New leadership named for Ideas x Innovation Network

UWCHLAN TOWNSHIP — The Chester County Economic Development Council has announced the addition of two new leaders for its Ideas x Innovation Network — known as i2n — the support network for life sciences and advanced technology companies.

Matt Cabrey and Gino Bradica have joined the organization to advance the “growth and impact” of Ideas x Innovation Network, the economic development council said in a Tuesday announcement. The network helps tech-driven companies in Chester and Delaware counties and southeastern Pennsylvania transform their ideas “from concept to commercialization.”

Cabrey has been named director of Ideas x Innovation Network. He is the former executive director of Select Greater Philadelphia where he was responsible for cultivating new business across 11 counties.

In his new role, Cabrey will lead i2n’s overall management, marketing, fundraising and programming to help enhance the organization’s impact in support of startups and entrepreneurs. For more than 30 years, he has been focused on cross-industry business growth, communications, community engagement and economic development, according to the announcement.

“Corporate and business professionals from diverse industry sectors are seeking tangible ways to engage with creative, innovative trailblazers across our region’s startup community, helping them to develop and monetize their projects while advancing cutting-edge solutions that benefit society,” Cabrey said in a statement. “CCEDC’s i2n is the perfect entity to connect these two audiences.”

Bradica has been named i2n’s director of technology & entrepreneurship. In his new role, Bradica will focus on supporting i2n subscribing companies as they navigate their growth strategies, and will drive other “technology, innovation and entrepreneurial-related activities” of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Bradica is a biomedical engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the medical device industry, and specializes in innovation of new technologies, product development, strategic business plans and go-to-market strategies, according to the release.

“There are countless hurdles that entrepreneurs need to navigate, and I look forward to sharing my experiences while facilitating connections to help guide these startup leaders on their journey of evolving their idea from concept to commercialization,” Bradica said in a statement.

According to  Mike Grigalonis, president and COO of the Chester County Economic Development council, Cabrey and Bradica “bring tremendous value to the businesses we serve and the overall tech ecosystem.”

The Ideas x Innovation Network was founded in 2012 as a merger between the Delaware County and Chester County Keystone Innovation Zones. It is a public-private partnership that has served hundreds of entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. According to the Economic Development Council, its work has resulted in more than 2,000 direct jobs created, $16.3 million in grants and innovation tax credits, and $257 million in startup capital raised.

The network serves software, biotech, medical services, digital health, clean tech and additional sectors, according to the release. Funding support includes access to Keystone Innovation Zone tax credits; pitch coaching and business development strategy; state and federal R&D tax credits; guidance for SBIR and STTR applications; as well as seed and bridge funding from a regional angel network of individual and group investors.

Entrepreneurs who are interested in getting involved with i2n can attend the organization’s i2n Entrepreneurs Roundtable Series on Friday, Sept. 8, and throughout the year.

Contact Matt Cabrey at mcabrey@ccedcpa.com if interested.

Friday’s virtual meeting is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information about the network, visit https://i2n.ccedcpa.com/.