2024 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit

Pitch-Your-Startup Workshop

Thursday, December 5
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Sheraton, 2nd Floor, Constitution B

Do you have a startup idea inspired by your research? Talking to startup mentors that have “been there done that” and successfully raised funding from investors is a great way to soundboard your pitch and increase your confidence. Join our Pitch-Your-Startup Workshop! You'll present your idea to a lively audience and to the panel of entrepreneurs who will provide valuable feedback. Pitches are two-minutes long, followed by a short discussion with the panelists and interaction from the audience.

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Please apply to participate!

Limited pitches will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis (Verbal pitches only - no slides).

Speakers

Nick Calvert

Yellowbird Diagnostics, Inc.

Nick Calvert is one of the co-founders and CEO of Yellowbird Diagnostics, Inc. He holds a PhD degree in chemistry and biomolecular sciences from the University of Ottawa. During his doctoral studies, Calvert, along with his co-founders, designed, created, and pre-clinically validated three novel molecular imaging dyes, which have since become a cornerstone of Yellowbird's innovative diagnostic solutions.

With a strong background in chemistry and biochemistry, Calvert has made significant contributions to the field of molecular imaging, bridging the gap between advanced scientific research and practical diagnostic applications and helping position Yellowbird Diagnostics at the forefront of medical innovation.

Caitlin O’Malley

Via Separations

Caitlin O'Malley is a materials engineer at Via Separations where she uses a materials science approach to help solve some of the growing startup's largest pain points. She earned her BS degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University and previously interned at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Dragonfly Therapeutics. Since joining Via Separations full-time in 2023, she has seen the team around her double while supporting advances in the company’s first of a kind commercial system.

Brandon S. Blackwell

Shareholder, Executive Committee Member | Chemical & Materials Technologies Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

Brandon Blackwell focuses on domestic and international patent issues for clients in academia and industry, including world-renowned universities, start-ups and early-stage companies, and multinational companies. Brandon makes it a priority to learn about his clients’ business goals, which enables him to help clients build and maintain patent portfolios and implement patent strategies that support those goals.

This event is hosted by the MRS Student Engagement Subcommittee.

MRS Headquarters Liaison: Lorri Smiley