooth Low Energy.


Overview
Bluetooth Low Energy, or BLE for short, is a wireless data exchange standard used to create controllers, Internet of Things devices, and multimedia art installations. In this 2.5-hour seminar, we will learn the basics of Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy and put our new knowledge to work building our very own wireless controller.


  Skills Developed

• Circuit assembly
• Tangible interaction prototyping
• Microcontroller programming
• Serial communication
• Working with wireless communication

 


*Students must bring their own computers and should download the Arduino IDE before class.

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Digital Manufacturing

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Digital Manufacturing Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of digital manufacturing technologies (e.g. sensors, data analytics, IoT, process simulation, electronic work instructions, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant to your company.  

This workshop will be presented by Rochester Institute of Technology's Center of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing (RIT COE-ASM) and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Digital Manufacturing:
Digital Manufacturing is the use of digital tools to collect and analyze data to improve tool design, product design, or manufacturing operations. Benefits include reduced time of product design and manufacturing; improvement of product, process, and enterprise performance; and across-the-board savings regardless of industry.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Please click here to see a calendar of all workshops and for additional information.

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Robotics

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Robotics Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of robotics (e.g. collaborative robots, automated systems, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant and affordable for your company.  

This workshop will be presented by NYU Tandon's Mechatronics, Control and Robotics Lab (MCRL), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Robotics:
Robotics is the use of integrated systems that perform tasks deemed tedious, difficult, repetitive, or dangerous for people. Robotics includes the use of collaborative robots (cobots), which work side-by-side with people in shared workspaces. Benefits include increased quality and accuracy from consistent, repeatable operations; enhanced workflows lowering production costs; and improved payback periods due to increased robot affordability (e.g. cobots).  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 
Agenda:

8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Homebrew Electronics

Making electronics from "scratch" for unique applications.


Overview
Electronics have become so affordable and so easy to use that anyone can get started with an Arduino microcontroller or Raspberry Pi mini-computer with little or no experience. But did you know that you can build your own Arduino? Thanks to open source communities and low cost components, you can program your own Arduino for any size application. Over the course of this 2.5-hour workshop you will learn how to assemble the basic parts of an Arduino microcontroller on a breadboard, and how to blink an LED with it.


Skills Developed

• Circuit assembly
• Tangible interaction prototyping
• Microcontroller programming

*Students must bring their own computers and should download the Arduino IDE before class.

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Advanced Materials

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is an Advanced Materials Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of new or advanced materials so that you can better identify which materials may be most relevant to your company and its products.  

This workshop will be presented by Cornell University's Center for Materials Research (CCMR), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Advanced Materials:
Advanced Materials is the advance or modification of traditional materials to obtain better or specific properties, resulting in improved products. Benefits include optimized product performance and durability (e.g. strength, weight, shelf life); lower environmental risks (e.g. coatings, finishes, sustainable materials); and reduced project lifecycle costs.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Digital Manufacturing

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Digital Manufacturing Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of digital manufacturing technologies (e.g. sensors, data analytics, IoT, process simulation, electronic work instructions, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant to your company.  

This workshop will be presented by Rochester Institute of Technology's Center of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing (RIT COE-ASM) and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Digital Manufacturing:
Digital Manufacturing is the use of digital tools to collect and analyze data to improve tool design, product design, or manufacturing operations. Benefits include reduced time of product design and manufacturing; improvement of product, process, and enterprise performance; and across-the-board savings regardless of industry.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Please click here to see a calendar of all workshops and for additional information.

Game Design With Squishy Sensors

An exploration of FSRs (force sense resistors) in their various forms.

Overview
We will explore a new interface for tangible interaction. Using a pressure sensor, we will understand how analog communication differs from digital communication in electronics, how to setup the sensor for basic prototyping and how to experiment in designing a controller for a simple Unity game.


