August 13-14, 2008
MarketLink a.k.a. High-Tech Speed Dating:
Marketlink is a FREE program that pairs local companies with multinational corporations hoping to identify and license new technologies. MarketLink brings parties of mutual interest together by orchestrating an event that will offer selected companies the opportunity to present to technology executives from visiting corporations in a personalized 1-on-1 session. <more>
Who Verizon Wireless is:
Verizon Wireless built and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless has the largest number of retail customers in the industry and is the most profitable wireless company in the U.S. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). The Open Development Initiative will allow customers to use any device and any application on the Verizon Wireless national network. <more>
What Verizon Wireless is Looking For:
Verizon Wireless, as a part of its Open Development strategy, is interested in engaging and partnering with firms that have next-generation or disruptive technologies in the following areas:
- Low cost CDMA handsets supporting voice, SMS and data (1XRTT & EVDO)
- Transportation & Monitoring Devices (Fleet monitoring, asset tracking, house arrest solutions, security monitoring – both residential and commercial properties)
- Health Care Devices used to measure & transport patient data
- Social networking and communications devices (hand-held terminals, PDAs, low cost notebooks)
- Ultra mobile PCs/Mobile Internet Devices
- Routers-Back up to DSL technology
- Digital media and entertainment devices with embedded CDMA module or modem – Ex. Cameras and Camcorders connected directly to CDMA Data Network
- Metering devices for Utilities and Cashless Vending solutions
- Consumer Electronic devices and Digital Appliances that leverage 1XEVDO technologies
- Ruggedized PDAs: Interested in sectors including but not limited to construction and government
- Gaming Devices: Sector targeting young adults
- Smart Phones and Messaging Devices
- PC/Laptop with embedded wireless modules/modems
- PMP/Gaming/Video – No voice
- Personal Navigation Devices with embedded wireless modules
- E-Book, E-magazine, E-newspaper Readers
- Mobile Wallets / Credit Card Replacements (NFC)
- IM/Text Message/Music Player – No voice
- Connected electronic devices
- M2M segmentation-Manufacturing, transportation and distribution, financial services, construction, utility, federal government, military, healthcare, maritime, university
- Applications that assist consumers measure and manage energy usage in the home, i.e. (a) Devices that provide real-time information regarding current home energy use, overall energy demand and cost that enable home owners to make decisions regarding when to run discretionary appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, etc.) and where to set their thermostats, and (b) Devices that enable home owners to manage their home’s energy usage remotely – adjust thermostats, turn on/off lights, program when to turn on the dishwasher, adjust the water heater, etc.
- Applications similar to those above that assist commercial building managers
- Applications that monitor motor vehicle performance – with specific interest in a device that ties into the computers that run an engine and display mileage performance so that people can adjust their driving habits (also known as the Prius effect)
- GPS applications that not only provide directions, but can assist logistics companies in tracking the location of vehicles to optimize dispatching
- Applications that perform inventory management functions (perhaps in conjunction with RFids, ex. for soda and snack vending machines)
- Add a carbon calculator to the tools section of wireless phones. Would enable people to calculate how much carbon a car, train or plane trip will generate.
- Remote health monitoring devices that enable patients to transmit information to their doctors and not have to travel to the doctor’s office.
- Personal video conferencing solutions via a cell phone that enable people to communicate live with another person and avoid having to travel
Who Will Be Attending From Verizon Wireless:
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Anthony A. Lewis
VP, Open Development
Verizon Wireless
Anthony A. Lewis is Vice President of Open Development for Verizon Wireless, a position he has held since January 15, 2008. Lewis is responsible for executing the open development initiative, including directing the pricing, activation, billing, distribution, device specification, testing, communications planning and financial matters for the project. Verizon’s “Open Development” will give customers the option to use wireless devices, software and applications that are not provided by Verizon Wireless on its nationwide wireless network.
Prior to this promotion, Mr. Lewis was the President of Verizon – Washington DC where he had oversight for all of Verizon’s operations, including regulatory and financial matters in the nation’s capital.
