Chris Ilsley is the chief executive at life science and technology incubator North Shore InnoVentures (NSIV) in Beverly, MA. He’s also a board member of both the North Shore Chamber of Commerce and North Shore Technology Council. Ilsley stands out for his role fostering an innovation community outside of Boston. He serves as NSIV’s representative to a variety of local, regional, state, and industry organizations. Ilsley has spent a career driving innovation and entrepreneurship in areas ranging from biotech and cleantech to big data, and has previously connected the New England region with the United Kingdom as the Head of Science and Innovation with the office of the British Consulate-General in Boston.
You’ll find our pre-podcast Q&A below. We recently visited Ilsley at the NSIV offices to record a BSU podcast you can listen to on any of your favorite audio platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, SoundCloud). Enjoy.
Where did you grow up? England
How would you sum up your childhood? Family
What word would your loved ones use to describe you? Personable
When did you identify you were an entrepreneur? Moving to Cambridge, UK
Who most inspired you to become an entrepreneur? Two mentors: Jane Cox & Harriet Fear
Why are you passionate about fostering an innovation community on Boston’s North Shore? Opportunity
What is North Shore InnoVentures’ mission? Impact
Now more than 10 years old, NSIV has grown to occupy 13,000 square feet at the Cummings Center. What’s next for your Beverly, MA campus? Expansion
How would you describe your mentoring role to next class of Greater Boston entrepreneurs? Developing innovators and leaders
Describe your relationship with the city of Beverly. Close
More broadly, what more can the cities of Beverly and Salem (and adjacent cities) do to foster a stronger innovation community? Advocacy
The commuter rail is a critical component to connecting Boston’s tech community with the North Shore. What new infrastructure investment or initiative would you like to see to help foster a more vibrant North Shore innovation community? Regular & Frequent Regional Rail
Where do you live now? South Natick
What do you love most about the North Shore? People & Seafood
What would you like to change about the North Shore? Self-Belief
What is your favorite place you’ve visited? Yorkshire (home). Otherwise Paris or Rome
What would you change about the world? I.E., What problem facing the world would you most like to see solved? Everyone is going for Climate Change.. I’ll throw in Affordable & quality healthcare for all.
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