BIC YouTube Videos

Dr. Dennis Rebelo reflects on the purpose of My Story Vault and why surfacing personal work-life narratives impacts individuals, families, students, and communities. In this solo episode, he explains the narrative process, decision points, and the conditions that allow stories to reveal meaning. In this special solo episode of My Story Vault, Dr. Dennis Rebelo steps out from behind the interviewer’s chair to reflect on the purpose and impact of the podcast series. He explains why he and the team dedicate extensive time and resources to uncovering compelling narratives—stories that guests often don’t realize hold deep professional and personal meaning. Drawing from examples such as Rich Peters, a truck driver who became a chief scientist at SABIC, Dr. Rebelo reveals how the podcast has helped community members, coworkers, and families see individuals in new ways. Throughout the episode, he highlights how students, teachers, and guidance counselors have responded to these stories, noting that the podcast’s accessible narratives can ignite inspiration during moments of uncertainty. Dr. Rebelo describes the technical and human elements involved in the story-unpacking process, from creating generative dialogue to setting conditions that help guests articulate formative experiences he calls “blue dots.” He discusses resistance, creativity, adaptability, and self-leadership—central concepts that arise in the narratives shared in the Vault. He also outlines the recurring questions he asks each guest: What were you raised for? What do you want to be known for? What are you doing about it now? These closing questions help link past experiences to present identity and future direction. Dr. Rebelo reflects on decision points, the role of receptivity, and the positive “viral effect” of narrative coherence as guests integrate their stories into their lives. He closes by encouraging listeners, educators, and career centers to use these stories as tools for learning and reflection, emphasizing that every story matters and can help illuminate a path toward understanding and possibility. Links Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org

Recorded September 17, 2025 at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), Pittsfield, MA. Part 1 of 3 – CELG Microgrid Objective at the William Stanley Business Park This session opens the Berkshire Clean Energy 2025 event hosted by the BIC’s Clean Energy Leadership Group (CELG). The discussion includes remarks from Ben Sosne, framing comments from Doug Crane, and a detailed presentation from Isabella Hennessy on the concept of a community-scale microgrid at the William Stanley Business Park. Garth Klimchuk also provides context on wind, solar, and battery components of the proposed system. Topics covered include: • The Berkshires as a potential clean energy pilot zone • Microgrid design using solar, wind, battery storage, and advanced controls • Load modeling and scaling for future park development • Brownfield incentives and site characteristics • Resilience, islanding capability, and interconnection considerations • Comparisons to existing microgrids (UMass, Provincetown, Chelsea/Boston) • Q&A on wind turbine height, FAA considerations, grid impacts, incentives, and policy challenges Berkshire Clean Energy 2025 focused on regional clean energy strategies, sustainability planning, and opportunities for businesses, municipalities, and startups throughout Berkshire County. The event emphasized collaboration, economic development, and building resilient, cost-effective clean energy solutions for Western Massachusetts. Agenda (Session Captured Here): 9:40–10:25 AM — Session 1: CELG Microgrid Objective at the William Stanley Business Park The Clean Energy Leadership Group (CELG) includes Doug Crane, Tyler Fairbank, Garth Klimchuk, Ben Sosne, and Tanja Srebotnjak, and is dedicated to advancing affordable clean energy, job creation, and climate resilience in Western Massachusetts.

Rich Peters shares his remarkable path from pro truck driver to Chief Scientist and educator. In this episode, he and Dr. Dennis Rebelo explore lifelong learning, applied engineering, and how curiosity and service define his life’s work. From the Catskills to Colorado to the Berkshires, Rich Peters’ story is one of discovery, reinvention, and service. A former professional truck driver turned Chief Scientist at SABIC, Rich reflects on a life that proves learning doesn’t follow a straight line. Growing up in a working-class family where education wasn’t emphasized, Rich discovered his passion for learning later in life — after a chance encounter with Carl Sagan’s Cosmos while parked in his rig. That spark led him to community college, RPI, and eventually to a career leading polymer process development for engineering plastics used in automotive and aerospace applications. Rich describes his time at SABIC’s Polymer Processing Development Center in Pittsfield as an “engineering playground,” where he worked on innovations like nanofibers and recyclable thermoplastics for the aviation industry. Now retired — or as he jokes, “bad at retirement” — he teaches at the Berkshire Innovation Center as part of the MIT Tech AMP program, helping technicians bridge the gap between theory and practice as technologists. Beyond engineering, Rich has devoted decades to community service as a ski instructor and volunteer with STRIDE Adaptive Sports, helping people of all ages and abilities experience the joy of skiing. His story embodies curiosity, humility, and lifelong learning — showing how applied experience, education, and giving back can align into a life of purpose and meaning. Links: Berkshire Innovation Center (MIT Tech AMP Program): https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/ STRIDE Adaptive Sports: https://www.stride.org/ Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Contributors: Rich Peters, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Nate Christy, PJ Moynihan, Jordan Callahan #RichPeters, #SABIC, #PolymerEngineering, #AppliedLearning, #MITTechAMP, #BerkshireInnovationCenter, #CommunityService, #STRIDE, #AdaptiveSports, #EngineeringPlastics, #Pittsfield, #RPI, #LifelongLearning, #Curiosity, #Education, #Mentorship, #SkiInstruction, #Technologist, #Manufacturing, #Innovation, #Family

