Engineering Entrepreneurship Hub

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP & WHY ATTEND?

Attending this workshop provides graduate students with a unique opportunity to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path, gaining direct insights from founders who have successfully launched startups in climate, energy, manufacturing, and AI. Participants will benefit from engaging discussions on the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship, learning practical lessons from emerging entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The workshop also offers valuable networking opportunities, connecting attendees with like-minded peers, mentors, and key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Additionally, the final session will introduce critical resources such as funding opportunities, incubators, and mentorship programs that can support aspiring entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into successful ventures.

Whether you have a business idea or are simply curious about the startup world, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and connections to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Undergraduate and Graduate students and researchers from engineering and relevant disciplines who are interested in exploring entrepreneurship, whether they have an idea already or are simply curious about the journey. This is an opportunity to gain insights, network with fellow innovators, and connect with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Connecticut.

RESOURCES & SUPPORT FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Learn about funding opportunities, incubators, mentorship programs, and other resources available to help launch and grow your venture.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS WITH EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS

Gain first-hand perspectives from startup founders navigating the
challenges of entrepreneurship:

• CLIMATE & ENERGY PANEL
  Entrepreneurs driving innovation in sustainability and energy solutions.
• MANUFACTURING & AI PANEL
  Founders leveraging cutting-edge technology to shape the future of industry.

 
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER: AL SUBBLOIE

As founder and CEO of Budderfly, Al Subbloie has led the Energy-Efficiency-as-a-Service startup to become one of the fastest growing companies in the cleantech sector in the United States, as well as a national role model for firms seeking to leverage private sector practices to address issues of climate change. Under his leadership, Budderfly’s revenue has grown at a CAGR of 250% since its founding in 2017 and has ranked on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for three consecutive years. Subbloie was ranked in the 2021 Worthy 100 by Worth Magazine for his entrepreneurship around environmental benefit. Previously, Subbloie founded and served as CEO of Tangoe, an industry-leading telecommunications expense management solutions company.

Between 1999-2015, Subbloie generated over $200M in revenue and hired and managed over 2,000 employees. Prior to Tangoe, Al co-founded Information Management Associates, which focused on modernizing the call center industry. He also co-founded Buyersedge.com, an internet-based reverse auction company, and Freefire, a customer interaction software company, which was acquired by Teletech Holdings. Subbloie is often featured in leading national and global media publications including CNBC, Fortune, and WSJ, sharing his unique perspective and experience on various topics such as business challenges, leadership, and management approaches, and taking companies public.