David Y. Ige

Long-Time Angel Investor in Hawaii-Based Companies Edgar C. Harrell, Ph.D and Serial Entrepreneur Lisa Beth Ferstenberg, M.D. Lead Discussions for One-Week Course Held at Manoa Innovation Center Feb. 6–10

HONOLULU – Visionaries from the economic, tech and biotechnology communities are set to inspire future innovators with the “How to Think Like an Entrepreneur” workshop Feb. 6 – 10, held at the Manoa Innovation Center by venue sponsor High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC).

The one-week course features renowned discussion leaders Edgar C. Harrell, Ph.D., and
Lisa Beth Ferstenberg, M.D., with a host of dynamic guest speakers. Offering a choice of two convenient class sessions, participants can attend daily classes from 8 – 9:30 a.m. or an afternoon session from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Topics explored will include how to transform an idea into a plan of action, what truly makes an entrepreneur, quantifying a value-added proposition and ways to attract the resources for success.

Registration is through www.thinklikeentrepreneur.eventbrite.com. The cost of the course is $250.

“As we continue to grow our innovation economy in Hawaii, we need to see more members of our community develop an entrepreneurial mindset,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “Entrepreneurs see and seek out opportunities, and find creative ways to solve existing challenges.”

“We are pleased to have the Manoa Innovation Center host this workshop to enhance entrepreneurship, and welcome renowned experts Edgar and Lisa Beth for this extraordinary week-long experience,” said Robbie Melton, CEO and executive director of HTDC. “Their course offers a unique opportunity for anyone looking to develop intraprofessional skills, change or grow their careers, or start out on their own business adventure.”

Ferstenberg is a seasoned biopharmaceutical serial entrepreneur who has participated as a senior executive in a number of early stage companies. She was founding CEO for Cellective Therapeutics, Inc., a venture backed company that licensed a selective monoclonal antibody for the treatment of autoimmunity from Duke University and three other co-licensing institutions. Her first entrepreneurial venture, Global Drug Development, Inc., was one of the first contract research organizations focused on the development of early stage biotechnology products.  In addition to designing and managing clinical trials for safety and efficacy, she facilitated multiple international co-development ventures between foreign companies looking to bring new products into the U.S. market and U.S. companies looking to fill their pipelines. Over the years, Ferstenberg has enjoyed a successful consulting practice, assisting start-up companies in the biotech sector with regulatory issues and with clinical study design. She currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for a number of biotech companies, and Medical Consultant for select clients.

Harrell is an economist with more than 40 years of experience in managing private, public and academic programs in the areas of privatization, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, capital market development and early stage financing of technology companies. In addition to teaching entrepreneurship at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, he is the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harrisburg University and the managing partner of Harrell Capital Partners, LLC, a family owned early stage equity investor in seed, IT and biotech companies. He is also the president of Edgar C Harrell Associates, Inc., an advisory company. He has both a PhD in Economics and an East Asian Institute Certificate in Japanese Studies from Columbia University, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. He currently is an advisor to INTAG, Comprendio, The Wealth Factory, Jetset ESL, DfR Solutions and is a Professional-in-Residence with PACE Shidler School of Business, University of Hawai’i.

In addition to the esteemed discussion leaders, guest speakers at the “How to Think Like an Entrepreneur” workshop include: Dan Leuck, CTO and co-founder of Contix, Inc.; Judy Schramm, founder and CEO of ProResource, Inc.; Gary Voight, past president and CEO at CorasWorks, Board, Summa Technologies; and Phil Harrell, advisor to CSOS at SiriusDecisions and the former VP of HubSpot’s corporate division.

About HTDC (High Technology Development Corporation)

HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).  HTDC’s mission is to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s high technology industry.  HTDC is providing  capital, building infrastructure and developing talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. HTDC’s 80/80 Initiative is to create 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs that will provide high paying jobs for Hawaii residents.

ABOUT DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

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Contacts: 

Robbie Melton
High Technology Development Corporation
Office: (808) 539-3615
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.htdc.org

Christine Hirasa 
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Phone: (808) 587-9006
Mobile: (808) 286-9017
Email: [email protected]
Website: dbedt.hawaii.gov

Jocelyn Collado or

Susan Wright
Becker Communications, Inc.
Phone: (808) 533-4165
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]