Workshop & Happy Hour

Startup Spark: Bridging Innovation & Investment

Date:
8/7/2025 4:00 PM
-
7:00 pm
Location:
10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA 92127

📢Calling all MedTech and Biotech founders, startup leaders, and investors!

Startup Spark: Bridging Innovation & Investment

This high-impact event brings together founders, investors, and industry experts to share real-world strategies for navigating today’s startup landscape..

🤝 Co-hosted by Advanced Test Equipment Corp. (ATEC), BMT-Advisory-Alliance Kickoff & Dr. Neda Pelar, this event is designed to help you:

✅ Understand what investors really want

✅ Make your startup more fundable

✅ Manage limited resources wisely

✅ Avoid common pitfalls that stall growth

✨Join us for a workshop and happy hour!

Register

Pitch Deck Help?

Are you a California startup developing a device, therapy, or diagnostic?

You may be eligible for 16 hours of complimentary Pitch Deck Consulting.

Agenda

Prizes

1st place Therapeutic and Medtech winners will receive the following prizes:
  • $5,000 Tax Services
  • $20k in office/lab space
  • Digital Marketing and Branding Services (worth $5,000)
  • $10K in office/lab space
  • $25k custom UX design package from the largest femtech incubator in the US
  • $5,000 Legal Services
  • Exploratory biostatistics package: 3 reports
  • Membership to Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange
  • Regulatory kit and Regulatory strategy consulting (Medical Device only)
  • $5,000 Legal fees
  • Two months campaign on startup program
  • 3-day ticket to the upcoming 2025 RESI Conference
  • Contingent Permanent Placement ($5,000 off); Retained Search services ($5,000 off)
  • $5,000 of tax services
Medtech winner will also receive the following prize:
  • 6 month Growth subscription and services package (worth up to $14K)

Learn from Subject Matter Experts

Joseph Choi

CEO, RichFunding

Joseph Choi is a top-producing sales and business development executive with 20+ years of proven track record in the consumer mortgage and commercial real estate market. Focusing on the commercial real estate loan offerings for the past 10+ years, he consistently delivers a tenfold growth in commercial real estate sales through building long-lasting strategic relationships in the niche markets. He can develop active referral sources and generate leads in commercial real estate, close SBA loans, and cross-sell consumer banking products and services. Excellent speaker and leader with broad knowledge of SBA loans in the marketplace, from high availability platforms through networking and marketing. Extensive experience originating and processing SBA loans and referral source marketing programs that support commercial real estate sales and loan productions, particularly for small business capital needs.

Kris G. Kelly

Business Developer

Kris G. Kelly is a business development leader at Advanced Test Equipment Corporation (ATEC), where he specializes in helping medical device, biotech, aerospace, and industrial manufacturers accelerate time to market through strategic test equipment rentals and technical solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a sharp focus on compliance, Kris works with engineering and regulatory teams to support product validation, reliability testing, and environmental qualification programs. A frequent panelist and contributor to industry conferences, Kris is passionate about capital-efficient innovation, helping startups and enterprises alike reduce CAPEX while meeting stringent standards such as IEC 60601, FDA QSR, and ISO 17025. He also advises founders on test planning for FDA submissions and often collaborates with incubators and innovation hubs like Aquillius. Whether it's enabling a MedTech startup to scale with limited resources or supporting a Fortune 500's accelerated testing initiative, Kris brings clarity, speed, and connection to every engagement.

MC/MODERATOR

Dr. Neda S. Pelar, Ph.D.

Managing Principal, Neda's Consulting

Experienced Manager with a solid track record in R&D, medical device, and drug product development. Proven ability to manage complex projects within scope, budget, and regulatory constraints. Skilled in team leadership, risk management, and stakeholder communication, consistently delivering exceptional results. Actively enhancing leadership skills through the 'Dynamic Leadership Path' with Toastmasters and serving as VP-PR for the BBraun club and C3 Area Director.

STARTUP SHOWCASE

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JUDGES

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Judges

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Sponsors

Startup Market

Innovative products from local founders

The Startup Market is a unique marketplace designed to promote local startups. The market provides founders with the opportunity to showcase their products and to sell directly to consumers.

Interested in a booth at the symposium?

Catalyst Capital Symposia

IMPACT

Activating Startups

Catalyst Capital Symposia is a platform connecting founders and funders to catalyze innovation.

This monthly forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain valuable insights into emerging sectors and disruptive technologies that have the potential to revolutionize human health, the environment, and society.

Through engaging discussions, informative panels, and interactive workshops, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs and investors can learn about essential concepts, strategies, and best practices directly from industry experts.

By engaging the venture and startup ecosystem, the symposia encourages investors to be activists and empower startups with cutting-edge technology.
BECOME AN
INVESTOR-ACTIVIST

Investing in Startups

Stay ahead of the curve by joining us at the Catalyst Capital Symposia, where you can gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, spanning various industries, from tech and healthcare to sustainability and beyond.

Join the ranks of investor-activists who not only provide financial backing but also lend their expertise, networks, and influence to nurture startups, catalyzing a collective effort towards a brighter, more innovative future.


FUNDRAISING
&
RESOURCES

Startups: Apply to Pitch

Are you ready to supercharge your innovative startup? Don't miss this golden opportunity to bring your vision to life!

Pitch your startup to an audience of industry experts, colleagues, and seasoned investors to gain valuable insights and feedback, forge strategic partnerships and connections, secure vital funding for your pioneering project, and elevate your startup to the next level!

Apply to pitch at one of the upcoming symposiums.
SPONSOR

Connecting with Potential Customers

Position your organization as a corporate sponsor and connect with a deeply engaged audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

Sponsorship at Catalyst Capital Symposia provides a range of advantages, such as heightened brand visibility, lead generation, networking opportunities, thought leadership, and early access to emerging technologies.

To explore the ways in which your company can benefit from sponsoring our event, reach out to us for more information.
SPONSOR

Be a Champion of Women's Health

Want to make an even bigger impact? Consider becoming a sponsor for Casino Night! As a sponsor, you'll receive prominent recognition at the event, on our marketing materials, and across our digital platforms. Sponsorship packages offer a unique opportunity to align your brand with a cause that resonates with so many.