7: Bonus Episode: Phil Weilerstein in Conversation with Rob Lemelson

In this special bonus episode celebrating VentureWell’s 30th anniversary and National Inventors' Month, Phil Weilerstein, VentureWell president and CEO, sits down with Robert "Rob" Lemelson, professor, filmmaker, board member of The Lemelson Foundation, and son of inventor Jerome “Jerry” Lemelson.

Together, they reflect on the origins of their organizations, from The Lemelson Foundation’s roots in Jerry’s vision to elevate invention as a driver of social and economic progress, to VentureWell’s early days advancing science- and technology-driven entrepreneurship. 

They discuss how invention often begins with real-world needs and grows through collaboration, education, and ecosystem support to address complex global challenges. From designing solutions rooted in local knowledge to scaling innovations that improve lives worldwide, Rob shares insights into his father’s legacy, what it takes to turn ideas into action, and why sustained support for inventors at every stage matters more than ever. Access the episode transcript here.

You'll hear:

• How Jerry Lemelson’s inventions influenced modern innovation and continue to inform the Foundation’s work

• Why the best inventions often start with personal need or lived experience

• How invention drives economic growth and global solutions, and how The Lemelson Foundation supports inventors tackling challenges like clean water and infant health worldwide

• What it takes to scale climate and social impact innovations

• A vision for the next 30 years of innovation

Resources:

• Learn more about The Lemelson Foundation and its work to support invention and entrepreneurship around the world

• Visit VentureWell’s 30th anniversary page to explore three decades of impact and what’s ahead

• Read about Jerry Lemelson’s legacy

Don’t forget to follow VentureWell on LinkedIn, Instagram (@idea2impact), Bluesky (‪@venturewell.bsky.social‬), and Facebook for more stories and insights from entrepreneurs using innovation to change the future of sustainability, healthcare, and tech.