IDRIS and CUEED host 3^rd Distinguished Lecture dubbed, ‘Innovation: Exit to Win Accelerator’

 By: Valentine A. Lamar

In the journey of entrepreneurship tenacity of purpose is supreme” – Aliko Dangote

The Institute for Data, Research, and Innovation Science (IDRIS) in collaboration with the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED) hosted the 3^rd Distinguished Lecture dubbed “Innovation: Exit to Win Accelerator” at Rutgers University’s Express Newark on Tuesday, October 21^st, 2025. The event featured two keynote speakers and a fireside panel – composed of academics and professionals from Rutgers University-Newark, Colombia University, and Appalachian Investors Alliance – gathering to discuss topics related to innovation, investor evaluation, exit strategy, and resonant messaging.

The fireside panel was moderated by Dr. Fay Cobb Payton, Executive Director of IDRIS. Lyneir Richardson, Executive Director of the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED) was an expert on the fireside panel.

Audience members included students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and community members.

Here are the key takeaways from the event aimed at providing opportunities for attendees to network and learn from the experts:

• This is for entrepreneurs, in general, but specifically to academics who are interested in entrepreneurship. It is important to note that attracting additional federal funding might present a challenge but can make a difference. All successful startups, however, are built by a committed team that is able to navigate funding pathways, know the right time to pivot, and understand that success is a long-term commitment with persistence.
• Opening keynote speaker, Dr. Treena Livingston Arinzeh, a Rutgers University alumna and professor of biomedical engineering and Director of Tissue Engineering and Active Biomaterials at Columbia University
• In entrepreneurship, the synergy between a dream and a plan is necessary for turning vision into reality. When running a business, the market can be opaque and thinking you can do it alone (as a new entrepreneur) is a significant mistake. It is critical to build a strong board of advisors or a similar support system to leverage the pool of experiences and insights to address potential gaps and ably manage the company.
• Sumorwuo Zara, Founder of Nicklpass
• Building a story of the company involves offering a value proposition that communicates the uniqueness of the product or service to customers and determining the company’s financial worth. The common trap in entrepreneurship is to continue to boost company valuation to attract investment. But….there is danger of losing credibility if the company fails to accelerate. Entrepreneurs should not be conservative as to undersell themselves; they must be alive to their true value.
• Deanna Maestas – Fund Manager and Corporate Strategy, Appalachian Investors Alliance
• Building a compelling company story involves both the narrative and the numbers. Successful black and brown entrepreneurs with successful exit cases understand the role of moxie in crafting narratives and crunching the numbers. For example, Kathryn Finney of the “Just build the damn thing” fame, advocates for the need to take bold action instead of overthinking or waiting for permission to start a business.
• Lyneir Richardson – Executive Director of the Center for Urban entrepreneurship and economic development (CUEED)
• As a founder, it is never too early to start thinking about an exit strategy. It is part of a sound business plan. Entrepreneurs should also be equipped with the language necessary to attract funding that supports their business narratives.
• Katy Grigg – PhD Candidate, Rutgers University – Newark
• It is necessary for entrepreneurs to build effective messages that move markets. Language shapes innovation. Creating persuasive narratives that resonate with the target audience involves a deep understanding of the relevant social, political, and psychological environments which support the building of lasting brands rather than mere viral trends.
• Closing keynote speaker, Dr. Shaunette Ferguson, a computational social science researcher at Columbia University.

Conclusion:

Innovation and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Entrepreneurs turn ideas into business. Think long-term and strategize smart exits. Importantly, they start small and dream big, just like Aliko Dangote in the quote above.