In this episode of Made in America, we sat down with Adam Rodrigues, Vice President of FORGE, to dive into the world of hard tech innovation and the challenges faced by startups in the manufacturing space. With only 3% of hard tech startups making it to market, FORGE is leading the way in helping entrepreneurs bring their groundbreaking ideas to life. Adam shares insights on how his organization is empowering the next generation of innovators and supporting them with the resources they need to succeed.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss:
The Challenges of Hard Tech Startups
Adam explains how hard tech startups face unique hurdles compared to software-based startups. With a focus on tangible products, these startups must overcome challenges related to prototyping, funding, and finding the right manufacturing partners. Learn why only 3% of these startups succeed and how FORGE is helping turn the tide.
Innovation in Manufacturing
FORGE is bridging the gap between innovators and manufacturers by connecting them to the resources they need. Adam talks about how the organization fosters innovation in Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem and what’s next for the industry.
A Mission to Support Entrepreneurs
From funding to education and connections, Adam outlines how FORGE is dedicated to providing startups with the necessary tools to scale. He shares the organization's vision of nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking products and helping them succeed in a competitive market.
Mentorship and Continuous Learning
Adam also reflects on the importance of mentorship in his career. He talks about how observing and learning from others, whether through direct mentorship or from afar, has helped him shape his own path to success. He also shares key books and podcasts that have shaped his perspective on leadership and business growth.
Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode filled with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and anyone interested in the future of hard tech.
Adam Rodrigues, FORGE
FORGE
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Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP
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Podcast produced by Miceli Productions.
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