EXTON, PA — The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) announces that Matt Cabrey and Gino Bradica, Ph.D., have joined the organization to advance the growth and impact of its Ideas x Innovation Network (), the leading support network helping life sciences and advanced technology companies in Chester County, Delaware County and southeastern Pennsylvania transform their ideas from concept to commercialization.
Cabrey, the former Executive Director of Select Greater Philadelphia who cultivated new business across 11 counties, has been named Director of i2n. An established regional leader who has focused on cross-industry business growth, communications, community engagement and economic development for more than 30 years, Cabrey will lead i2n’s overall management, marketing, fundraising and programming to help enhance the organization’s impact in support of startups and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Bradica is i2n’s Director of Technology & Entrepreneurship. A biomedical engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the medical device industry, Bradica specializes in innovation of new technologies, product development, strategic business plans and go-to-market strategies. Bradica will focus on supporting i2n subscribing companies as they navigate their growth strategies as well as drive other technology, innovation and entrepreneurial-related activities of the CCEDC.
“We are thrilled to add Matt and Gino to our team,” said CCEDC President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Grigalonis. “They are two talented and well-respected leaders whose skill sets complement each other perfectly. We think they’ll bring tremendous value to the businesses we serve and the overall tech ecosystem.”
Founded in 2012 as a merger between the Delaware County & Chester County Keystone Innovation Zones, i2n is a public-private partnership that has served hundreds of entrepreneurs and early-stage companies resulting in more than 2,000 direct jobs created, $16.3 million in grants and innovation tax credits, and $257 million in startup capital raised. Serving software, biotech, medical services, digital health, clean tech and additional sectors, funding support includes access to KIZ tax credits (up to $100,000 per year are sellable); pitch coaching and business development strategy; state and federal R&D tax credits; guidance for SBIR and STTR applications; seed and bridge funding from a regional angel network of individual and group investors.
By providing access and support for funding, workspace needs, mentoring and connections, the i2n staff, volunteers and partners are focused on making southeastern PA the best possible place for early-stage and technology-driven companies to start, grow and thrive.
“First-hand experience has taught me that creators and innovators thrive when they have a network of caring, engaged and accessible professionals to call on for guidance on a range of topics – from funding, go-to-market planning, workforce development and more,” said i2n Board Chair Guy Fardone, a successful tech entrepreneur who serves as Executive Chair of Bridgepointe Technologies. “Providing this network of resources is exactly what we do at i2n, and we are fortunate to have Gino and Matt driving our path forward.”
Powered by partner organizations that help fund the operation and work collectively to advance innovation and entrepreneurship, i2n is the ultimate connector of entities that require guidance with professionals who can provide that help. “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,” said Bradica.
“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,” added Cabrey. “CCEDC’s i2n is the perfect entity to connect these two audiences.”
Entrepreneurs interested in becoming involved with i2n and its network of supporters can attend the organization’s free i2n Entrepreneurs Roundtable Series coming up on September 8th and held throughout the year. For information, contact i2n director Matt Cabrey at mcabrey@ccedcpa.com.
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