Latest News
Shaping CT’s Future is making headlines! Our events are garnering attention and influencing action as we champion positive change and innovation throughout the state. Stay up-to-date on how we’re driving progress and making a difference.
News & Insights
AI-powered matchmaking helps business professionals network in Connecticut
10/23/25 – Artificial intelligence is helping Connecticut business professionals make better connections at networking events.
CT LIVE: CT Season Pass – Stamford Museum & Nature Center
9/3/25 – Taking a stop at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, as part of the CT Season Pass.
Shaping CT’s Future | Entrepreneurship & Leadership | Full Program
8/20/25 – Business leaders from across Connecticut gather to discuss how to support the new generation of entrepreneurs.
Interview: Entrepreneurs, innovators gather for Shaping CT’s Future conference
8/15/25 – BJ Kito, president and CSO of Rebellion Group in Cheshire, previews what attendees can expect at the event.
Interview: Paddi LeShane and Steve McLoughlin
8/14/25 – Paddi LeShane and Steve McLoughlin preview the upcoming event.
Interview: Steve McLoughlin and Chris Allen
8/13/25 – Steve McLoughlin, senior VP of Rebellion Group, and entrepreneur Chris Allen preview the event.
Interview: Melissa Nardiello and Jacqueline Laramee
8/13/25 – Melissa Nardiello, director of talent and culture with Rebellion Group, and Jacqueline Laramee, with NDC Commercial Construction, preview the event.
CT LIVE: CT Season Pass – Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center and Planetarium
8/11/25 – Taking a stop at the Sacred Heart University Discovery Science Center and Planetarium, as part of the CT Season Pass.
Group of Connecticut business leaders and influencers team up to combat Connecticut slander online
8/1/25 – A group of Connecticut business leaders and influencers are turning into the best kind of keyboard warriors.
CT LIVE: CT Season Pass – Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
7/22/25 – Taking a stop at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, as part of the CT Season Pass.
Podcasts
Inside The New AI Economy with Edward Zyszkowski
10/31/25 – Artificial intelligence doesn’t have to live in the hands of a few. In this episode, Edward Zyszkowski, CEO and Chairman of Personal Digital Spaces, explains how decentralization, data licensing, and small, specialized models are reshaping the AI economy.
Engineering the Next Era of Cyber Defense: Ian Leatherman
10/10/25 – From nuclear submarines to cybersecurity strategy, Ian Leatherman’s journey proves that innovation starts with curiosity and the courage to rethink what’s possible.
Legacy to Innovation: Jill Mayer on Leading a 111-Year Family Business into the Future
9/24/25 – Jill Mayer, CEO of Bead Industries, is proving that legacy and innovation aren’t opposites — they’re fuel for each other.
Pitch Competition: Alycia & Jennifer, Executive Director & Assistant Director, UConn CCEI
8/7/25 – Behind Shaping CT’s Future Pitch Competition is the powerhouse team at UConn’s Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI)…
Pitch Competition: Nathan Catapano, Founder, Restore
8/7/25 – Restore is a SaaS platform built for restaurants to track and resolve guest issues in real time…
Pitch Competition: Christina Phillips, Founder, Puure
8/7/25 – Puure is a mission-driven intimate apparel brand putting women’s health first…
Pitch Competition: Kim Conti, Founder, Orbit Crates
8/7/25 – Orbit Crates is reimagining playtime with a toy rental service designed to reduce clutter, encourage sustainable play, and help families save money…
Pitch Competition: Massyl Mallem, Co-Founder, PatentPlus AI
8/7/25 – PatentPlus AI is automating one of the most time-consuming parts of innovation: patent search.
Pitch Competition: Christian Heiden, Founder, Levo International
8/7/25 – Levo International is transforming food security with affordable, accessible hydroponic technology…
Pitch Competition: Andrea Shields, Co-Founder, Varda5
8/7/25 – Andrea Shields is a physician-entrepreneur and maternal health advocate, co-founding Varda5…
Media Inquiry
Please reach out to our communications team for press releases, interview opportunities, and exclusive insights into our initiatives. Together, let’s amplify the conversation around progress and innovation in Connecticut!
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"Shaping CT's Future has reignited people's passion and pride in our state. We're proud to work in partnership with Virtuoso to create positive change."
Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer, CT DECD
