Friday, March 28
8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Malone University
Agenda (to-date):
8:15 AM Welcome
Dr. Gregory Miller, President of Malone University
8:30 – 9:10 AM Ohio Tech Roundup: What’s Happening in Ohio’s Tech Deals
Chris Berry, CEO of Ohio X
9:10-10 AM The Future of Canton as a Tech Hub in Ohio
Chris Hardesty, Director of Economic Development for the City of Canton
Hardik Desai, Managing Partner of JumpStart Ventures
Steve MacKenzie, CEO of Stark Economic Development Board
Michael Wheeler, President and CLO of Patriot Software
Moderated by: Jeff Dafler, President & CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber
10-10:15 AM Break
10:15-11 AM
Break Out Sessions, Two Options:
AI & Cybersecurity for IT Professionals (Room: 107)
Chris Jeffers, CISO of V2 Technology
Quentin Fisher, AI Strategist at AIDAN in partnership with V2 Technology
Neil Singh, Sr. Business Development Executive of ISSQUARED, Inc.
Michael Taras, Senior Manager of Data Science from Progressive Insurance
Moderated by: Adam Klemann, Chief Information Officer at Malone University
Business Accelerator Programs in NE Ohio - Meet Jumpstart & Bounce Innovation Hub (Room: 106)
Jessica Sublett, President & CEO of the Bounce Innovation Hub
Daniel Brown, Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) with JumpStart, Inc
Duane Mancini, CEO of Project Medtech
Dr. Abbas Mandviwala, Partner & EIR with Encore Venture Labs
Moderated by: Amanda Bridenstine, JD
11:05-11:45 AM
Break Out Sessions, Two Options:
Dreamers & Doers: Meet Tech Entrepreneurs of Akron/Canton (Room: 106)
Isaiah Kaiser, Co-Founder & CEO of Auxilium Health
Jonathon Moore, CTO of GRAIMED
Mike Sirpilla, CEO of Society Brands
Moderated by: Melinda McNutt, VP of Development and Partnerships, Canton Regional Chamber
Generative AI - Your New Exec Assistant & Communication Director (Room: 107)
Crystal Johnson - Business Growth Strategist at Crystl CLR Solutions
11:45-12:10 PM LUNCH
12 -1 PM Lunch and Keynote Address
David Brewster - Managing Director, Technology Industry Sector at JobsOhio
1 -1:15 PM Preview of Malone’s Entrepreneurship Program
Dr. Andre Payne, Dean of Business & Technologies Division of Malone University
1:15 - 1:30 PM Closing Remarks
Jeff Dafler, President and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber
Presenters | Bios:
Keynote Speaker
David Brewster
Managing Director, Technology Industry Sector at JobsOhio
Dave Brewster began his career in the USAF. Dave programmed, operated, and maintained microelectronics systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance systems.
After separating from the military, he moved into a role providing solution architecture, engineering, and integration of supercomputers and enterprise data storage solutions. He later launched his own firm, focusing on developing automation tools and methodologies for migrating compute workloads between data centers and cloud infrastructure. IBM’s Global Entrepreneur program backed the initiative. Later, moving to a cloud infrastructure developer as a Practice Director, Dave led technical services throughout the Midwest.
Dave presently serves as Managing Director of the Tech Industry at JobsOhio. Dave leads targeted Tech Industry economic development opportunities for Ohio’s private, non-profit economic development organization working to boost innovation, drive job creation, and invite new capital investment to Ohio. Dave Chairs the Midwest Chapter of the semiconductor trade association, SEMI.
Chris Berry
President and CEO
OhioX
Chris Berry serves as the President and CEO of OhioX, a statewide nonprofit working to build Ohio into a tech hub.
OhioX is a member-based organization with representation from Fortune 500 companies, universities, research organizations, startups, and tech-focused businesses. The work of OhioX centers around connecting, promoting, and advocating for tech and innovation in Ohio.
Previously, Chris served as the Chief of Staff and Director of Communications at the Ohio Treasurer’s office. He began his career on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Chris has spent over a decade building and engaging in high profile campaigns that have touched on a wide range of first-of-their-kind issues. His work has been quoted and seen in media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, the Associated Press, FOX Business, Forbes, Fortune and hundreds more across the world.
