Forward Faster NextCorps

  Dan O’Connell, now plant manager for Plug Power, has launched several companies rooted in his passions for environmentalism, cars, and Rochester. Dan was previously the co-founder and CEO of American Fuel Cell (AFC), which was acquired by Plug Power. American Fuel Cell participated in NEXUS-NY, an early stage climate tech proof of concept center, […]

  Environmental responsibility is becoming a more important consideration for consumers, but it can be intimidating for companies looking to get started. Kim Bawden, Senior Pollution Engineer with the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute, lists out where your business can start in its journey to being a climate-conscious company. Kim covers best practices and where to […]

  Teri Dankovich, Co-Founder of Folia Materials, and Bertha Jimenez, Co-Founder of Rise Products, not only started new businesses and participated in cohort 2 of the Scale For ClimateTech program, but also gave birth mid-program and mid-pandemic! Teri and Bertha joined Shelby Thompson, Sr. Community Manager at SecondMuse, on Forward Faster’s podcast (or better yet, […]

  Optics is the industry of the future, revolutionizing everything from the smart phones in our pockets to our national security. But there are more jobs for optical technicians than there are trained people to fill them. Dr. Alexis Vogt, Endowed Chair and Professor of Optics at Monroe Community College, speaks with Luminate‘s Technology Program […]

  Every year the National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL) hosts the Industry Growth Forum, the premier conference for those who work or invest in the renewable energy landscape. The three-day conference is packed with investor meetings, innovator pitches, and networking with the brightest minds in the industry. Kate Moore, who manages strategic partnerships for NREL, […]

  In-person dog training classes can be helpful, but they’re not for everyone (especially during a pandemic). Sniffy Labs has developed an app that packages professional training plans, in-depth video tutorials, a progress tracker, and connections to certified dog trainers to provide users with personalized, on-demand dog training. Co-founders Howard Shyng and Ting Zhu spoke […]