- The Union League • Philadelphia, PA
- October 15th
hard science innovation forum
2019
Evolving Great Ideas into World-Changing Businesses
Welcome

We’re excited for you to join us at the historic Union League of Philadelphia for the 5th annual Hard Science Innovation Forum. This is our third year hosting this event in Philadelphia, a city known for innovation in hard science and home to one of our esteemed collaboration partners, the University of Pennsylvania. Â
At the Forum, you will have the opportunity to network with the founders and leaders of our portfolio companies who are creating truly world-changing businesses in the life and physical sciences. You will also meet scientists and commercialization professionals from all of our partner institutions. It is within this ecosystem where the real magic happens, and our long-term commitment takes flight.Â
This year our discussions will focus on the idea to A Round, analyzing the challenging path to commercialization and the opportunity it represents for our partners, investors, and the future of science. Please explore our website to learn more and we look forward to seeing you in October!
Michael Burychka,
Founder and CEO, IP Group, Inc.
Agenda
Tuesday OCTOBER 15th, 2019
Time
Session
Location
Description
9.05am
Investing in Hard Science: An Interview with Michael Burychka
Michael Burychka, CEO of IP Group, Inc. will share his proven strategy for investing in Hard Science in the North American market.
9.45am
Panel Discussion: Idea to A-Round
A diverse group of panelists including one of IP Group, Inc.’s portfolio start-ups will analyze what it takes to turn an exciting technology into an investment opportunity.
10.45am
Coffee Break
Enjoy a quick coffee break as we transition into our Sector Focus Breakout Sessions.
11.00am
Sector Focus Breakout: Life Science
MOBILion Systems, Inc.
Speaker: CEO, Melissa Sherman, PhD
Carisma Therapeutics
Speaker: CEO, Steven Kelly
Innervace
Speaker: Founder, Kacy Cullen, PhD
Discover IP Group, Inc.'s Life Science portfolio, with updates from two growing companies, MOBILion Systems Inc. and Carisma Therapeutics, as well as an introduction to one of IP Group's exciting early-stage projects from the University of Pennsylvania.
11.00am
Sector Focus Breakout: Physical Science
Cynash, Inc.
Speaker: CEO, Richard Robinson
Instrumems, Inc.
Speaker: Co-Founder & CEO,
Gilad Arwatz, PhD
Laser Incubation Project
Speaker: IP Group, Inc., John Fijol, PhD
Discover IP Group, Inc.'s Physical Science portfolio, with updates from two growing companies, Cynash and Instrumems, as well as an introduction to one of IP Group, Inc.'s exciting early-stage projects from Yale University.
12.00pm
Networking Lunch
Lunch will be available in Lincoln Hall for all conference attendees.
1.15pm
Breakout Session: The Serial Entrepreneur
Dive into the world of a serial entrepreneur, where our panel of experts will share lessons learned and discuss opportunities to tackle challenges in early-stage technology startups.
1.15pm
Breakout Session: Evolution of Corporate Venture Capital
An experienced group of investors will share insight on the growth of corporate venture capital and the key ingredients for a successful investment.
2.30pm
Networking Break
Join us in Lincoln Hall for an engaging networking break where you will have the opportunity to meet our portfolio Founders and CEOs. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.
3.30pm
Keynote Address
Join us for a Keynote address by Mr. Stephen Howard, a mission driven, sustainability business leader. Steve is the former CEO/Founder of the Climate Group, CSO of Ikea Group, and most recently, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of The We Mean Business Coalition.
4.00pm
The Journey from Idea to A-Round: Exyn Technologies
Exyn Technologies will share their story about the world of aerial robotics and what it takes to win global customers.
4.55pm
Closing Remarks
Michael Burychka, CEO of IP Group, Inc. will share concluding remarks.
5.00pm
Cocktail Reception
Join us in the McMichael Room for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to conclude the 5th Annual Hard Science Innovation Forum.
Ben Williams
Exyn Technologies
Tad Weems
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Althea Stillman
IP Group, Inc.
Jason Smith, PhD
IP Group, Inc.
Melissa Sherman, PhD
MOBILion Systems, Inc.
Craig Schortzmann
Stonyrock Partners
Richard Robinson
Cynash, Inc.
Christian Patze, PhD
M Ventures
David Parke
EVOLUTION Life Science Partners
Mark McAdoo
SourcEdge
Trifon Liakopoulos, PhD
EnaChip, Inc.
Vijay Kumar, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Steven Kelly
CARISMA Therapeutics
Ted Hirose
Tel Venture Capital
Orin Herskowitz
Columbia University & Columbia Technology Ventures
Shahram Hejazi, PhD
Optimeos Life Sciences, Inc.
Sven Harmsen, PhD
Saint Gobain Ventures
Nena Golubovic
IP Group, Inc.
John Fijol, PhD
IP Group, Inc.
Nader Elm
Exyn Technologies
Heiner Dreismann, PhD
Roche Molecular Systems
Jason Derenick, PhD
Exyn Technologies, Inc.
Kacy Cullen, PhD
Innervace
Simon Crowther
Yamaha Motor Ventures
Randy Castleman
SRF Management
Patrick Callahan
CompassRed
Michael Burychka
IP Group, Inc.
Gilad Arwatz, PhD
Instrumems, Inc.
Mark Allen, PhD
EnaChip, Inc. and University of Pennsylvania
Tuesday 15th OCTOBER 2019
Details
9.05am
Investing in Hard Science: An Interview with Michael Burychka
Michael Burychka, CEO and Founder of IP Group, Inc. will share his story and how he built IP Group, Inc. for the North American market.
9.45am
Panel Discussion: Idea to A-Round
A diverse group of panelists including one of IP Group’s portfolio start-ups will analyze what it takes to turn an exciting technology into an investment opportunity.
10.45am
Coffee Break
Enjoy a quick coffee break as we transition into our Sector Focus Breakout Sessions.
11.00am
Sector Focus Breakout: Life Science
MOBILion Systems, Inc.
Speaker: CEO, Melissa Sherman, PhD
Carisma Therapeutics
Speaker: CEO, Steven Kelly
Innervace
Speaker: Founder, Kacy Cullen, PhD
Discover IP Group, Inc.'s Life Science portfolio, with updates from two growing companies, MOBILion Systems Inc. and Carisma Therapeutics, as well as an introduction to one of IP Group's exciting early-stage projects from the University of Pennsylvania.
11.00am
Sector Focus Breakout: Physical Science
Cynash, Inc.
Speaker: CEO, Richard Robinson
Instrumems, Inc.
Speaker: Co-Founder & CEO,
Gilad Arwatz, PhD
Laser Incubation Project
Speaker: IP Group, Inc., John Fijol, PhD