This session, provided by product development company Synectic, offers a practical introduction to product development for faculty, postdocs, and students interested in translating their research and ideas into market-ready products. Participants will get real-world guidance on moving from concept and prototype through design, testing, documentation, manufacturing preparation, and production.
• Learn the fundamentals of product design and what it takes to move from idea to production
• Explore how to define the stage of your product, prototype, or concept
• Understand the role of a Product Development Specification and why it is a critical living document
• Gain insight into prototype development, testing protocols, and validation against user and functional requirements
• Evaluate the key documentation needed for production readiness, including CAD drawings, bills of materials, work instructions, testing plans, and product specifications
• Walk away with practical frameworks to assess whether your product is ready for prototyping or manufacturingÂ
The CTV Innovation-to-Impact Series is a university-wide, multi-session initiative designed to support Columbia innovators at every stage of technology translation. Through dynamic expert-led panels, lectures, and workshops, the series offers practical insight into funding, commercialization, company formation, and regulatory pathways for innovators from across the Columbia community.
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To stay up to date on upcoming events, please visit our CTV website.
Synectic is a full-service product development company offering design and development services from concept to production. Founded in 1981 to develop low-cost, quality medical devices, Synectic now supports startups, inventors, and companies across industries with engineering, prototyping, design for manufacturing, new product introduction, and contract manufacturing capabilities. The company is ISO 13485:2016 certified and ISO 9001:2015 compliant, with facilities that include 3D CAD platforms, a full machine shop, prototyping centers, an in-vitro tissue lab, and clean room manufacturing facilities. Synectic is a subsidiary of the Mack Group.
Learn more here.Â
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Adam is actively involved in all phases of Synectic’s product development process, from concept creation through design for manufacturing. This includes project planning, resource management, and client communication. Adam has significant experience working in the general and laparoscopic surgery and wound closure markets, through US Surgical and other start-up companies.
Ryan brings nearly a decade of experience spanning business development, technical sales, advanced manufacturing, CNC machinery, automation, and industrial equipment solutions. His background includes supporting customers across aerospace, defense, medical, woodworking, plastics, and custom manufacturing, with a strong focus on consultative problem-solving and helping organizations scale through the right technologies and processes.
Gabe McCool is Counsel at Wolf Greenfield, where he advises life sciences companies on strategic intellectual property design, portfolio development, and transactional matters across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. He brings a rare hybrid perspective shaped by nearly 25 years in both private practice and in-house leadership roles at venture-backed biotechnology companies.
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Recently, Gabe served as VP of Legal & Intellectual Property at ReNAgade Therapeutics, where he helped architect the company’s IP strategy in RNA medicines through its combination with Orna Therapeutics and subsequent multibillion-dollar acquisition by Eli Lilly. His in-house experience informs his approach to IP as a core business asset—aligned with financing strategy, partnerships, competitive positioning, and long-term value creation.
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Gabe has counseled organizations at every stage of growth—from academic innovators and early-stage startups to clinical-stage biotech companies and global pharmaceutical organizations—on U.S. and international patent matters, diligence, and strategic portfolio development. His technical background in microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology supports his work across genetic medicines, gene and cell therapies, RNA therapeutics, vaccines, drug delivery technologies, and bioprocessing. Learn more.
Jeff joined the Office of the General Counsel in May 2005. Jeff is Chief Patent Counsel for Columbia. His practice encompasses all aspects of patent law, including prosecution, strategic counseling, licensing and post-licensing compliance, litigation, and legislative and regulatory matters.Â
Jeff holds an S.B. in physics from MIT; an M.A. and Ph.D. in physics from Stony Brook University; and a J.D. from NYU School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in New York and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