Amanda Bridenstine
Co-Founder and CEO
GRAIMED
Amanda Bridenstine is an entrepreneur, an attorney, and a development officer. Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of GRAIMED, a medtech startup developing AI diagnostic support software in the neuro-radiology and neuro-oncology space. Amanda is an Ohio attorney having spent several years in private practice before leaning into GRAIMED. Amanda also serves as the Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving for Malone University, a growing & vibrant faith-based institution in Canton, Ohio. Amanda is passionate about propelling the gospel of Jesus Christ into the nations and her local community. She serves as a worship leader and in the local & international mission field with Frontline Ministries International. It is her great privilege to help bring a faith-integrated AI tech innovation conference to Canton. God has great plans for the Canton region in the tech & innovation space!
Daniel Brown
Entrepreneur-In-Residence
JumpStart, Inc.
Daniel Brown serves as Entrepreneur-In-Residence with JumpStart focusing on providing business advising, mentorship, and access to capital with a focus on Stark County. Prior to joining JumpStart in 2023, Daniel co-founded Rust Belt Riders & Tilth Soil, a Cleveland-based social enterprise that provides Northeast Ohio businesses, organizations and individuals with an alternative to landfills for their food waste that produces organic soil mixes. Daniel has served on Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb's Transition team as a technical advisor, was a member of the Cuyahoga County Next Generation Council, is an Echoing Green Global Climate Fellow, and was named a National Fellow for the Environmental Leadership Program.
Hardik Desai
Managing Partner
JumpStart Ventures
Hardik leads overall operations for JumpStart Ventures and is the fund manager for its NEXT Funds. Hardik has been employed at JumpStart since Feb 2012 and has actively participated in 100+ investments in that period. Hardik has also served on dozens of boards including several NEXT Fund portfolio companies. He has more than 20 years of professional experience including the last 15 years working in the venture capital industry as a founder and an investor. Before joining JumpStart, Hardik founded IR Diagnostyx, a diagnostic test startup company in Columbus Ohio. Previously, Hardik was a Business Analyst for Tech Columbus, now called Rev1 Ventures, a tech business accelerator; he also worked extensively in India and the UK as an engineer and analyst in the telecom field. Hardik received his Bachelor of Electronics Engineering from Gujarat University in India, and an MBA from the Ohio State University.
Quentin Fisher
AI Strategist at AIDAN
in partnership with V2 Technology
As a father of three daughters, I understand the importance of building technology that serves people, not vice versa. This belief led me to found AIDAN, where we're revolutionizing how organizations harness AI to do less busy work and focus on what truly matters. My journey has taken me from managing global teams of 600+ consultants to partnering with over 100 clients across 12 industries. Along the way, I've overseen P&Ls exceeding $100M USD, but what drives me isn't the numbers – it's seeing teams thrive when they have the right tools.
At AIDAN, we're not just building another AI platform. We're creating solutions that make complex technology simple and intuitive, helping organizations cut through the noise and focus on real impact.
My mission is simple: make AI work for people, not machines. Because at the end of the day, technology should enhance our human experience, not complicate it.
Chris Hardesty
Director of Economic Development
City of Canton
Christopher J. Hardesty is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Canton where he leads business, housing, and community development efforts. With nearly a decade of experience with local government, Hardesty specializes in incentives, public finance, small business support, and site development. Christopher is committed to improving the business climate of the City of Canton and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Along with serving as a cabinet member for the City of Canton, Christopher also serves on various boards including Northeast Ohio Economic Development Exchange (NODE), Team NEO's Marketing Advisory Council (MAC), Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Downtown Canton Land Bank (DCLB), and Stark County Land Reutilization Corporation (SCLRC).
Chris Jeffers
Chief Information Security Officer
V2 Technology
Chris Jeffers is the CISO at V2 Technology in Cleveland, Ohio, with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and risk management. His career includes CISO-as-a-service, internal leadership roles, and positions at industry leaders like Symantec and Tanium, equipping him with deep expertise in securing complex environments. Chris holds a CISSP, Forensic Data Acquisition certification, and a Certified CISO credential from Carnegie Mellon University, along with a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a master’s in cybersecurity from Mercyhurst University. An active member of FBI InfraGard, he leverages threat intelligence to drive innovative security strategies, making him a key voice at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.
