UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Geoff Martha, chairman and CEO of global healthcare technology company Medtronic, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference on April 10–11. His fireside chat with Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi will take place at noon on April 10.
The conference brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators to explore the latest trends in technology and business. Registration is now open online.
Martha and Bendapudi will discuss the future of healthcare, the role of interdisciplinary research, and how academic and clinical collaboration can drive industry transformation.
“Geoff Martha’s journey from Penn State to leading a global healthcare technology company is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurial thinking,” said Bendapudi. “I look forward to an inspiring discussion about how we can continue bridging academia and industry to drive groundbreaking advancements that improve lives worldwide.”
Under Martha’s leadership, Medtronic is leveraging cutting-edge technologies — including robotics, AI, and machine learning — to revolutionize healthcare. He has championed strategic acquisitions, novel R&D funding models, and cross-industry partnerships to drive innovation.
"Geoff brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of business and healthcare," said Andrew Read, senior vice president for research. “His insights will be invaluable to Penn State researchers and entrepreneurs aiming to translate their work into real-world impact."
Martha, a 1992 Smeal College of Business and University Scholars Program graduate, was captain of the Penn State men’s hockey team and later inducted into its Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2016, he received the Penn State Hockey Distinguished Alumni Award.
“Penn State played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership approach," said Martha. "I always look forward to connecting with the Penn State community, especially when we discuss how they are continuing to drive important technological and healthcare breakthroughs. I am particularly excited for my conversation with President Neeli Bendapudi during this upcoming visit."
About the Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference
Founded in 2016, the Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference is one of the largest tech startup conferences in the Mid-Atlantic and draws more than 600 attendees, including over 70 startup ventures and more than 40 investment firms from across the country. The conference highlights innovations from high-growth and emerging markets, including IT, energy, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care, B2B and B2C, among others.
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