Neurotechnology Ventures
[Class Content] [Fall 2014] [Fall 2013] [Fall 2012] [Fall 2010] [Fall 2009] [Fall 2008] [Spring 2007]
MIT Course Numbers: 9.455 ~ 15.128 ~ 20.454 ~ MAS.883
Instructors: J. Bonsen ~ E.S. Boyden ~ R.G. Ellis-Behnke
Units: H-level ~ 2-0-7 Units
Time: Thursdays, 2-4pm
Place: E14-525
Description
Neurotechnology Ventures is a seminar and project-oriented course on the challenges of envisioning, planning, and building startups (both entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial) to bring neuroengineering innovations to the world. Class sessions include either a survey of a broad topic area or a live-case study of a current, specific, development or commercialization effort in that area, or a panel discussion with clinicians or venture capitalists, all oriented towards identifying and executing towards a compelling venture concept. Explorations will cover a broad array of issues ranging from the deeply technical to the analysis of market realities.
Topics Include -- Neuroimaging, Neuromarketing, Neurology/Psychiatry Screening & Diagnosis, Mood & Behavioral Influencing, Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, Neuropharmacology, Brain Stimulation, Prosthetics, Sensory and Motor Augmentation, Regenerative Neuromedicine, Learning, Memory & Cognitive Influencing, and more.
Limited Enrollment -- Please email neuroven@media.mit.edu two paragraphs summarizing your: (1) Professional Skills & Experience, and (2) Inventive/Entrepreneurial Aspirations.
Student Venture Project & Deliverables -- Students will work in teams to analyze opportunities 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 and evolve throughout the term, with multiple reviews, and culminating in a final presentation. We expect that some projects may go on to become successful ventures.
Schedule
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| Thu., Sept. 8 |
Overview of the state of neurotechnology. Overview of the class, case studies and team projects. How to succeed at the class. Introductions. Instructor 1-minute elevator pitches. |
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| Thu., Sept. 15 |
GUEST PANEL: Clinicians. The big needs in neurology, psychiatry, and neurosurgery. Panel members: TBD. |
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| Thu., Sept. 22 |
1-minute elevator pitches by class members. Teambuilding. "How to Think" - getting resources, researching, collaborating, synthesizing. |
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| Thu., Sept. 29 |
GUEST SPEAKER: Vinay Gidwaney Title: Neurotechnologies for improving behavior and decision-making |
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| Thu., Oct. 6 |
GUEST SPEAKER: Ariel Garten, CEO, InterAxon Title: Thought controlled computing: from popular imagination to popular product |
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| Thu., Oct. 13 |
No class (Media Lab sponsor week). |
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| Thu., Oct. 20 |
Midterm presentations: the 6-slide presentations. Other class members will write very brief critiques, to learn the process of evaluating. |
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| Thu., Oct. 27 |
Resources: legal, financial, fundraising, networking, the Boston community, the global neurotechnology community. |
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| Thu., Nov. 3 |
VC/Investor panel. Panel members: Brian Chow (Third Rock), Jonathan Behr (Enlight), another member TBD. |
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| Thu., Nov. 10 |
GUEST SPEAKER: Ben Rubin Title: Zeo: a sleep analysis company |
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| Thu., Nov. 17 |
GUEST SPEAKER: Casey Stengel Title: Neuralynx: an electrophysiology tools company |
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| Thu., Dec. 1 |
GUEST SPEAKER: Vincent Pieribone Title: Marinus Pharmaceuticals: a neurosteroid development story |
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| Thu., Dec. 8 |
Final presentations by each team. Neurotechnology Entrepreneurship Panel will be present to provide feedback. Panel members: Steven Schachter (professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, Chief Academic Officer of CIMIT), Alain Hanover (Managing Director and CEO of Navigator Technology Ventures). |
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