Crystal Johnson, MBA
Business Growth Strategist
CEO, Crystl CLR Solutions
Crystal Johnson is a trailblazing strategist at the intersection of AI innovation and business transformation. As the CEO of Crystl CLR Solutions, she helps organizations harness the power of AI to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and drive sustainable growth.
A sought-after speaker and recognized change leader, Crystal specializes in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical business application. At the Canton AI Tech Innovation Summit, she will demystify Generative AI—showing how it can become the executive assistant and communication director modern businesses need to stay ahead.
Crystal’s work is not just about automation—it’s about empowering leaders to work smarter, adapt faster, and lead with confidence in the AI era.
Isaiah Kaiser
Co-Founder and CEO
Auxilium Health, Inc.
Isaiah is a founder, mentor, and scientist with a passion for leveraging technology to improve lives. He is the co-founder and CEO of Auxilium Health, Inc., a pre-clinical startup developing biomaterials for skin tissue infection and regeneration. Previously, he led a technical team at LTA Research, pioneering airships for humanitarian aid.
Over the past seven years, Isaiah has become deeply involved in Ohio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly with regulated-industry startups. He has advised several emerging companies, served as an invited speaker and judge at local panels and competitions, and led the University of Akron’s Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund chapter as president from 2022 to 2023. Isaiah has published in top journals, served as a principal investigator for NSF grants, and regularly speaks at conferences. He earned a PhD in materials science and engineering from the University of Akron in 2023.
M. Adam Klemann
Chief Information Officer at Malone University
M. Adam Klemann has served as the Chief Information Officer at Malone University for the past thirteen years. His personal mission statement is, "I help others help others [often through technology]." His focus at Malone is leveraging technology to enable student and organizational success. Few things please him more than to see a Malone graduate going out into the world and positively impacting his or her church, community, and organization. In his spare time, he consults for other higher education providing direction on IT strategy and organization and is an avid woodworker and woodturner. He has a Masters of Science in Instructional Design and teaches Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Malone University when the opportunity presents itself.
C. Stephen MacKenzie
President & Chief Executive Officer
Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark
Stephen MacKenzie is the President and CEO of the Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark, responsible for advancing economic development to grow and sustain prosperity in Stark County, Ohio.
He has spent 30 years in economic development organizations in Nova Scotia, Connecticut, Ontario and now Stark County. Prior to joining the SEDB he held the position of President & CEO of Invest WindsorEssex; a full-service economic development corporation serving Windsor and Essex County Ontario. In the seven and a half years under his leadership the IWE team completed fifty-eight (58) FDI projects generating investment of $5.5 billion and 5,424 jobs. The Business Retention and Expansion program generated an additional $3.1 billion and 4,419 jobs while the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center generated $4.9 million in investment and facilitated the creation of 3,696 jobs.
Previously he served as the Executive Director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region and held the position of Senior Vice President of the Connecticut Economic Resource Center. Before joining CERC, he was the Director, Economic Development in Stamford Connecticut. In Halifax, Stephen was a Senior Executive Major Projects for the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development's Investment and Trade Division.
Previously he spent four years with the TD Bank and later served in sales and marketing functions at different organizations in both Canada and Belgium.
Stephen has been a part-time lecturer at European University and Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.
He received a Bachelor’s degree in commerce from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, completed his MBA at European University in Belgium, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
He is a member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and a Board member for the Canada-United States Business Association (CUSBA).
Duane Mancini
Chief Executive Officer
Project MedTech
Duane is the Chief Executive Office at Project Medtech. He has more than 15 years of experience in go-to-market strategy including regulatory & reimbursement, biocompatibility, pre-clinical efficacy testing, and clinical trial design & execution.
With all the complexities of running a Medtech company and taking a product to the market, Duane partners with start-ups to develop strategies and milestones. He evaluates how their early decisions in various aspects of the company may impact other aspects in the future. He supports in creating the blueprint to build and grow companies.
He obtained his Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry degree and enjoys the innovative science that goes into every company. He is proud to be a “nerd” of the Medtech industry. This is demonstrated by hosting the podcast called “Project Medtech."
