TALKING TECHNICAL IDEAS

by John Cislo

(editor's note: A group of alumni from the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) met to discuss technical ideas at the Short Hills Hilton. This letter is a response to the inaugural meeting of the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club.)

As we went around the table at the restaurant in the Short Hills Hilton, taking turns describing our backgrounds and what we were looking for from participating in this group, I was struck by the unusual diversity of the people at the table. From principal engineers at the height of their professions to retired engineers too young and active to stop looking for challenges; with backgrounds ranging from chemical process plant simulation and design to government and defense procurement to software design to venture capital analysis of high tech companies, I realized that this group could open doors to a network of individuals with whom I would not normally have access.

As the evening progressed, a consensus emerged about the objectives and structure of this group.

First, that in order to draw active and regular participation, the meetings should provide real value added for inventors and entrepreneurs. The objective of these meetings, therefore, should include elements of an investment club, the Senior Corps Of Retired Executives, and a knowledgeable board of directors. More specifically, these meetings should provide a forum to present and discuss:

ideas about new products or business opportunities
research into new technologies or new companies
guest speakers on various aspects of starting a business ranging from conducting market research to selecting a legal structures to patent protection to obtaining startup financing to exit strategies

In addition, these meetings would provide an opportunity to solicit advice and or critical evaluations from members with expertise in other areas and, in the best of all worlds, to work together to research and actually breathe life into these nascent companies.

Secondly, that providing a structure and a clear focus would ensure that the meetings were regularly attended and that, in time, the shared experiences would provide a fertile medium for business connections and friendships.

We are looking for new members who are seriously interested in meeting with other entrepreneurs and in forming new acquaintances and friendships. If you would like to attend the next meeting, please contact Joe Mislan at (609)896-3968 or John Cislo at either Compuserve id 70744,2716 or via the Internet at jcislo@intersolv.com. We would also be interested in working with Columbia Alumni currently in other areas who would like to participate via the Internet.