NY Hardware Meetup

We have a great group of guest speakers
Taras is the Founder & CEO of Tarform, an EV mobility brand based in Brooklyn, New York. His approach focuses on merging sustainable technology with natural principles, pushing the boundaries of design innovation. Throughout his career, Taras has lent his expertise to tech giants such as Spotify, Google, and T-Mobile. His work has earned him a spot in venues like the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art, and garnered numerous accolades, including the Fast Co Innovation by Design award.

Bryce Copenhaver is a Senior Systems Engineer at Smart Design prioritizing the intersection of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. He brings extensive experience in designing and building systems that integrate sensors, hardware and custom software to translate the world around him into data that can be processed by computers. With his background in robotics, he has developed a keen interest in bringing products to life by meaningfully blending technology with design and engineering.

Jesse Emanuel is the Test Engineer and additive manufacturing lead at OXO, a company under the Helen of Troy Corporation umbrella, located in Central Manhattan. As the head of the rapid prototyping lab, Jesse collaborates with industrial designers, validation engineers, and the global manufacturing team to bring OXO's extensive product catalog to life. From essential hand tools like vegetable peelers to intricate cooking appliances such as food processors and coffee machines, Jesse ensures that OXO can swiftly prototype a wide range of products. His role involves constant innovation, refining in-house additive manufacturing and prototyping methods to enhance efficiency and meet the demands of OXO's diverse product line.

Agenda
6:30-7:00 - Arrival, mingle, grab refreshments
7:00-7:10 - Welcome and introduction
7:10-8:10 - Guest speakers with audience Q+A
8:10-8:30p - Community open mic

• Anyone will have the chance for a 2min pitch to demo a prototype or talk about what they are working on.

8:30-9:30p - Mix + mingle

Thank you to our partners
Smart Design is an innovation and design consultancy based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. From its origin as a pioneer in universal design over 40 years ago, to its role today as a partner in strategy, design, and engineering, Smart empowers ambitious organizations to create the future they envision.

Makelab is an on-demand 3D printing service for parts + prototypes serving consumer/hardware brands locally in NYC and shipping nationwide. Founded by two Pratt industrial designers with decades of hands-on expertise in product design & development. Makelab works with agencies like Doris Dev, PENSA, Interwoven Design Group, and brands like AiTA Bio, Estee Lauder, Judith Leber, and Eaton to accelerate agile product development while ensuring quality outcomes. Get an instant quote or a 1 to 1 consultation for your next project at www.makelab.com

informal is a freelance collective for the most talented independent professionals in hardware and hardtech. With expertise in a diverse range of industries from consumer electronics to automotive, climate tech to medical devices, informal members work with clients at every stage to design, manufacture, and scale top-quality physical products. Whether you're looking for a single contractor, a full-time employee, or an entire team of professionals to work on everything from product development to go-to-market strategy, the informal collective has the perfect collection of people for the job. Learn more.

If you want to help support the next meetup, please reach out to nate@informal.cc for sponsorship inquiries.

DIRECTIONS TO THE SPACE
Smart Design is located here.

Enter through the following Navy Yard entrances: Sands Street (most direct from subway) or Cumberland Street. Inform the person at the front gate that you are here for the event at Smart Design.

The entrance is between building 41 and our building 127. When you enter our building there is an interior door that will provide elevator access. If you are driving, you can park alongside any of the brick buildings within the Navy Yard.