Colleen Spiegel, Ph.D.
Technical Strategy Advisor | Commercialization & R&D Planning | 170+ Companies Supported
I help technical founders and innovation-driven companies turn complex ideas into structured, execution-ready business strategies.
If you are building something technical, regulated, science-based, or hardware-intensive — and you need clear thinking, strategic structure, and honest feedback — that is where I operate best.
What I Help With
Commercialization strategy
R&D roadmapping and technical planning
Funding readiness (SBIR/STTR and federal programs)
Proposal and pitch review
Product-market alignment
Strategic decision support for early-stage companies
I am often brought in when:
A company has strong technical talent but needs business clarity
A founder is preparing for funding or major execution decisions
A team needs structured guidance without hiring a full-time executive
Founder & Operator Experience
Before founding my advisory practice, I built and operated multiple companies, including a profitable renewable energy business serving scientists, engineers, and universities worldwide.
That company:
Manufactured and distributed technical products internationally
Served 20+ universities on a recurring basis
Supported both academic and industry R&D efforts
I understand operations, margins, customers, production realities, and growth decisions because I have managed them directly.
Technical & Industry Background
My engineering and scientific experience includes work in regulated and high-performance environments at:
Bausch & Lomb
Catalent Pharma Solutions
Draper Laboratory
I can engage deeply with complex technologies without oversimplifying critical technical details.
Advisory Track Record
170+ companies advised
150+ engagements focused on commercialization, R&D strategy, and funding readiness
Experience working with startups, incubators, accelerators, and university innovation programs
Academic & Writing Experience
I am an adjunct professor (chemistry, physics, engineering teMore...