Dr. Abbas Mandviwala
Partner and EIR
Encore Venture Labs
Dr. Abbas Mandviwala is an Oncology-Hospitalist at Seidman Cancer Center/University Hospitals in Cleveland, OH, and an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. As the Director of the Internal Medicine Acting Internship Program, he brings formal training in medical education, with a focus on the business of medicine and innovative teaching methods leveraging technology and AI.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Mandviwala is a Partner and Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) at Encore Venture Labs, a venture studio dedicated to building startups in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, freshwater technologies, and health-tech. As an EIR, he is actively building his next health-tech startup while also focusing on strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, and advising on healthcare ventures.
Previously, he was the Founder & CEO of MedContRx, a physician-led consulting firm specializing in contract review and negotiation services. His diverse experience at the intersection of medicine, entrepreneurship, and technology positions him as a leading voice in healthcare innovation and beyond.
Jonathon Moore
Chief Technology Officer
GraiMed
Jonathon R. Moore is the Chief Technology Officer at GraiMed, an AI medtech startup developing cutting-edge decision support tools for neuro-radiologists and neuro-oncologists. With a background that includes senior enterprise software engineering for a major insurance company and teaching data science and full-stack development at Case Western Reserve University, Jonathon brings a powerful mix of technical expertise and leadership. A Harvard graduate with a master’s degree, he thrives at the intersection of AI, healthcare, and innovation. Beyond work, he’s a devoted husband and proud father of four, spending his free time coaching his kids’ sports teams. Passionate about mentoring and pushing technology forward, Jonathon is always looking for ways to make an impact—whether in business, education, or his community.
Dr. Andre M. Payne, Jr.
Dean of Business and Technologies
Malone University
Dr. Andre M. Payne, Jr. was appointed as the Chair and later Dean of Malone University’s Division of Business and Technologies in January 2023. He leads the division in its endeavor to be the premier Christian educational and experiential hub of northeast Ohio.
Dr. Payne strives to highlight three points of emphasis within the division: the integration of faith and learning, theory that induces critical thinking, and the intentional implementation of experiential learning. He is highly experienced and focused on implementing active experiential learning methods, especially case-based learning and hands on projects with real companies and corporations. As a teaching institution, this is one of the division’s key points of distinction.
He is passionate about building the division’s reputation as a regular contributor of rigorous and influential teaching within the division’s various academic disciplines and being recognized as the leading source of qualified candidates for the regional workforce, specifically within Stark County. This is often made possible through cultivating partnerships with small business as well as fortune 500 companies.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Payne served as the Assistant Professor of Business Marketing and Vice Faculty Chair at Indiana Wesleyan University, which is where he earned his PhD in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Payne’s own research seeks to address many of the challenges that plague Christian Higher Education by using Authentic Leadership as a conduit for change. He has taught business management, marketing, leadership, and ethics courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, with a particular focus on change management and leadership theory.
Dr. Payne is committed to ensuring his students understand how the holistic approach to learning (focusing on personal, professional, and spiritual growth) can help them achieve in every field of human endeavor. It is this desire that has brought him into a career in Christian higher education. In addition to his academic appointment, he is a passionate entrepreneur, serving as the owner operator of Payne Realty Services, LLC and co-founder of A&E Consulting Services, LLC (which he co-owns with his wife).
Though he has had many experiences, Dr. Payne considers his family to be his greatest achievement; a family that includes his wife (Eleese), his two daughter’s (Nevaeh and Analise), his son (Andre M. Payne III), and dog (Prince). In their spare time, they enjoy exercising, traveling/vacationing, reading, watching movies, spending time with extended family, engaging in community service, and committing their lives to serving God’s Kingdom.
Neil Singh
Sr. Business Development Executive
ISSQUARED, Inc.
Originally from New Zealand, Neil's career has spanned nearly 25 years starting in 1999, as a software developer and progressing to enterprise level projects in network infrastructure, databases, hardware logistics and more. Neil has also had the experience of running a few successful startups. Neil migrated to the US in 2016 settling in the State of Ohio.
Neil collaborates with the nation's foremost emerging technology leaders, driving substantial thought leadership in the technology sector. Neil has demonstrated experience in AI, Cybersecurity, Semiconductors, IoT, Digital Twins, AR/VR and Cloud platforms. Neil has continued to stay relevant in the domain of Emerging Technologies at a national level in the US and is deeply networked with some of the industries top leaders.
