Harvard Grid

Innovation in Motion: Meet Santiago Canete, one of the inaugural Harvard Grid Fellows! Santiago's pioneering work in the Harvard Biodesign and Ability Labs is focused on developing a self-learning ankle exoskeleton to aid stroke survivors in reclaiming their ability to walk independently. This device doesn't just promise to enhance gait and endurance; it aims to revolutionize personal mobility, granting stroke survivors the gift of freedom in their own communities. As part of the Grid Fellowship, Santiago is not only refining this groundbreaking technology but also building the entrepreneurial skillset needed to transition from lab to market. We are thrilled to support Santiago's journey and witness the profound impact of his work in assistive robotics. #HarvardGrid #Innovation #AssistiveRobotics

Last night, we engaged with two tough tech CEOs, Drs. Adam Behrens from Mori and Simon Chaput from Boréas Technologies, as part of the Grid's Lab-to-Launch Lounge series. Simon pushed attendees, “if you really believe in your idea, go for it,” since you will encounter plenty of skeptics and it will take relentless internal drive to turn your ideas into impact. Further, both Simon and Adam did not mince words when describing toughness required in launching tough tech ventures. From hiring (and when necessary, trimming) the right team to maintaining investor relationships to constantly rethinking product form and market entry points, challenges constantly abound. A crucial and often underestimated leadership trait is strength in personal values, from building an engaging and inclusive office culture to demonstrating resiliency along the roller coaster ride of early startup days. While CEOs intrinsically have intense drive and work ethic, self-care is critical to be the best version of yourself, day-in and day-out, through personal advisers and other wellness practices. Adam concluded the LLL session with a hard lesson for all aspiring tough tech CEOs: only when you are okay with the possibility of failure, will you succeed. Thank you Adam and Simon!

Yesterday, Harvard Grid joined forces with MassRobotics, Professor Conor Walsh and the Harvard Move Lab to explore the transformative potential of robotics in supporting our aging population. The 'Robotics in Age: Assistive Tech' event brought together innovators and thought leaders to address the challenges and opportunities in creating technologies that enhance the quality of life for older adults. Through insightful discussions and compelling demonstrations, we witnessed how cutting-edge robotics can empower independence and improve everyday living. Thank you to everyone involved for sharing your expertise and vision, propelling us toward a future where technology compassionately meets the needs of our aging society. #HarvardGrid #MassRobotics #MoveLab #AgingTech #Innovatoin #Robotics

Sports Equipment Designed for Women, by Women. Inclusive Engineering is how we design better, human-centered machines, devices, apparel, and other built-world concepts that do not immediately fail 50% or 100% of intended 'users.' Thank you Sara Falkson, Jamie Mittelman, Lauren Scruggs OLY, and Christine Yu for ideas and actionable strategies. As our guide and thought leader/partner on inclusive engineering design, thank you as always, Karen Korellis Reuther for shaping Harvard Grid's third installment examining how scientists and engineers create models and shape our physical world to help everyone pursue their hopes and dreams, including Olympic gold! Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University https://lnkd.in/gWqdVJCA

Harvard Grid Fellow Keith Powell, PhD is pioneering work in high-speed, low-power electro-optic devices. His research focuses on developing advanced lithium tantalate electro-optic modulators to deliver ultra-fast data with minimal energy use. Through the fellowship, he leads critical de-risking experiments and formulates a commercialization strategy, advancing the potential of photonic materials and circuits. His efforts aim to bridge groundbreaking science with practical industry applications. Watch the video to hear directly from Keith about the future of this transformative technology. For more, see Harvard's coverage of his work here: https://lnkd.in/eQWbnRiU

Harvard Grid will be the nexus at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to deliver on our partnership to accelerate "the translation of discoveries into new solutions that benefit society and the economy" with seven other research universities that constitute the New England Region NSF I-Corps Hub:    MIT (Lead), Brown, Harvard, Northeastern, Tufts, Univ of Maine, UMass Amherst, and Univ of New Hampshire. https://lnkd.in/eANr9Asn

Thank you, Nare Janvelyan, PhD for bringing your expertise and journey to our students!

How are innovations in material science transforming the fight against the global air pollution crisis? At the latest Lab-to-Launch Lounge event, Sissi Liu and Tanya Shirman, Ph.D., co-founders of Metalmark Innovations and Harvard alums, shared their journey of leveraging nano-structured materials to create tough technology for improving air quality. They walked us through how they transformed cutting-edge science into a product that seamlessly integrates into building infrastructures and is easy to maintain. We also gained insights into their strategies for crafting compelling value propositions and measuring customer satisfaction in the early stages of their startup. Tackling global environmental challenges requires not only scalable, cost-effective technology but also an iterative process. As Sissi and Tanya emphasized, it’s not just about technology—people and adaptability are key. The conversation highlighted the importance of brand-building and the critical role of government incentives to support tough tech. We are excited to see the impact they’ll make in the world! #HarvardGrid #Innovation #ToughTech

Last week, as part of our Inclusive by Design series, we spotlighted the importance and shortcomings today in designing safe and equally effective apparel, gear, media, sponsorships, and much more for women in sports. We volleyed ideas with HKS alums Christine Yu, author of Up to Speed, Jamie Mittelman, founder of Flame Bearers, and Harvard College student-athlete and Olympic gold medalist fencer Lauren Scruggs OLY, and dug in on where women have to face additional hurdles when the game and equipment are designed for men or perpetuate the objectification of women. For women's sports to thrive, three critical changes emerged: increasing media coverage, accessing higher-caliber resources, and giving athletes control over their own narratives. We also discussed how we can hold one another accountable as change-makers in this space, working together to design more inclusive equipment and elevate women in sports. Thank you Karen Korellis Reuther and Sara Falkson for amplifying voices, ideas, and actions to level the pitch for all sports aficionados! #HarvardGrid #Innovation #InclusionbyDesign #SportsEquity #Inclusion

This week, we held our monthly Lab 2 Market series, featuring an interactive roundtable discussion with serial entrepreneurs Paul Hayre, Phillip Green, and fellow founders. Students had the opportunity to refine their startup ideas, with topics ranging from how to assess market demand to effective strategies for pitching products to companies. We can't wait to see what you do next! #HarvardGrid #ToughTech #Research #Innovation #Entrepreneurship