Upcoming Events
9
October 2025
Kummer Day
Celebrate Fred and June Kummer’s transformative $300 million gift at Kummer Day on October 9 at S&T’s Innovation Lab.
All Day
Innovation Lab
Upcoming Distinguished Innovation and Entrepreneurship Speakers
David Alkaher
April 25, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Zoom link: https://go.mst.edu/davidalkaher
Dr. David Alkaher is an innovation strategist, founder of Innovation 4 Transformation and former Commander of the IDF’s Defense College for Innovation. He has advised Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, led major deep-tech R&D programs and authored the IDF’s innovation strategy. A certified ISO 56002 trainer and international keynote speaker, he brings decades of experience across defense, academia and policy to drive transformative innovation. See Dr. Alkaher to learn about: How ISO 56002 shapes effective innovation management; building systems aligned with mission and strategies; innovation case studies from defense and public sectors; fostering intrapreneurship and culture change; and practical tools for sustainable innovation success. The event is open to all students, faculty and staff.
Meera Sampath
Date TBD | Zoom link: https://go.mst.edu/meerasampath
Dr. Meera Sampath is CEO of the NSF-funded Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine, focused on energy storage innovation, economic growth and workforce development. With nearly 30 years of experience, she has led major initiatives at Xerox Research, SUNY, and Binghamton University. She holds 15 U.S. patents and has driven global research collaborations. She will speak about how the Energy Storage Engine is helping establish Upstate New York as “America’s Battery Capital” through innovation, technology translation and economic strategy.
Noemie Alliel
Date TBD | Zoom Link: https://go.mst.edu/noemiealliel
Noemie Alliel is the Director of Starburst Tel Aviv, leading Israel’s branch of the global aerospace and defense accelerator. Join us for a session with Noemie Alliel as she shares insights from working with startups, corporates and accelerators. Learn how innovation centers help early-stage companies grow, fundraise and scale through collaboration and market access. Perfect for students, faculty and staff interested in entrepreneurship, strategy and global tech innovation.
Past Speakers
Judy Sindecuse
March 2025
Judy Sindecuse is a visionary leader with a strong track record in launching and scaling profitable companies. She presented her path from engineering and law to entrepreneurship and venture capital, highlighting how bold moves and adaptability lead to success. She talked about how to embrace change, find your fit and turn challenges into opportunities for anyone exploring new career paths.
Ayal Somech,
March 2025
Ayal Somech, head of Boeing Innovation, gave a presentation about what large companies are looking for in the innovation space.
Bull Holland
February 11, 2025
Dr. Bull Holland d is the Director of Education at BMNT, Inc., an adjunct faculty member at NC State and a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with over 23 years of service. He founded the Innovation Corps at DoD and co-founded the Advancing Concept Office, driving military innovation. He presented about pathways to innovate in national security without joining the military or becoming a federal employee; how to navigate the $850B FY 2025 Department of Defense budget, identify key decision-makers and present ideas for funding; and about innovation in the public sector differs from the private sector while applying the same core principles.
Maria Meyers
November 2025
Maria Meyers heads the University of Missouri – Kansas City Innovation Center, supporting thousands of community members every year in starting and growing businesses. She spoke about starting your own business or side hustle, including the risks. This session explored different types of businesses, the skills needed to build one and where to find support. Participants brought ideas and questions for a fun dive into being their own boss.
Joel West
October 2025
Dr. Joel West, professor emeritus of innovation & entrepreneurship at the Keck Graduate Institute spoke in October of 2024 with a presentation called “Creating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Lessons from San Diego.”