1871 is thrilled to welcome the first ever cohort of Industry Champions. Our Innovation Labs program has evolved from a four-month, cohort-based experience to year-round. To help bring this continual format to life, we are augmenting our team with dynamic volunteer leaders who will connect the Lab’s programming and our specific innovation-themed communities.

What is an Industry Champion?

Industry Champions are technology professionals dedicated to fostering community within their industries. In collaboration with 1871’s Innovation Labs team, Champions will design and host focused experiences, create opportunities for collaboration within their Labs groups, promote events, and energize their IRL and digital communities.

This year, there will be 11 Innovation Labs running throughout the year: Supply Chain, Construction Tech, Web3, AI, Quantum, InsurTech, Sports & Entertainment, FinTech, FoodTech, Climate Tech, & Health Tech. 

After receiving 100+ applications and conducting stellar interviews, Team 1871 is excited to introduce the incredible cohort!

Meet the Champions!

HealthTech 

Ibraheem Alinur

Vice President of 2FLo Ventures

Ali Aga

Principal Software Engineer at FLOWBIT

FoodTech

Dustin Mares

Co-Founder of Meal Outpost

Kaitlin Grady

Director of Strategic Partnerships & Public Affairs at Clever Carnivore

FinTech

Richard Corral

Founding President of Quanto

Samantha Lee

Chief of Staff 

Sports & Entertainment

Rujanee Mahakanjana

Director/Producer & Founder of Nebula Creatives L3C, Founder & CEO of Pixquid LLC

Karishma Bali

CEO and Founder of Drip

Noma Shields

Founder & CEO of Youth Sports Science Institute

AI

Caralanay Cameron

Founder & CEO of PartnerWork Innovations, Chief Product Officer at LiQUiDQ

Become a Champion!

We are still recruiting Industry Champions for the following industries: Web3, AI, Climate, InsurTech, Supply Chain, and Construction Tech.

Join an Innovation Lab

Existing members have access to participate in all Innovation Labs and leverage the benefits.

Join as an 1871 Early Stage Member.

Attend info session

Subscribe to our ICYMI newsletter.

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