Innovation Journey: Design Thinking to Funding Success

With an MS and BS in Geochemistry from The University of Michigan, the individual has held significant positions at the Haas School of Business since 1999, including Director of the New Management of Technology Programs and the Mayfield Fellows Program. They have served as the Executive Director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Innovation at UC Berkeley since 2007 and are currently an Adjunct Professor. Additionally, they have been President of California Technology International, Inc. since 1991 and have held various roles in academia and industry, including Vice President at Kevex Instruments and Senior Scientist at NASA Johnson Space Center. They contribute to multiple initiatives, such as the Advisory Board for the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and direct programs focused on technology in developing countries, along with fellowships for aspiring entrepreneurs. Their teaching portfolio includes courses on marketing for high-tech entrepreneurs, nanotechnology, opportunity recognition in Silicon Valley, and energy and sustainability innovations.

Clark Kellogg is a lecturer at EIT Digital, where he specializes in teaching courses focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. One of his notable courses, "Innovation & Entrepreneurship - From Design Thinking to Funding," equips students with essential skills to navigate the complexities of launching and funding innovative ventures. With a strong background in design thinking, Kellogg emphasizes understanding user needs and reframing problems as critical steps in the innovation process. He is dedicated to course development that focuses on practical applications, helping students transform their ideas from conception to execution. Additionally, Kellogg brings real-world insights into the classroom, drawing from his extensive experience in fostering innovation within organizations.

Frans Nauta is a dynamic professional who embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, working at the intersection of Silicon Valley and Europe. With a strong passion for clean technology, he excels at kickstarting new initiatives, particularly in the realms of startups and innovation ecosystems. Among his notable achievements are the establishment of ClimateLaunchpad.eu, recognized as one of the world's largest competitions for clean tech business ideas, which has engaged over 750 applications and trained more than 300 startups across 28 countries. He also founded the Climate-KIC Startup Accelerator, which has enrolled around 500 startups and attracted over €200 million in funding. As part of the Dutch Innovation Platform, he contributed to designing a new innovation policy for the Netherlands, chaired by the Prime Minister. Frans has also been involved with various initiatives, including the leading Dutch think tank on social innovation and the environmental monitoring system for the city of Amsterdam. Additionally, he pioneered the introduction of clean natural gas-powered canal boats in Amsterdam. Beyond his project initiatives, he teaches Executive Education at UC Berkeley, coaches startups, collaborates on innovation projects with corporate and government clients, and is an accomplished author. His latest book, "Agents of Change: Strategy and Tactics for Social Innovation," was published in December 2012, following his earlier work detailing his experience as the innovation secretary in the Dutch Prime Minister's office.

Dr. Martin Vendel holds multiple degrees, including an M.Sc., a Tekn.Lic., and a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology. With over 20 years of industrial experience, he has worked in various roles encompassing strategy, marketing, product management, business development, and HR across the telecommunications/media and process industries. Currently, he is part-time faculty at KTH's Department for Industrial Economics and Management, focusing on research and education while dedicating most of his time to EIT Digital, where he is involved in teaching and development.Dr. Vendel teaches several courses on Coursera, including "Capstone Value Creation through Innovation," "Innovation & Entrepreneurship - From Basics to Open Innovation," "Innovation & Entrepreneurship - From Design Thinking to Funding," and "The Impact of Technology." His extensive background in both academia and industry allows him to provide valuable insights into innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, he serves as an advisor and holds board positions in start-up companies, further contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through his work, Martin Vendel aims to foster innovation and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Mark Coopersmith is an accomplished educator, entrepreneur, and Fortune 500 executive, currently serving as a Senior Fellow and Faculty Director at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He specializes in teaching innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to emerging leaders both at UC Berkeley and internationally. With a rich background that includes building global businesses for companies like Sony and Newell Rubbermaid, Mark has also launched successful startups, including WebOrder, which is now owned by Google.He is a frequent commentator in the media, with insights featured in major publications such as The Economist, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Mark has mentored numerous startup teams across various sectors, including web services, consumer electronics, medical devices, and fintech. He is also the founding Author in Residence at the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center.