FORGE will be holding a series of workshops in June 2024 around manufacturing readiness!
The workshops will be held June 10th-14th, daily at 11:00am-12:00pm EST.
Topics include:
Managing Your Primary Contract Manufacturer - June 10th
In this workshop, startups are guided through the intricate steps of selecting their primary contract manufacturer, both on a technical and personal level. Through a practical case study, participants evaluate potential manufacturers, equipping themselves for real-world decision-making. Emphasizing essential communication skills pivotal in engaging with suppliers, this workshop provides startups with the necessary tools to discern and choose the ideal manufacturer tailored to their needs.
Planning for Scaling Manufacturing - June 11th
Within this workshop, startups pause to delve into the foundational 'why' of their business, comprehensively exploring their business model and identifying the driving forces behind their operations. Guiding startups through this analytical process, the workshop subsequently delves into strategies for gearing up towards their next build stage.
Design for X: So Much More than Manufacturing - June 12th
Exploring the broader scope of product design, this workshop illustrates the benefits of designing for excellence. With strong consideration to the intended market for your product the pivotal moments for design changes, defining the startup’s 'x' in 'Design for X,' (for example, Design for Manufacturing, Design for Assembly, Design for Use, and more) and the methodologies to achieve excellence through design, this workshop shows how designing for excellence means success for the startup, manufacturer, and customer alike.
Managing Development: Processes Needed to Move from Development to Commercialization - June 13th
Exploring the transition from product development to commercialization, this workshop delves into the comprehensive prerequisites for advancing a physical product. It emphasizes the progression from conceptualization to the final product, highlighting the significance of prototyping and selecting optimal manufacturing methods. Additionally, it provides essential insights into creating a robust Bill of Materials and a detailed Bill of Processes, among other documentation.
Funding Innovation from Idea to A-Round - June 14th
Segmented into four key sections—Reason, Type, Likelihood, and Decision—this workshop offers a comprehensive understanding of funding innovation. Reason addresses the fundamentals of when and why fundraising is necessary. Type explores diverse funding options, including insights into Vested Interest partnerships and challenges associated with each. Likelihood assesses the probability of investment opportunities, while Decision discusses crucial factors to consider when evaluating and accepting funding offers.
This series will be presented by FORGE Manufacturing Experts-in-Residence, Mark Michalski and Scott Longley.
Mark L Michalski brings over 40 years’ experience in manufacturing, technical operations and operations information systems to his role as a manufacturing expert in residence for FORGE. Mark has designed, built and implemented proven strategies in process development, new product introduction, supply chain management, and facilities engineering in startup, turnaround and growth phase environments both locally and globally.
Mark has worked in a wide range of industries such as semiconductor capital equipment, medical devices, massively parallel advanced computing, fuel cells and distributed power systems, for leaders in their fields like MKS Instruments, Zoll Medical and BBN Advanced Computers. He is also a dedicated leader in the advancement of engineering education as a past president of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and current board of directors member of the SME Education Foundation. Mark has also volunteered his time as an advisor at several local career and technical education high school programs. Mark is founder sizzle&STEM Media where he supports local businesses with digital marketing and social media solutions, as well as mentoring in the operations and supply chain space.
Mark received his education in Operations Management at Northeastern University. He is also formally trained in culinary arts. He is an avid supporter of the local arts community, with particular interest all things dance, having been trained as a ballroom dancer.
Scott Longley brings more than 28 years of experience as an international operations executive to his role as a manufacturing expert in residence for FORGE. He draws on his deep knowledge of process engineering, production, and supply chain management to advise startups and innovators as they grow and scale.
Scott has worked for Fortune 100 Companies like Apple, HP and Sun Microsystems, where he built, managed, and maximized global supply chains and manufacturing to meet customer needs. He is the former Co-Founder and COO of a Net Zero BIPV startup/manufacturer where he designed, and selected the company’s supply chain and manufacturing partners. Scott is also a former FORGE Advisory Board Member, as well as an advisor and consultant for several venture capital firms.
Scott received his MBA in Supply Chain Management and e-Commerce from Thunderbird School of Global Management. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese. He volunteers as an instructor and advisor for the UCONN Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Disabled Veterans and mentors several local veteran-owned companies in his spare time.