Mr. Lewis graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business in 1986. He furthered his education at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Leadership Development Program and the John Hopkins Leadership Development Program in 1996. He obtained an MBA from the Johns Hopkins University in 2000. |
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Maurice Thompson
Director, Open Development
Verizon Wireless
Bio Coming Soon |
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Reginald Richard
Consultant, Open Development
Verizon Wireless
Under the leadership of VP Anthony Lewis and Director Maurice Thompson, Reginald Richard is responsible for seeking out and identifying innovative device opportunities that are not part of the current Verizon Wireless portfolio. As a member of the Business Development team for Open Development, Reginald’s key role is to build relationships with Open Development partners and assist them as they navigate through the certification process. With a background spanning over segments ranging from Supply Chain Management, Organizational Restructuring, Logistics and Manufacturing to his current role in Business Development, Reginald understands that partnerships are vitally important for the telecommunication industry today and tomorrow. Reginald’s prior roles within Verizon Wireless include positions held in Finance, Systems and Planning. Reginald earned a Masters degree in Administration from Central Michigan University, January 2001 and a BS degree in Management and Accounting from Park University, March 1999.
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Steve Linke
Manager, Open Development
Verizon Wireless
Steve Linke is Manager of Business Development for Open Development and is responsible for identifying new business opportunities that will increase network subscribers through innovative products outside of the traditional Verizon Wireless device portfolio. In addition, Steve will develop and manage an ecosystem of partners to drive long-term Open Development growth. Prior to joining the team, Steve worked in the OEM and National Distribution program for Verizon Wireless where he managed embedded notebook and product distribution partners. Before joining Verizon Wireless, Linke worked at Citrix Systems in Business Development focusing on mobility initiatives. He was responsible for developing partnerships and programs with the top wireless and mobility industry leaders as well as drive initiatives into the sales and partner channel. Prior to Citrix, Linke was a Senior Manager for Enterprise Market Development in QUALCOMM’s Corporate Marketing division where he developed and implemented marketing programs to advance the education and adoption of CDMA products and services into the Enterprise. At QUALCOMM, Steve worked closely with the enterprise mobility eco-system to develop value-added solutions to be positioned with top enterprise customers. Linke holds a BA in Information & Decision Systems from San Diego State University.Steve is based in San Diego, CA
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Theresa Wong
Associate Director, Open Development
Verizon Communications
Theresa Wong is Associate Director for Open Development and spearheads pricing, operations and marketing efforts for this new business. Previously, Theresa led postpay voice and data pricing for Verizon Wireless’s consumer, B2B and international services. In addition, her prior experience includes leading the launch efforts for V CAST Music, V CAST Video, as well as stints at Sprint and Nokia. A native New Yorker, Theresa holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business focusing on marketing and strategy, and a BA from Smith College with concentrations in government and economics.
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Daniel Keoppel
Executive Director, Strategic Investments
Verizon Communications
Dan Keoppel is Executive Director, Strategic Investments for Verizon Communications. In this capacity he evaluates startup companies and is point person for contacting the venture capital community, keeping abreast of major technology and business trends in search of relevant venture prospects for both the wireline, wireless, and directory business units. Once ventures are identified, Dan will then liaison between a startup and the appropriate Verizon business unit in order to establish a mutually beneficial commercial relationship. If the business dealings between Verizon and the venture company are significant, Mr. Keoppel will then consider a potential strategic investment in the startup. In addition to venture investing, Mr. Keoppel also evaluates other merger and acquisition and joint venturing opportunities within the Corporate Strategy, Development and Planning organization of Verizon.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in New Jersey, Mr. Keoppel has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
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Christopher Lloyd
Director, Strategic Alliances
Verizon Communications
Bio Coming Soon |
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Paul Brigner
Executive Director, Internet and Technology Policy
Verizon Communications
Paul Brigner is executive director – Internet and Technology Policy for Verizon. In this capacity he works to identify and assess emerging technology issues through an ongoing dialog with research institutes and think tanks.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Brigner was executive director – Federal Regulatory Affairs. In that role, he served as an advocate for Verizon’s regulatory policy positions at the Federal Communications Commission and had responsibility for a broad range of FCC proceedings involving broadband, video, homeland security, and emerging technologies.
Mr. Brigner received his juris doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center and his bachelor of business degree, summa cum laude, from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Texas, and the District of Columbia.
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Event Host

3580 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92130
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a first come first serve basis, so apply early. There are up to 16 spots and 4 standby spots available for 45 minute presentation meetings with Verizon Wireless. Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis if accepted, with the deadline for final notification of acceptance on July 31, 2008.