Skills Developed

• Analog and digital communication
• Serial communication with Arduino UNO
• Circuit sketch reading and designing
• Tangible interaction prototyping
• Unity game design

THIS IS A 2-DAY WORKSHOP

• Day 1: Sat. 8/11, 1:00pm-3:30pm
• Day 2: Sun. 8/12, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Robotics

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Robotics Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of robotics (e.g. collaborative robots, automated systems, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant and affordable for your company.  

This workshop will be presented by NYU Tandon's Mechatronics, Control and Robotics Lab (MCRL), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Robotics:
Robotics is the use of integrated systems that perform tasks deemed tedious, difficult, repetitive, or dangerous for people. Robotics includes the use of collaborative robots (cobots), which work side-by-side with people in shared workspaces. Benefits include increased quality and accuracy from consistent, repeatable operations; enhanced workflows lowering production costs; and improved payback periods due to increased robot affordability (e.g. cobots).  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 
Agenda:

8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Zahn Summer Investor Summit + Pitch Night

At this multifaceted event, we'll focus on the ROI of diverse investment.   Join us for:  

1. A Fireside Chat with Howard Morgan, Co-Founder of First Round Capital
2. A panel discussion with leaders in the NYC tech and startup scene. We'll announce participants soon, and panelists will focus on the importance of diverse investments and how to attract underrepresented founders.
3. Pitches from our 2018 Accelerator Cohort, featuring early stage startups in the fields of medtech, sports technology, big data, digital beauty, and artificial intelligence. Check out the full list below:

FreeFoot - an assistive device for those with gait disorders like Foot Drop

PaxWalk - an app that connects college students with new friends via safe, reliable, publicly shared walking routes

Skinno - an app that uses machine learning to decipher skincare ingredients for consumers

Sprtlook - an app that connects high school athletes with coaches

UpwardAI - a marketing management platform that helps grassroots organizations and nonprofits grow and engage with their memberships



  The Zahn Innovation Center’s Accelerator focuses deeply on product-market fit, coaching startups through a better understanding of their customer and the acquisition process. Our Accelerator prepares early stage startups for their next milestone events, whether it’s a crowdfunding campaign, investment, or acceptance into a top-tier program. Through partnerships with BNY Mellon, Wilkie Farr Gallagher, and an incredible set of mentors, startups build stronger business plans, handle legal work, and gain a better understanding of their customer metrics.

We have a unique program that de-risks startups for investors, and our approach is working. Several successful Zahn alumni include Veripad, StrongArm Technologies, and Homer Logistics.

Prototyping with MIDI

Build rapid hardware/software prototypes with Midi protocol.


Overview:
Interested in making hardware interfaces, product prototypes, art installations, or musical instruments that can hook up to a computer? Maybe you have tried before but have been confused by all the software setup and variety of physical components. Fast and Fun Prototyping with MIDI will be a workshop that gives a roadmap for easy and quick prototyping using the MIDI protocol. Components and methods for working will be presented that keep costs low and technical overhead at a minimum, so that you can instead spend more time on your concept.

Startup Tools of Success: Launching a Wearable Product

Navigating the challenges of starting a new business is no easy feat. It takes time, money, and making the right connections to help avoid the pitfalls many startups encounter.

When it comes to launching a wearable technology startup, tackling the obstacles that slow the development of this emerging field are that much harder. From scaling quickly to marketing tactics to pivoting once your product hits the masses – there are essential tools every entrepreneur should have in their tool belt, and legal principles and practices they should consider to combat competition.

Gain insights from our all female panelist into the best tools for running a successful wearable startup and understand how to close the gaps for the long haul.

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Digital Manufacturing

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Digital Manufacturing Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of digital manufacturing technologies (e.g. sensors, data analytics, IoT, process simulation, electronic work instructions, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant to your company.  

This workshop will be presented by Rochester Institute of Technology's Center of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing (RIT COE-ASM) and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Digital Manufacturing: Digital Manufacturing is the use of digital tools to collect and analyze data to improve tool design, product design, or manufacturing operations. Benefits include reduced time of product design and manufacturing; improvement of product, process, and enterprise performance; and across-the-board savings regardless of industry.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 
Please click here to see a calendar of all workshops and for additional information.