Startups face unique challenges navigating their path to market and making difficult choices while sustainably building a company. In this Stage 2 Accelerator Catalyst Day panel, hosted by the Berkshire Innovation Center, three accomplished entrepreneurs share real-world insights on startup growth, customer discovery, and de-risking development: 🔹 James Kupernik, CTO at Airship – a B2B software firm helping HVAC contractors streamline quoting and increase proposal value.🔹 Mike Stone, Partner at Cofab Design – a mechanical product development studio in Holyoke that develops clever products, technologies, and manufacturing strategies for clients at every stage of development.🔹 Joe Cunningham, Co-Founder of Zulu Pods – creators of the world’s first decentralized lubrication system for limited-life applications, reducing cost and improving readiness for defense customers. Moderated by Tim Butterworth, Director of Applied Technology at the BIC, this conversation explores how founders can balance innovation and sustainability, build trust through iteration, and make data-driven decisions as they move from prototype to production. 📍 Filmed live at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. 🎓 Learn more about the Stage 2 Accelerator and how to apply for the next cohort: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program #Stage2Accelerator #BerkshireInnovationCenter #Startup #Entrepreneurship #InnovationEcosystem #AdvancedManufacturing #LifeScience #ClimateTech #TeamMassachusetts #InTheBerkshires

Peter Stasiowski, Director of Communications at Interprint, shares his journey from coding as a teen to leading communications for a multinational decorative printing company, and how returning to the Berkshires shaped his outlook on work and community. In this episode of My Story Vault, Dr. Dennis Rebelo sits down with Peter Stasiowski, Director of Communications at Interprint in Pittsfield. A Berkshire native, Peter traces his early years from North Adams and Williamstown, where family, community, and competition shaped his worldview. He recalls learning to code on an Apple II computer, building early graphics in BASIC, and discovering Macintosh computers at Williams College; a spark that led him toward strategic communication and advertising. Peter describes how a simple bubble on a PSAT form steered him toward advertising, eventually bringing him to the University of West Florida, where faculty and peers inspired him to pursue marketing and design. After graduation, he gained firsthand experience in sales, newspaper publishing, and printing, before returning to the Berkshires and joining Interprint in 2006. Today, he helps shape the messaging of a decorative printing leader whose patterns and laminates are found in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry across North America. Along the way, Peter reflects on cultural exchanges with colleagues in Germany and Japan, the importance of strategy and clarity in communication, and the puzzles at the heart of effective marketing. He also speaks candidly about rediscovering the Berkshires after years away, appreciating its seasons, landscapes, and deep sense of community. His story highlights the blend of analysis and creativity that has guided his career and his commitment to contributing to the place he calls home. Links: Interprint: interprint.com/en Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Narrative Research Group: narrativeresearchgroup.org For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Produced by Nate Christy, BIC Studios Contributors: Peter Stasiowski, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Nate Christy, Shannon Rebelo, Jordan Callahan #PeterStasiowski, #Interprint, #DecorativePrinting, #Communications, #Advertising, #Marketing, #UniversityOfWestFlorida, #Coding, #Macintosh, #Williamstown, #NorthAdams, #Berkshires, #CareerTransitions, #StrategicCommunication, #PrintingIndustry, #Laminates, #Furniture, #Flooring, #Cabinetry, #Community, #Pittsfield

What if blockchain could be faster, cheaper, and unhackable—without using cryptographic keys at all? At the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Showcase, Hamid Pishdadian, CEO of SQE (Simulated Quantum Entanglement), introduced a breakthrough in secure communication: a quantum-secure blockchain protocol that eliminates private keys entirely. The SQE protocol, now patented, creates ultra-secure data links using simulated quantum entanglement. According to SQE's scientific advisors, the energy required to hack their platform would exceed what's available in our entire solar system. 🧠 Key Highlights from the Presentation: SQE performs more transactions per second than all existing blockchains combined Cost per transaction: a fraction of a cent Patent approved after 3 years Uses no RSA or public/private key cryptography Partners include: TD Bank, Navigant, People’s Bank, and discussions with Bank of America Additional partnerships with universities, Navy-aligned contractors, and wellness tech startups Advisory team includes PhDs in math and physics 🎤 “If you won the lottery every day for 10 million years, it would still be more likely than hacking this system.” 📍 Filmed live at the Berkshire Innovation Center during the 2025 S2A Showcase. — 🚀 Now Accepting Applications for the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Hard tech and mission-driven founders. 📝 No fees. No equity taken. 🔗 https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program 📧 Submit to: ben@the-bic.org — #SQE #QuantumSecurity #BlockchainInnovation #PostQuantum #Cybersecurity #SimulatedQuantumEntanglement #UnhackableTech #HardTech #BICAccelerator #Stage2Accelerator #BerkshireInnovationCenter #WesternMass #KeylessEncryption #NextGenBlockchain

