When Policy Meets Startups: Insights from the Frontlines of Innovation with Eran Meller

“When Policy Meets Startups: Insights from the Frontlines of Innovation”

This interactive workshop explores how public policy and entrepreneurship intersect in practice, drawing on case studies from the instructor's experience building and scaling technology companies across cleantech, medical devices, and public safety sectors.

Using real-world examples, we will examine how entrepreneurs navigate regulatory frameworks, market failures, and institutional barriers - and how policymakers can design smarter interventions to foster innovation while serving public interest. Through structured discussion and case analysis, students will apply core economic concepts, including market failure, asymmetric information, coordination games, and incentive design to strategic decisions faced by both startups and governments.

The workshop is designed for students interested in the practical intersection of policy and innovation, whether as future policymakers, regulators, or entrepreneurs. No prior business experience required - economic policy fluency assumed.

Eran Meller – Bio:
Eran Meller is a co-founder of Ecoppia, a global leader in cloud-based robotic cleaning solutions for utility-scale solar installations. He served as CEO until 2020 and Chairman until 2024. The company was publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and recently completed a management buyout. He retains a long-term interest and continues to advise its management team. Eran has co-founded multiple ventures and held executive leadership roles across technology sectors. His experience includes serving as CFO of Telmap, a mobile navigation company acquired by Intel (NASDAQ: INTC); CFO of X-Tip, a medical device company acquired by Dentsply Sirona (NASDAQ: XRAY); CFO of Info-X, a healthcare software provider acquired by 3M (NYSE: MMM); and CFO & COO of MTI Precision Products, a dental engineering company sold via leveraged buyout. The companies he co-founded or led have collectively raised over $150 million in equity financing.

Earlier in his career, Eran worked with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he managed a portfolio exceeding $100 million across Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia.

He currently mentors entrepreneurs and lectures at the Technion Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Eran holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, a Master's in Economic Policy Management from Columbia SIPA, and a B.A. in Economics and Management from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.

Registration: Register via CampusGroups by March 16, 2026, at 5 PM EST.

Questions?
Contact Priscilla Yuen, Assistant Dean, Specialized Degree Programs at phy2104@sipa.columbia.edu.

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Co-hosted with: Executive Masters of Public Administration

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