RBTC is thrilled to announce mechanical engineer, professor, and serial technology entrepreneur Dr. Ken Gall at the keynote speaker for the third annual Emerging Tech Conference 2026.
“To call Ken Gall’s experience in both research and bringing solutions to market extensive is an understatement,” said Chip Bobbert Director of Innovation. We’re thrilled to welcome him as the keynote speaker for Emerging Tech Conference 2026 and looking forward to bringing his prodigious insight to our innovation ecosystem.”
Dr. Gall was a tenured professor of engineering working on an academic paper that detailed the applications of his research on nickel titanium when he became gripped by the question of who might bring his research into actual practice. And who better than someone who understood the science? He decided to launch a foray into entrepreneurship and hasn’t looked back.
Since his first enterprise, Ken has been instrumental in seventeen MedTech startups in a co-founder or advisory capacity, all without slowing his academic career. Today, Ken serves at Duke University as a professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. His research centers around biomechanics & biomaterials, computation & artificial intelligence, soft matter & nanoscale materials.
Concurrently, he’s active in 4 technology companies, including as the Chief Commercial Officer of restor3d, a company that applies in proprietary expertise in 3D printing of osseointegrative materials, AI-based planning and design automation tools, and digital health solutions that enable surgeons to repair the human body in new and effective ways.
ETC 2026 is happening November 19-20. The conference is the Roanoke-Blacksburg region’s premier stage for the work happening at the growing edge of technology and life sciences. It brings together the founders, researchers, investors and leaders shaping what comes next across AI, healthcare innovation, advanced manufacturing, energy, ag, infrastructure and venture. You don’t want to miss it. Reserve your spot today.
