Coffee and Concepts

Coffee and Concepts exists to disrupt barriers and stir up robust conversations at the intersection of tech and community!

The Innovare Elevation Series is proud to present COFFEE & CONCEPTS!

Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday* from 10-11 AM at the 2nd Floor Hive of the Innovare Advancement Center for this exciting networking opportunity.

Walk in, grab a cup of Utica Coffee, and let’s chat—whether you’re sitting down or standing, the conversation is what matters.

“About what?”
Anything tech-related! From understanding how something works, discussing the new quantum lab at the Innovare Advancement Center, exploring cybersecurity trends, and delving into SBIR/STTR opportunities, to sharing your latest idea or discussing happenings in the Mohawk Valley.

Each session features thought-provoking discussions, a guest speaker sharing insights on cutting-edge topics, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals in a casual, welcoming environment.

Stay for the full hour or just a few minutes—either way, let’s connect, collaborate, and share ideas over coffee!

*The Coffee and Concepts schedule does change slightly in the summer months (May-August) to accommodate the influx of interns and fellows who work out of the Innovare Advancement Center. These summer sessions happen offsite as a TO GO series. For these months, see the schedule below for changes and/or stay tuned for official announcements on our social media channels and emails. 

Engage.

Network.

Inspire.

Coffee and Concepts Schedule

*Speakers are subject to change due to shifting schedules. This list will be updated accordingly. 

Topic: How Cybercriminals are Using AI to Augment Their Cyber Attacks

Sean is the founder of Triarii AI, an innovative cybersecurity startup that uses artificial intelligence to augment offensive cybersecurity operations. A graduate of SUNY Poly, Sean brings a robust background in penetration testing and software engineering. In 2024, he participated in distinguished programs such as the MACH37 Cyber Accelerator and the National Science Foundation’s I-Corp, and he was selected as a winner of the HUSTLE Defense Accelerator. His expertise and achievements position him as a thought leader at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.

Topic: Why Electric Rotary-Wing Drones Struggle to Fly Longer Than 1 Hour

Arion Mangio, CTO and Co-Founder, is an aerospace engineer (Masters in Control Systems), former US Air Force Captain and pilot, and then a commercial drone pilot.

Justin Call, CEO and Co-Founder, is an executive with roles in legal, product, operations, and data at venture-backed tech companies with 3 exits.

Topic: Neurotechnology and Defense, the Future of Human Performance

Bio: Jon Hacker is the CEO and founder of NeurGear, a company dedicated to developing innovative neurotechnology solutions for mental health. With a background in biomedical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, he has spearheaded the development of ZenBud, an ultrasound vagus nerve stimulator designed to reduce stress and enhance mental well-being. Under his leadership, NeurGear has released promising pilot data demonstrating significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. Hacker’s vision is to revolutionize mental health care through cutting-edge technology, aspiring to “change the world one brain at a time.”

Topic: TBA

Bio: TBA

Details: TBA

Do you know of a place that would be willing to host this month’s Coffee and Concepts TO GO? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Do you know of a place that would be willing to host this month’s Coffee and Concepts TO GO? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Details: TBA

Do you know someone who would like to be a featured speaker at this Coffee and Concepts session? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Topic: AI’s Next Frontier: Power, Progress, and How AI Guardrails Should Be Shaping Humanity’s Future

Michael “Mike” McCarthy currently serves as a tenured Associate Professor at Utica University and founder of its Data Science program. In addition, Mike is the Head of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Guardrail Technologies. He is passionate about teaching students the ethics and social responsibility required to be proper stewards of the data and models used throughout our world. He received his Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his Master’s and PhD from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. McCarthy’s professional experience spans academia to governmental service, from big tech to startups. As a senior research scientist at Amazon developing global forecasts and a healthcare analyst conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis for the Veterans Administration, Mike sought to answer the difficult questions. Prior to graduate school, Michael served in the U.S. Army as an officer and pilot deployed to Iraq. Mike enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and hiking with his family.

Do you know someone who would like to be a featured speaker at this Coffee and Concepts session? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Do you know someone who would like to be a featured speaker at this Coffee and Concepts session? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Do you know someone who would like to be a featured speaker at this Coffee and Concepts session? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Do you know someone who would like to be a featured speaker at this Coffee and Concepts session? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Do you know someone who would like to be a featured speaker at this Coffee and Concepts session? Fill out the form below to let us know and we will reach out!

Do you know someone who would be a great speaker for Coffee and Concepts? Fill out this form to recommend them and we will be in touch:

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Due to the severe weather conditions and state of emergency declared by the City of Rome, Rome Labs & Innovare Advancement Center will be closed on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. This closure affects all Griffiss Institute staff, residents, guests, and program participants, including STEM campers, interns, visiting faculty, fellows, and incubator clients. We will resume normal business hours of operation on July 18, 2024.

If you are impacted by the tornado and need assistance please call 211 or text 898-211, the United Way of Mohawk Valley can assist you with proper resources during this time. www.211midyork.com