Dr. Engin Burak Anil is a technology leader specializing in AI-driven solutions in supply chain, logistics, autonomous vehicles, and robotics with over a decade of experience delivering scalable technology products. He has led high-achieving teams at companies like Grainger, Gatik AI, Toyota Research Institute, and Here Technologies, driving innovation in autonomous operations. Engin brings deep expertise in machine learning, AI, and safety-critical systems to transform complex global challenges into market-ready solutions.

I’m an architect by trade, but came into robotics through my interest in human interaction in the built environment. This directly translated to how robots and humans should and could interact with one another in both structured and highly unstructured scenarios. I currently run the behavioral research and development team for a consumer robotics company, Piaggio Fast Forward in Boston, MA. Previously, I ran the robotics lab in UCLA’s architecture school, where I worked on projects ranging from virtual experiences to robotic construction to data-driven building design. I’m a big fan of the arts and am excited to continue to explore where art, science, and design meet under the umbrella of technology.

Brian Geisel is a software innovator and CEO of Geisel Software. During a career that spans two decades, Brian has developed a reputation for skillfully applying innovative technology to solve some of today’s most complex problems. With comprehensive technical expertise in areas like embedded systems, mobile and web applications, IoT, AI/ML/deep learning, and security, Brian and his team have delivered groundbreaking client solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Brian’s innovative approach to problem-solving has made him a sought-after speaker at industry events, where he is known for his ability to simplify complex concepts and make them accessible to audiences of all backgrounds. He is an active thought leader and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Bloomberg Business, BBC, Forbes, and other major outlets. Brian’s passion for technology led him to work with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Compaq, iRobot and Carbon Black before starting his own custom software engineering firm in 2011. Named SBA’s 2020 Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year, he has led the company through tremendous growth, earning it a spot on Inc. Magazine’s 2022 list of 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America.

Aditya Sreekumar is an engineering leader with extensive experience building robotics solutions at the intersection of hardware and software. He is passionate about translating cutting-edge research into scalable, production-ready systems that perform reliably in real-world environments.

Aditya began his career in the IoT space, later contributed to autonomous vehicle development at Motional and Cruise, and is currently focused on warehouse automation challenges at Symbotic. He holds a Master’s degree in Robotics from the University of Pennsylvania, where he conducted research on swarm robotics and humanoid systems at the GRASP Lab. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Amrita School of Engineering in Coimbatore, India.

Beyond his technical leadership, Aditya is committed to mentorship and ecosystem growth. He has guided early-stage startups as a mentor at MassChallenge, particularly in robotics and consumer products, and enjoys helping engineers thrive in complex, fast moving domains.

Ward Broom is an experienced executive and has spent most of his career in the startup high tech industry. After a successful exit in 2014 from the healthcare technology company he co-founded, (IPA)® (www.thinkipa.com), Ward now invests in and supports startups in operational and advisory roles.

As IPA co-founder Ward served as Executive VP and COO and was an integral part of taking the company from product concept to market leader and setting up in-house product development and manufacturing operations. IPA provides an integrated hardware/software dispensing and retrieval system for hospital scrub suits and linens. These products solve a significant pain point in hospital operations and are currently installed in over 1000 hospitals across the US and internationally. After acquisition by Private Equity in 2008, IPA was sold to a Fortune 500 Company (Roper Technologies) in 2014 after which Mr. Broom stayed on as VP of Product Management and International Business Development and Strategic Advisor until his exit in March 2017.

Prior to IPA, Ward was co-owner and President of Design and Manufacturing Services (DMSI), an electro-mechanical product development and contract manufacturing firm. DMSI’s customers included numerous hi-tech startups in the areas of manufacturing, satellite communications and medical devices.

Ward has advised and mentored multiple high-tech startups and currently serves as a lead Catalyst at Georgia Tech’s Startup Incubator, the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC). At ATDC, Ward supports early-stage Robotics and Deep Tech startups with their product-market fit, fundraising, business development and scaling efforts. Ward is also the co-founder of the startup EnOPrep. EnOPrep provides a sealed system for easily crushing and dissolving solid medications at the point of care for oral or enteral administration using industry standard ENFit® syringes.

Ward holds Bachelors and Masters of Science Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA degree, all from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds multiple technology patents and is a Member of the Atlanta Technology Angels investment group in Atlanta.