Neurotechnology Ventures

[Class Content]   [Fall 2014]  [Fall 2013]  [Fall 2012]  [Fall 2011]  [Fall 2010]  [Fall 2008]  [Spring 2007]  

MIT Course Numbers: 9.455 ~ 15.128 ~ 20.454 ~ HST.588 ~ MAS.883
Instructors: J. Bonsen ~ E.S. Boyden ~ R.G. Ellis-Behnke
Units: H-level ~ 2-0-7 Units
Time: Tuesdays, 8-10pm (7-9pm starting 9/29)
Place: Room 46-3189 (Room E15-209, Wiesner Room of Media Lab, starting 9/29)
Special note: Class sessions will be live webcasted and videorecorded for Youtube, starting 2010
Also, after each class, there will be networking

Description

Neurotechnology Ventures is a seminar and project-oriented course on the challenges of envisioning, planning, and building startups to bring neuroengineering innovations to the world. A typical 2-hour class begins with either a survey of a broad topic area, or a live-case study of a current, specific, development or commercialization effort in that area, followed by a class exercise or resource learning event. Explorations will cover a broad array of issues ranging from the deeply technical, to the analysis of market realities. Topics Include: Neuroimaging, Neurology/Psychiatry Diagnosis, Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, Neuropharmacology, Brain Stimulation, Prosthetics, Sensory and Motor Augmentation, Regenerative Neuromedicine, and more.

Limited Enrollment - Email [email protected] two paragraphs summarizing your: (1) Professional Skills & Experience, and (2) Inventive/Entrepreneurial Aspirations, on or before first class day.

Student Project - Students will work in teams to analyze an opportunity and create an elevator pitch, a 6-slide company plan, and a business plan executive summary and final presentation aimed at solving a major problem through neurotechnology. The project will develop throughout the term, with multiple reviews, and culminating in a final presentation. We expect that some projects may go on to become successful ventures.

Special note: Class sessions will be live webcasted here at Justin.tv (to chat and ask questions in the moderated forum, you must FIRST add user 'neuroven' as a friend to your justin.tv account by clicking here, and THEN email [email protected] your Justin.tv username so that we can approve you for chatting privileges). Lectures will also be recorded for posting to Youtube (there will be "off-the record" portions at beginning and end of each class), starting 2010.

Special note: After each class, there will be a social networking event, likely at the Muddy Charles Pub in Walker Memorial, or in the lobby of Building 46.
 

Schedule



Tues., Sept. 15 Lecturers: Overview of class, introductions.

GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Dan DiLorenzo, NeuroVista, Neurosurgeon

TITLE: Neuroengineering & NeuroVentures:
1. Past, Present and Future of Neuroengineering, and
2. A War Story behind launching a venture to treat Epilepsy
 


Tues., Sept. 22 GUEST CLINICIAN PANEL: Dr. Carl Marci, Dr. Emad Eskandar, Dr. Darin Dougherty, Dr. Elizabeth Lawson, Dr. Steven Schachter

Instructor 1-minute IdeaPitches.


 


Tues., Sept. 29
Note: on this day the class shifts to 7-9PM, and also moves to room E15-209.
1-minute ideapitches by all participants (first group).
 


Tues., Oct. 6 GUEST SPEAKER: Steve Kelly, CEO, Myomo, "Myomo NeuroRobotics from concept to company; robotic stroke rehabilitation"

1-minute IdeaPitches by all participants (second group).
 


Tues., Oct. 13, 20 No class (holiday and SFN).

NOTE: Instructors will provide feedback on the 1-minute IdeaPitches during this period.

NOTE: Oct. 27-29 is the MIT $100k Competition Elevator Pitch Contest.
 


Tues., Oct. 27 6-slide presentations, all teams.
 


Tues., Nov. 3 Ed Boyden, "How to Think About Ventures."

NOTE: Instructors will provide feedback on Part I of the 6-slie presentations during this period.
 


Tues., Nov. 10 Investment panel. Dr. Jonathan Behr (Puretech), Dr. Mikhail Shapiro (Third Rock), Ann DeWitt (Flagship).

Open Mic for most-improved 6 slide pitches in front of VC's.
 


Tues., Nov. 17 GUEST SPEAKER: Philip Low, Neurovigil, "An Inexpensive Brainscan: From the Bench, to the Boardroom to the Clinic."

OPTIONAL: 2-page executive summary may be submitted by this day to get a critique.
 


Tues., Nov. 24 GUEST SPEAKER: Michael Scanlon, Lumosity, "Software for cognition: from lab to mass market and back again, the path of a first-time entrepreneur"
 


Tues., Dec. 1 GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Jamie Tyler, Synsonix

TITLE: TBD

NOTE: Dec. 3 is the MIT $100k Competition Executive Summary Contest.
 


Tues., Dec. 8 Final presentations by each team. Final (graded) 2-page executive summaries due today too.