Cory R.A. Hallam holds an engineering degree from Carleton University and a master's degree in engineering and PhD in technology management and policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His career includes work in aerospace, biotechnology, and medical devices. He held the Jacobson Distinguished Professorship of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in academia and has worked closely with many early stage technology start-ups, and invests in, advises, and mentors technology companies. William Flannery holds a master's degree in physics and a PhD in management from the University of Houston. He served as vice president of a small technology firm serving both government and industry clients, studied the management of innovative technology programs, and taught for 39 years at the University of Texas at San Antonio where he held the Melvin Lachman Distinguished Professorship in Entrepreneurship.