Practitioner Lessons for First-Time Hardtech Founders

About

Building a physical product company brings challenges that first-time founders often do not see coming.

Join FORGE Connecticut and host wiggin(x) for a candid, practical conversation about what hardtech founders should know as they move from prototype toward funding, manufacturing, and commercialization.

This practitioner-led panel will bring together perspectives from legal, investment, manufacturing, and product development to share what they have seen work, where founders often struggle, and what entrepreneurs should be thinking about earlier.

Topics will include:

• Legal and IP considerations for physical product companies
• Moving from prototype to production
• What investors look for in hardtech startups
• Manufacturing readiness, costs, and supply chain
• When to engage manufacturers and strategic partners
• Resources available to Connecticut hardtech companies

Attendees will also have the opportunity to step onboard and explore a mobile manufacturing demonstration truck parked on site, offering a firsthand look at modern manufacturing capabilities and use cases.

The goal of the event is for founders to leave with practical takeaways, sharper instincts, and useful connections as they build and scale.

Event participants and speakers to be announced at a later date

Who Should Attend

First-time hardtech founders, physical product startups, manufacturers, investors, and members of Connecticut's innovation ecosystem.

Event Details

Thursday, October 29, 2026

2:00–4:00 PM

The District | New Haven, CT

Schedule

2:00–2:15 PM (doors open 1:45) Arrival + Networking

2:15–3:15 PM Practitioner Panel + Audience Q&A

3:15–4:00 PM Networking + Mobile Manufacturing Truck Demonstrations

About wiggin(x)

wiggin(x)® is a division within Wiggin and Dana LLP designed to meet the needs of emerging and high-growth companies, their investors, and their founders.

Its lawyers work as trusted advisors and integrated members of their clients' teams, helping companies navigate the journey from formation and expansion through financing and, ultimately, exit. The team provides counsel across funding transactions, M&A, intellectual property, licensing, employment, tax, commercial contracting, and other legal needs that arise as companies grow.

About FORGE Connecticut

FORGE Connecticut helps hardtech startups move from prototype to impact by connecting them with the manufacturers, expertise, resources, and relationships needed to commercialize and scale physical products.

FORGE works across Connecticut's manufacturing and innovation ecosystem to help startups become better prepared to engage suppliers, manufacturers, investors, and other partners.

Space is limited. Register to join Connecticut's hardtech community for an afternoon of practical insight, conversation, and connection.