Michael Sirpilla
Co-founder and CEO
Society Brands Inc.
Society Brands is a tech-enabled consumer products company that acquires e-commerce native brands. Society Brands provides meaningful liquidity for the founders of each acquisition while allowing them to stay onboard with their brand. The founders also have the ability to roll equity into Society Brands parent company so the founder can enjoy a second exit down the road that will likely be bigger than the first.
Michael grew up in Ohio and has been in and around retail his whole life and has extensive M&A experience throughout his career and been part of multiple business ventures where he’s primarily focused on organic growth. He founded a financial services wholesale agency with 40 direct reports and built it to a multi-million-dollar business. He also partnered in a population health management business and scaled it from $0 to $150MM in revenue within five years. With Michael as CEO, Society Brands raised $205MM to continue their rapid consolidation in the e-commerce sector and has completed many acquisitions since inception.
Jessica Sublett, JD, LLM
President & CEO
Bounce Innovation Hub
Jessica Sublett, JD, LLM, is a dynamic leader in technology innovation and commercialization, serving as President & CEO of Bounce Innovation Hub since January 2023. With a strong focus on fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, Jessica drives Bounce's strategic vision, ensures financial sustainability, and cultivates partnerships to support Northeast Ohio's most innovative startups. Her expertise stems from a robust career in technology transfer and economic development, where she’s crafted programs that amplify economic impact and inclusivity.
Previously, Jessica excelled as Bounce’s Chief Operating Officer (2018-2022), launching entrepreneurial programs and overseeing daily operations, including financial management, community impact reporting, and strategic planning. Under her guidance, Bounce secured over $8M in grant funds and implemented its first three-year strategic plan, enhancing its programming and operational structure.
A licensed attorney in Ohio, Jessica’s academic credentials include a J.D. and LL.M. in Intellectual Property from the University of Akron School of Law, alongside a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Findlay. She is recognized for her contributions to regional economic development, earning accolades such as Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40 and Greater Akron Chamber's 30 For the Future. Jessica’s leadership exemplifies a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and entrepreneurial growth.
Michael Taras
Senior Manager of Data Science
Progressive Insurance
Mike Taras is a senior leader at Progressive Insurance, heading Data Science, Engineering, and Business Intelligence for the Online Quoting department, where he uses AI to influence coverage decisions for 50% of U.S. adults annually and billions of dollars in sales. With 15 years of AI and automation leadership experience across startups and Fortune 100 firms, he specializes in using real-time behavioral analytics to fuel growth and prevent risk. A Chagrin Falls, OH native, he lives with his wife, Erin, and their two children.
Michael (Mike) Wheeler, Esq.
President & Chief Legal Officer
Patriot Software
Professionally, Michael (Mike) Wheeler, Esq., is the President & Chief Legal Officer at Patriot Software, where he’s been for 18 years. Please don’t hold it against Mike that he’s technically an attorney, as really he’s a businessman at heart. During his 18 years at Patriot, he’s been part of helping run the companies and he has had the distinct honor of taking “the fundraising road less traveled,” which has resulted in diverse M&A experience. His efforts have helped raise tens of millions via convertible notes to accredited investors, private placement offerings, spinoffs, sale of entities, Regulation D offerings, multiple pre-IPO confidential filings with the SEC, and a successful Series A investment with RZC Investments, the investment arm for the Walton Family, and much more. He’s on the board of multiple companies and organizations including a publicly traded bank. He enjoys complex business and family planning to ensure the wealth of the righteous will be stored for the kingdom of heaven.
Personally, Mike has volunteered extensively on multi-month missions trips, specifically working with orphanages, victims of human trafficking, and non-governmental organizations in Asia, Central America, and throughout Africa. He has worked to secure land rights and negotiate with tribal and local governments to secure clean drinking water, medical services, and free education with organizations such as Iris Ministries International, Frontline Ministries International, and Mother Teresa’s Calcutta Center and the Sisters of Charity. He and his wife have 3 sons and enjoy living at Lake Cable, OH. Wheeler lives and breathes Patriot’s mission to make payroll and accounting software easy and affordable for millions of American businesses and their Accountants, and loves being part of the complexities of the company.
Bronze Sponsors:
Event Sponsor:
Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Melinda McNutt, VP of Development at (440) 855-9097, for details.