How do you create spaces in hospitality that support—not undermine—mental health? At the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Showcase, Alex Brown, founder and CEO of Recover Hospitality, shared how his lived experience with addiction and love for the hospitality industry inspired him to create a certification program that defines what it means to be a sober-friendly hotel or restaurant. The program now uses 40 standards across 4 categories—design, service, product, and staff support—to assess hospitality businesses and make sober-curious or alcohol-free guests feel truly welcome. 🌍 Market Insight: ~80 million sober adults in the U.S. ~150 million when including sober-curious consumers Millions in early recovery each year who hesitate to dine or travel 📈 During his time at the BIC, Alex: Completed the full sober-friendly certification rubric Grew his social media following by 350%, from 2,000 to 6,600+ Grew revenue by 200% in his sober travel agency Booked trips in 20 states, 10 countries, and 40+ hotels Launched the first sober golf retreat, planned for the Carolinas Built a data partnership with Magnetworks to track employment placements Was accepted to the MIT Sloan Executive MBA program 🎤 “I learned to tell my story in a somewhat concise way, like I am right now—thanks to Dr. D’s program.” 📍 Filmed live at the Berkshire Innovation Center during the 2025 S2A Showcase. — 🚀 Now Accepting Applications for the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Hard tech and mission-driven founders. 📝 No fees. No equity taken. 🔗 https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program 📧 Submit to: ben@the-bic.org — #RecoverHospitality #SoberTravel #HospitalityInnovation #SoberFriendly #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialImpactBusiness #TravelWithoutAlcohol #BICAccelerator #Stage2Accelerator #BerkshireInnovationCenter #WesternMass #CleanHospitality

What if job searching wasn’t isolating, transactional, and broken—but built on human connection? At the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Showcase, Chris Meador and Eric Singer, co-founders of Magnetworks, shared how their experiences in leadership development and workforce analytics inspired them to build a platform centered on community-driven referrals. Chris’s entrepreneurial roots go back to selling antique lace as a child. Eric, a workforce data leader and kidney transplant recipient, reframed his understanding of support after 12 people offered to donate a kidney. That spirit of generosity is now embedded in Magnetworks’ mission: creating better hiring outcomes by activating people’s real-world networks. 💡 Magnetworks helps: Employers reach passive and overlooked talent Communities recommend candidates through simple shares Associations and chambers amplify jobs through trusted networks 📈 Over the past year, Magnetworks: Developed its MVP Landed 100+ customers Secured double-digit partnerships with associations and chambers Finalized a pilot with the New York State Restaurant Association 🎤 “You can build in the Berkshires. You can scale. We are a culture of innovation and collaboration.” 📍 Filmed live at the Berkshire Innovation Center during the 2025 S2A Showcase. — 🚀 Now Accepting Applications for the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Hard tech and mission-driven founders. 📝 No fees. No equity taken. 🔗 https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program 📧 Submit to: ben@the-bic.org — #Magnetworks #HiringInnovation #WorkforceDevelopment #ReferralPlatform #HumanConnection #BICAccelerator #Stage2Accelerator #BerkshireInnovationCenter #WesternMass #StartupCommunity #TalentTech #HardTechForGood

Fibrocor is a near-clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies for kidney and lung fibrosis. At the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Showcase, CEO Bill Newsome shared how his global team—spanning Canada, Belgium, and the U.S.—is advancing treatments for high-need conditions like Alport syndrome and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Bill, a Berkshire native, returned to the region to build Fibrocor’s U.S. operations and found a vital support system at the Berkshire Innovation Center—connecting with executive mentors, biotech leaders, and a community of fellow entrepreneurs. 🏥 Key Highlights: 3 fibrosis programs nearing clinical trials Merging with an Australian biotech to raise a $40M Series A Global R&D with U.S. leadership based in the Berkshires Strategic biotech connections formed via the BIC network Support in story development, leadership coaching, and communications 🎤 “Being able to sit in a room with like-minded entrepreneurs doing very different things... really opened my mind.” 📍 Filmed live at the Berkshire Innovation Center during the 2025 S2A Showcase. — 🚀 Now Accepting Applications for the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Hard tech and mission-driven founders. 📝 No fees. No equity taken. 🔗 https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program 📧 Submit to: ben@the-bic.org — #Fibrocor #Biotech #LifeSciences #FibrosisResearch #AlportSyndrome #PulmonaryFibrosis #RareDisease #ClinicalTrials #BerkshireInnovationCenter #BICAccelerator #Stage2Accelerator #WesternMass #BioPharma #HealthTech