What we’re about
Hatched: The Capital District Inventors and Entrepreneurs Meetup
Have a Product or Project Idea? Hatch it at the Center of Gravity.
Join us the first Thursday of each month to connect with other creative souls, product developers, inventors, patent attorneys and more who are interested in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and bringing ideas to life. Our goal is to help inventors and entrepreneurs navigate the business world.
SHARING NIGHTS: Share your project’s current status, get and give feedback, explore next steps, connect with potential team members.
SPEAKER NIGHTS: Once a quarter we'll host a speaker who will share their experiences and lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journey, followed by Q&A and discussion.
We'll also share other events that may be of interest to this community.
This meetup is organized by The Tech Valley Center of Gravity. We are a makerspace, prototyping center, manufacturing incubator, STEAM-education center and creative community located in the heart of downtown Troy, New York. A member-supported 501(c)(3) community resource organization, the Center of Gravity serves members from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties and beyond with space, tools, technology and expertise to explore and exercise their creativity, turn ideas into objects of art and/or utility, and launch new ventures based on their own ingenuity.
TVCOG Members: Free
Non-Members: Suggested Donation $5.00 at www.tvcog.net/donate
Hosts:
Sam Wechsler is an inventor and product developer, with a background in electrical engineering.
Michele Madigan is the Executive Director of the TVCoG.
Michael Lobsinger is the Senior VP of Business Growth Solutions at the Center for Economic Growth, and the TVCoG’s Board Chair.
Dan Falkenstrom is the Facilities & Incubator Director at the TVCoG. He has a background in manufacturing engineering.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Brian Fried, How to Make Money with Your Invention Idea Licensing vs ManufactureTech Valley Center of Gravity, Troy, NY
This will be a hybrid event, in-person at TVCOG, and Brian will speak virtually.
## Inventor. Speaker. Coach. Author. Radio & TV Host. Founder.
Brian Fried, known as "The Inventor Coach," is a highly accomplished innovator, author, and speaker. With 15 patents to his name, he has successfully licensed and manufactured his own inventions, gaining recognition through QVC, infomercials, catalogs, and major retailers. For over 18 years, Brian has been working closely with inventors, providing one-on-one coaching as an invention licensing agent and guiding inventors in commercializing their ideas into tangible products.
As an expert speaker, Brian captivates audiences with his engaging talks on innovation and invention. He has authored three books, offering practical advice and strategies for aspiring inventors. In addition to his speaking and writing endeavors, Brian hosts the "Got Invention Show," a platform that showcases inventors and their creations, providing them with valuable exposure.
Brian is the founder of the National Inventor Club, a community that supports and connects inventors, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities. He serves as the Chief Invention Officer of Inventor Smart, an invention consultancy that assists inventors in bringing their ideas to fruition.
Brian recently launched the Inventor Smart Community app, an innovative social media and resource center exclusively designed for inventors. The app, now available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store, aims to create a vibrant community where inventors can connect, share ideas, and access valuable resources.
With his extensive experience, resourcefulness, and commitment to helping inventors succeed, Brian Fried has become a trusted figure in the invention industry. Inventors and aspiring innovators can rely on his expertise and guidance to navigate the complexities of the invention process and turn their ideas into reality.
brianfried.com
app.inventorsmart.com
brian@inventorsmart.com - TVCOG Smart Cities HackathonTech Valley Center of Gravity, Troy, NY
ALL TEAMS THAT WISH TO PARTICIPATE MUST FILL OUT THE APPLICATION BY SEPTEMBER 18TH
This October, Tech Valley Center of Gravity will be hosting our largest Hackathon yet—an event that will bring talented teams of people together to compete in creating solutions to real-world problems.
This hackathon comes with a unique Makerspace twist: participants will bring their ideas to life by building physical prototypes, using the resources here at TVCOG.Participants will be challenged to devise solutions to address some of the biggest issues facing urban areas. Teams will be required to build a physical prototype and develop a convincing pitch that will win over our panel of judges.
To level the playing field, we will provide materials and experienced Maker Mentors, who will help teams build prototypes using our extensive array of equipment. Additionally, we will offer mentoring sessions on business essentials led by industry experts.Our Hackathon was designed to provide entrepreneurs an opportunity to practice their skills, as well as to connect with the support systems available at TVCOG and across the Capital Region.
At the end of the competition, all participants will have made industry connections and gained invaluable experience in prototyping, IP law, and business planning.
Current (or future) startup companies are encouraged to participate.The grand prize winner will receive rent-free office space in downtown Troy for one year, thanks to Bryce Companies; a one-year TVCOG membership; and a one-year chamber membership donated by the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Teams will also have the opportunity to compete for up to $2,500 in cash prizes, thanks to the Troy Capital Resource Corporation. Additional prizes to be announced.The competition is open to teams of 2-4 individuals, ages 18+. Teams must apply to participate. You do not need fabrication experience or experience with Smart Cities technology to participate!
For more information and to apply, check out our website.
Interested in being a sponsor? Email info@tvcog.net for more information.
