We are honored to announce that Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will deliver the closing keynote at Make it in MA 2025, held June 10 at The Engine. As a champion for local economic development, education, and breakthrough technology, Lt. Governor Driscoll’s insights will help set the course for Massachusetts’ next chapter in Tough Tech.
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About the Event
Make it in MA 2025 brings together the Commonwealth’s leaders in science, business, and policy to examine Massachusetts’ evolving role in Tough Tech. This year, Make it in MA will explore Massachusetts' place in the competitive landscape, discussing the impact of the Mass Leads Act and where Massachusetts should focus its efforts to lead.
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The Details
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
The Engine
750 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA The Event Space, 1st Floor
Featured Speakers:
Opening Remarks: Emily Knight & Ben Downing (The Engine)
Does Massachusetts Really Lead?: Panelists: Ben Linville Engler (Mass Tech Collaborative); Tamar Thompson (Alexion); Sander Cohan (National Grid); Joe Rodden (Lydian) Moderator: Michael Kearney (Engine Ventures)
Panel 2: Where Should Massachusetts Win? Panelists: Jay Ash (MACP); Brett Tynes (Savills); Andee Wallace (Robigo) Moderator: Jim Matheson (Harvard Business School & Engine Ventures)
Closing Keynote & Q&A: Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Tadeu Carneiro (Boston Metal), Rachel Sha (Vaxess)
Welcome & Framing the Day
Start the day with a warm welcome from The Engine’s leadership, setting the stage for a day of candid conversation, collaboration, and strategic focus on Massachusetts’ role in advancing Tough Tech.
- Emily Knight, CEO & President, The Engine
- Ben Downing, Chief Growth Officer, The Engine
Does Massachusetts Really Lead?
An unvarnished discussion with leaders from Engine Ventures, Mass Tech Collaborative, Alexion, National Grid, and Lydian. This panel will examine where Massachusetts genuinely leads in solving society’s biggest challenges, where it falls short, and how stakeholders can align on priorities for regional economic growth amidst shifting federal dynamics.
- Sander Cohan, Head of Innovation Lab, National Grid
- Ben Linville Engler, Deputy Director, Mass Tech Collaborative
- Joe Rodden, CEO & Co-Founder, Lydian
- Tamar Thompson, VP, Global Patient Experience & Insights Medical Affairs, Alexion
- Moderated by Michael Kearney, General Partner, Engine Ventures
Where Should Massachusetts Win?
Industry, academic, and policy experts from Harvard Business School, Engine Ventures, MACP, Savills, and Robigo will explore how Massachusetts can ensure that breakthrough Tough Tech companies not only start here, but scale and achieve global significance here. The conversation will highlight unique assets, gaps, and opportunities for long-term impact.
- Jay Ashe, CEO & President, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership
- Brett Tynes, Managing Director, Savills
- Andee Wallace CEO & Founder, Robigo
- Moderated by Jim Matheson Professor, Harvard Business School & Partner, Engine Ventures
Founders and Policymakers in Conversation
An interactive session designed to bridge perspectives between company leaders and policymakers. This open dialogue invites all participants to surface challenges, share insights, and identify actionable steps for strengthening the Commonwealth’s Tough Tech ecosystem.
Lunch, Closing Keynote, and Q&A Session
Enjoy a networking lunch followed by a closing keynote and audience Q&A. This session will distill key takeaways from the day and offer forward-looking perspectives on how Massachusetts can sustain and expand its leadership in Tough Tech.
- Tadeu Carneiro, CEO, Boston Metal
- Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll
- Rachel Sha, CEO, Vaxess Technologies
Join us for Make it in MA 2025
We hope to see you there—register now to secure your spot in shaping Massachusetts’ Tough Tech future.
Event Registration