September 2026 Recap: Innovation, Venture Capital, AI, and Leadership Across Our Business Communities

September 2026 brought meaningful connections, insightful discussions, and collaboration across the technology, life sciences, and investment communities.

From exploring venture capital opportunities in New Jersey to discussing the growing role of artificial intelligence in life sciences and celebrating leadership in the medical device industry, September brought together founders, investors, executives, and industry leaders committed to advancing innovation.

Through the Technology Leaders of the Delaware Valley, Life Sciences Collaborative, and MDG Boston, we exchanged ideas, strengthened professional relationships, and learned from experienced leaders.

Technology Leaders of the Delaware Valley: Strengthening New Jersey’s Innovation Ecosystem

At our September meeting of the Technology Leaders of the Delaware Valley, held at Merchantville Country Club, we welcomed Michael Connallon, Jr., Managing Partner at Garden State Venture Partners.

Garden State Venture Partners is a New Jersey-based venture capital firm focused on accelerating innovation, research commercialization, and economic growth.

Michael shared insights into the importance of connecting entrepreneurs with investors, universities, healthcare systems, and other organizations that support emerging companies.

The discussion highlighted an important challenge facing early-stage businesses: turning innovative ideas and research into commercially successful companies requires more than funding alone.

Access to experienced leadership, strategic partnerships, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem can play an equally important role.

These conversations reinforce the value of bringing together technology executives, venture capital investors, founders, and business advisors to strengthen New Jersey’s innovation economy.

Life Sciences Collaborative: Our First All-Chapters Meeting Explores AI in Life Sciences

September also marked an important milestone for the Life Sciences Collaborative (LSC).

For the first time, our Executive Committee brought together the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Boston chapters for a joint meeting focused on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in life sciences.

Rather than holding three separate regional meetings, we created an opportunity for members across all chapters to participate in one conversation.

The event attracted nearly 60 participants, reflecting strong interest in how AI is influencing biotechnology, medical technology, and healthcare innovation.

Industry Leaders Share Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence

The panel discussion was moderated by Kathleen Brunner of Acumen Analytics, who guided a conversation featuring three experienced life sciences leaders:

• Greg Ambrara, Oral Biolife Inc.
• Gregory Fischer, AiM Medical Robotics
• Michael Behr, Prolifagen

The discussion explored the opportunities AI presents for life sciences companies and the importance of maintaining human expertise in an increasingly technology-driven industry.

One central message emerged:

AI makes experts faster, but the expert still makes the decision.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into research, development, and business operations, its greatest value may lie in helping experienced professionals work more efficiently and make better-informed decisions.

The meeting also demonstrated the strength of connecting our regional life sciences communities. Bringing together founders, investors, scientists, executives, and advisors from multiple markets creates opportunities for collaboration that extend beyond individual chapter meetings.

Our regional Life Sciences Collaborative meetings will resume in October.

MDG Boston: Innovation, Leadership, and the Road Less Traveled

September also provided an opportunity to support the MDG Boston event, Innovation, Leadership & the Road Less Traveled: From Engineer to Medical Device CEO to Private Equity Investor.

I was personally pleased to support this event featuring my friend Michael Magliochetti, Ph.D., whose professional journey spans engineering, medical device executive leadership, and private equity investing.

Michael shared valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the decisions that shape both careers and companies.

His experience offered an interesting look at the challenges and opportunities involved in building businesses, leading organizations, and navigating the investment landscape.

Events like this create opportunities for professionals across the Boston life sciences, medical device, and investment communities to exchange ideas and develop meaningful relationships.

I’m always happy to support a good friend and a worthwhile initiative that encourages learning, collaboration, and professional connections.

Building Stronger Communities Through Relationships

Although September’s events covered different industries and topics, they shared one important theme:

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation.

Successful companies and thriving industries depend on relationships, shared experiences, access to capital, and individuals who are willing to support one another.

That philosophy is central to the communities we’ve built through Technology Leaders of the Delaware Valley and Life Sciences Collaborative.

What makes these communities particularly interesting is that they operate without sponsors, with an emphasis on bringing together experienced professionals who genuinely value exchanging knowledge, building relationships, and helping others succeed.

Whether discussing venture capital, AI in biotechnology, or leadership in medical technology, the goal remains the same: creating an environment where meaningful conversations lead to stronger connections and new opportunities.

Looking Ahead to October 2026

September was another reminder of the value of bringing talented people together.

I’m grateful to our speakers, panelists, moderators, organizers, and everyone who participated in these events.

As we move into October, I look forward to continuing these conversations, reconnecting with our regional Life Sciences Collaborative chapters, and creating more opportunities for founders, investors, executives, and industry leaders to learn from one another.

The strongest business communities are built on relationships—and those relationships are what make continued innovation possible.