Registration Closes at 1pm ET, January 28th
This popular, hands-on virtual bootcamp series, presented by Medical Alley and leading innovation experts, is designed to give entrepreneurs a competitive edge in the ever-evolving innovation economy.
Through masterclass sessions, breakout discussions, and networking, participants will gain actionable insights into venture capital fundraising and non-dilutive funding. Featuring a range of global leaders from the National Institutes of Health, the Hill Capital Corporation, and SpringTide Ventures, and others, this program is the perfect opportunity for startup entrepreneurs, corporate intrapreneurs, and anyone interested in learning more about the growing innovation ecosystem.
In addition to the expert programming outlined above, attendees will receive the following:
- A certificate of completion from Medical Alley.
- Inclusion in the Bootcamp’s Investor Lookbook, which will highlight all startup attendees seeking investment. The Investor Lookbook will be distributed to Medical Alley’s Venture Capital network.
- Access to a Startup Resource Book of Medical Alley partners who provide services, including discounted and pro bono services, to Medical Alley startups and Bootcamp participants.
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“I walked in feeling a bit intimidated as a founder navigating funding, and I left feeling empowered, informed, and connected. The speakers were exceptional, the format was so thoughtfully designed, and the entire experience felt both uplifting and transformative.”
Startup Founder
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“Your meeting was one of the best virtual trainings I have attended.”
Executive Leader
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“I wanted to thank you for putting together the Bootcamp, it was a superb event! The speakers' insights were incredibly helpful and relevant for our startup journey.”
Startup Founder
Confirmed
Speakers
Kasey Devine, MBA
Founder & CEO
Session: The IRS Has Your Runway. Take It Back.
Kasey is an HR, revenue, and growth leader with experience scaling go-to-market teams and maximizing tax benefits. In addition to his experiencewith ADP and building his current startup company, Kasey hosts the podcast“how?” in which he talks to business leaders from all walks of life and givesthem a platform to tell stories that teach us something.
Pat Dillon, MBA
Founder & CEO, MNSBIR
Session: What It Takes To Be Successful With SBIR/STTR
As the Founder, President, and CEO of MNSBIR, Inc., Pat leads Minnesota’s statewide effortto equip startups and small businesses with the knowledge, strategy, and support neededto compete for federal R&D funding. MNSBIR support and services are free andconfidential, and Pat is experienced in guiding entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle of theSBIR/STTR process, from assessing readiness and shaping competitive proposals tonavigating agency requirements and building sustainable commercialization plans.
MNSBIR, Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) (3) organization funded in part through a Federal and StateTechnology Partnership Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small BusinessAdministration, a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and EconomicDevelopment, and cash contributions from the University of Minnesota, TechnologyCommercialization Office and the Venture Center, and Carlson School of Management,Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship.
Patrick Donohue
Managing Partner & CEO, Hill Capital Corporation
Session: What Startups Need To Know About Predatory Investing &Raising Capital
Patrick is an experienced investor, financial analyst, investment banker, andentrepreneur, and he is passionate about building meaningful companies.Patrick is also author of the popular book “Breakout Valuation”, whichprovides entrepreneurs with the insider knowledge they need to build whatmatters—a valuable business.
Michael Salgaller, PhD
Supervisor of Technology Analysis and Marketing Unit, National Institutes ofHealth
Session: Beyond Grants: Valuable Startup Opportunities With The NIH
Michael leads the Technology Analysis and Marketing Unit (TAMU) within theNational Institutes of Health (NIH), where he leverages over 20 years ofbusiness, scientific, and investment experience in various life science sectors tosupport technology development and commercialization. The TAMU serves in abusiness development role to foster licensing and collaborative activity.
Claire Smith
Partner, SpringTide Ventures
Session: How To Approach Your Fundraising Journey
Claire Smith is a Partner at SpringTide Ventures, where she focuses onearly-stage healthtech and TechBio companies advancing human health.She previously invested at Meridian Street Capital and Anterra Capital andheld operating and consulting roles across therapeutics and life sciencesstrategy.
Jessica Sylvester, MBA, RN, BSN
Founder & CEO, Humla Health
Session: Advice & Lessons Learned For Building A Successful Startup
Jessica Sylvester is the founder and CEO of Humla Health, a nurse-ledtechnology company reimagining how healthcare facilities connect withcredentialed W-2 nurses for smarter, more sustainable staffing. A nurse ofmore than two decades and former director of emergency services inMinnesota, she built Humla after witnessing firsthand how traditionalstaffing models fuel burnout, inefficiency, and rising costs.
Moderator
Geof Hannigan, PhD
Principal, Medical Alley - Starts
Dr. Geof Hannigan is a Principal at Medical Alley Starts. He formerly led innovation and startup acceleration programs at Merck and other organizations. His work in biotech, pharma, computational biology, and machine learning has driven digital innovation, scientific entrepreneurship, and R&D programs that advanced drug discovery and healthcare technology.
Agenda
At a Glace
Time (Central) | January 29th, 2026 | Header |
|---|---|---|
9:00 AM | Open Login | Cell |
9:15 AM | Opening Remarks | Cell |
9:30 AM | Innovation Through Collaboration: Startup Opportunities With The NIH | Michael Salgaller |
10:00 AM | What It Takes to Be Successful with SBIR/STTR | Pat Dillon |
10:30 AM | IRS has your runway. Take it back. | Kasey Devine |
11:00 AM | Breakout Discussions With Speakers | Cell |
12:00 PM | Lunch Break | Cell |
1:00 PM | What Startups Need To Know About Predatory Investing | Patrick Donohue |
1:30 PM | How To Approach Your Fundraising Journey | Claire Smith |
2:00 PM | Advice & Lessons Learned For Building A Successful Startup | Jessica Sylvester |
2:30 PM | Breakout Discussions With Speakers | Cell |
3:30 PM | Closing Remarks & Networking | Cell |
4:30 PM | Close Event | Cell |
Disclaimer: While we do not anticipate any changes to the outlined program, the agenda may be subject to some minor changes due to circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make such adjustments as needed in response to unforeseen events.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
