What Problem Do You Want To Solve?

Professors Sarah Gardner and Ralph Bradburd with Isaac Maze Rothstein '14 outside of the Log.
Professors Sarah Gardner and Ralph Bradburd with Isaac Maze Rothstein ’14 outside of the Log.

On Friday, January 8th, Isaac Maze Rothstein visited the Log for the first Log Lunch of 2016! Isaac graduated from Williams in 2014 with a major in Political Science and a concentration in Environmental Studies.  Isaac now works for Greentown Labs based in Boston, MA where he helps clean energy technology startups reach market. Greentown Labs provides co-working spaces and prototyping labs for startups throughout the Northeast and assists these startups in three critically important steps: (1) connecting startups with manufacturers, (2) connecting startups with corporate partners, and (3) fundraising. Since its founding Greentown Labs has assisted over 70 startups working to solve the world’s largest energy and environmental challenges.  During his talk Isaac shared several stories about his experiences helping brilliant entrepreneurs with truly innovative ideas. Some of the most interesting projects Greentown Lab has worked with included a device that captures and converts fog into drinking water, solar cellphone stations, and an airborne wind turbine that produces abundant, low-cost and renewable energy. For more detail about these fascinating projects and a full list of Greentown Labs’ partners you can visit their website at http://greentownlabs.org/.

 

Greentown Labs is essential for bridging the gap between startups and manufacturers, but more importantly it is providing a platform for innovators to cultivate their ideas for addressing serious global environmental issues.  In his concluding remarks Isaac posed this question; “What problem do you want to solve?” Whether you are an inventor, a current student or a seasoned professional, this is a valuable grounding principle for finding your passion or guiding your career pursuits.

 

– MaryKate O’Brien ’16