Ed Laganis, head of Smart Design’s engineering practice, has spent 20+ years in product development, prototyping, and manufacturing of medical devices, mobile technologies, housewares, toys, transportation, and equipment. Describing his role, Ed states, ”When Entrepreneurs, Strategists, and Designers create and write an amazing product or service plan, my team and I ensure its nonfiction.  Giving business leaders a tangible, meaningful, and feasible product - quickly - is my primary goal.”

Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) are founders of or former senior executives from successful entrepreneurial ventures. They work closely with NYU students, researchers, faculty, and alumni who are founders of very early-stage ventures. EIRs provide ad-hoc consulting, coaching, and mentoring designed to help these founders progress their venture concepts to the next level.