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Advanced Materials

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is an Advanced Materials Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of new or advanced materials so that you can better identify which materials may be most relevant to your company and its products.  

This workshop will be presented by Cornell University's Center for Materials Research (CCMR), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Advanced Materials:
Advanced Materials is the advance or modification of traditional materials to obtain better or specific properties, resulting in improved products. Benefits include optimized product performance and durability (e.g. strength, weight, shelf life); lower environmental risks (e.g. coatings, finishes, sustainable materials); and reduced project lifecycle costs.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Advanced Materials

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is an Advanced Materials Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of new or advanced materials so that you can better identify which materials may be most relevant to your company and its products.  

This workshop will be presented by Cornell University's Center for Materials Research (CCMR), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Advanced Materials:
Advanced Materials is the advance or modification of traditional materials to obtain better or specific properties, resulting in improved products. Benefits include optimized product performance and durability (e.g. strength, weight, shelf life); lower environmental risks (e.g. coatings, finishes, sustainable materials); and reduced project lifecycle costs.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Futureworks Incubator Meetup @ Electropositive

Applications are officially open for the Futureworks Incubator! Join NYCEDC and SecondMuse at Electropositive in Brooklyn to learn more about this year's program, meet the Incubator team and connect with startups from across the city.

Futureworks gets hardware & advanced manufacturing startups investor-ready through expert mentorship, a series of essential workshops, and a cohort of supportive peers. Alumni include ELIA, MICRO Museums, WearWorks, Oonee, Easy Aerial and 85+ other entrepreneurs and startups. Futureworks takes no equity, and there’s no cost to participate.

Participating entrepreneurs receive direct access to prototyping spaces, sources of capital, production credits, coworking space, showcase opportunities, marketing events and demo days. They’ll also be coached by mentors who in the past have included PENSA’s Marco Perry, Myers Wolin’s Daniel Gross and UncommonGoods’ Jamie Hoffman.

The Futureworks Incubator Meetup is presented in partnership with Electropositive, the shared workspace, content studio, and sustainability-focused community in Crown Heights.

From Publication to Profit

Please join us at the Advanced Science Research Center for an evening with researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry specialists discussing their experiences and strategies to commercialization of their products. This interactive panel discussion will include representatives from companies at all stages of the entrepreneurial ladder - from academics who recently made a discovery to profitable manufacturers in New York City. Topics will include individual experiences, company products, and access to resources which supported their entrepreneurial activities. Learn the routes to commercialize your technologies, find resources, and become part of the NYC entrepreneurial & manufacturing community.  

6:00pm - 7:00pm: Panel Discussion
7:30pm - 8:00pm: Networking and Tours

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Digital Manufacturing

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.   This is a Digital Manufacturing Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of digital manufacturing technologies (e.g. sensors, data analytics, IoT, process simulation, electronic work instructions, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant to your company.   This workshop will be presented by Rochester Institute of Technology's Center of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing (RIT COE-ASM) and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.   About Digital Manufacturing: Digital Manufacturing is the use of digital tools to collect and analyze data to improve tool design, product design, or manufacturing operations. Benefits include reduced time of product design and manufacturing; improvement of product, process, and enterprise performance; and across-the-board savings regardless of industry.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 
Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 
Please click here to see a calendar of all workshops and for additional information.

Ops21 Awareness Workshop: Robotics

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is a Robotics Awareness Workshop, which is intended to increase your general understanding of robotics (e.g. collaborative robots, automated systems, etc.) so that you can better identify which technologies may be most relevant and affordable for your company.  

This workshop will be presented by NYU Tandon's Mechatronics, Control and Robotics Lab (MCRL), and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Robotics:
Robotics is the use of integrated systems that perform tasks deemed tedious, difficult, repetitive, or dangerous for people. Robotics includes the use of collaborative robots (cobots), which work side-by-side with people in shared workspaces. Benefits include increased quality and accuracy from consistent, repeatable operations; enhanced workflows lowering production costs; and improved payback periods due to increased robot affordability (e.g. cobots).  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 
Agenda:

8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

From Publication to Profit

Please join us at the Advanced Science Research Center for an evening with researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry specialists discussing their experiences and strategies to commercialization of their products. This interactive panel discussion will include representatives from companies at all stages of the entrepreneurial ladder - from academics who recently made a discovery to profitable manufacturers in New York City. Topics will include individual experiences, company products, and access to resources which supported their entrepreneurial activities.

Learn the routes to commercialize your technologies, find resources, and become part of the NYC entrepreneurial & manufacturing community.

Confirmed Panelists:
Mike Spinelli, StrongArm Technologies
Mike Gazes, Chromation
Ayala Lampel, Peptide Pigments
Jessica Cohen, Lake of Bays Semiconductor Inc.
Arber Ruci, NYC Innovation Hot Spot (Moderator)

In partnership with Futureworks NYC.

Ops21 Advanced Workshop: Digital Manufacturing

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.

  This is a Digital Manufacturing Advanced Workshop, which is intended to further your knowledge of digital manufacturing tools, including deeper dives (than was done in the awareness workshop) into: work instructions and tool systems, machine monitoring, data analysis and systems implementation.

  This workshop will be presented by Rochester Institute of Technology's Center of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing (RIT COE-ASM) and is specifically for manufacturers that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

If you have already attended one of our Digital Manufacturing Awareness workshops, this workshop is the next level workshop in our Ops21 series. If you are just learning about Digital Manufacturing, we encourage you to attend our last Digital Manufacturing Awareness Workshop on November 7th first, if you are able. Otherwise, you are welcome to join this session directly.

About Digital Manufacturing: Digital Manufacturing is the use of digital tools to collect and analyze data to improve tool design, product design, or manufacturing operations. Benefits include reduced time of product design and manufacturing; improvement of product, process, and enterprise performance; and across-the-board savings regardless of industry.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Agenda: 8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Please click here to see a calendar of all workshops and for additional information.

Ops21 Advanced Materials Workshop – Food & Beverage

Through Ops21, a Futureworks NYC program backed by NYCEDC and led by ITAC, we will be hosting 24 advanced technology workshops across three topic areas: advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and robotics.  

This is an Advanced Materials Awareness Workshop that is Food and Beverage focused, which is intended to further your knowledge of materials used in food and beverage businesses (e.g., packaging, ingredients/shelf life, etc.), to share case studies on food and beverage packaging; and to discuss related challenges faced by NYC manufacturers.  

This workshop will be presented by Ann Vegdhal, an Extension Associate / Process Authority at the Cornell Food Venture Center @NYC, and by Cornell University's Center for Materials Research (CCMR). Ann is an expert in food safety, microbial risk assessment, acidified foods, and low acid foods.

This workshop is for food or beverage manufacturers and industrial businesses that are operating within the five boroughs of NYC.  

About Advanced Materials:
Advanced Materials is the advance or modification of traditional materials to obtain better or specific properties, resulting in improved products. Benefits include optimized product performance and durability (e.g. strength, weight, shelf life); lower environmental risks (e.g. coatings, finishes, sustainable materials); and reduced project lifecycle costs.  

Who Should Attend?

• Executives and Company Decision-Makers
• Directors / VPs / Managers of Manufacturing / Operations
• Technology and Innovation Specialists
• Plant Engineers

 

Workshop Eligibility: This workshop is for established NYC manufacturing or industrial companies operating (making or assembling products) within NYC's five boroughs. Established NYC manufacturers are those that are revenue producing and have been in operation for more than 5 years. If you are a revenue producing NYC manufacturer tha has been operating, as defined above, for less than 5 years, please contact us at [email protected] prior to registration so we can see whether this program is a fit for your company or not.

Agenda:
8:30AM-9AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9AM-12PM: Digital Manufacturing Workshop
12PM-1PM: Networking & Light Lunch
 

Incubator Workshop: Hardware Business Models