ACCELERATING REGIONAL GROWTH THROUGH PRAGMATIC AI TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

For organizations struggling to navigate the complex landscape of AI and emerging technologies, we provide clarity, confidence, and practical pathways to value.

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YOUR BUSINESS CHALLENGES DRIVE OUR SOLUTIONS

Synapse is your trusted navigator in the AI journey. We coordinate and oversee a carefully selected network of industry veterans, educational institutions, and technology partners who deliver specialized expertise exactly when and where you need it. Our role is to ensure you receive consistent, high-quality service while maintaining a single point of accountability for your AI initiatives.

OUR SERVICES

Advisory Services

Peer Learning & Guidance

Proof of Value Implementations

Executive Fluency Certificate Program

AI Workshops for Manufacturers

AI Roadmaps for Startups

Our experienced consultants work with you to:

  • Identify high-value opportunities for AI application across your value chain
  • Assess your organization’s readiness for AI adoption
  • Develop a prioritized roadmap aligned with your business objectives
  • Review and establish appropriate policies and governance frameworks

Through our proven methodology and experienced industry veterans, we ensure your AI initiatives are built on a solid foundation.

Learn from others who are on similar journeys. Our peer learning groups provide:

  • Structured knowledge sharing among manufacturing leaders
  • Insights into change management best practices
  • Practical lessons learned from real-world implementations
  • Networking opportunities with fellow innovators

We understand that innovation requires experimentation. Our Proof of Value program helps you:

  • Test the technical feasibility of AI solutions in your specific context
  • Evaluate potential business impact through structured pilots
  • Access technical expertise and resources that might otherwise be out of reach
  • Build confidence through hands-on experience with AI technologies

Delivered in partnership with higher education institutions, our 8-10 week certificate program equips manufacturing leaders with practical AI knowledge. Through weekly two-hour sessions, executives gain hands-on experience across eight critical areas of the manufacturing value chain: Product Design & Engineering, Supply Chain & Procurement, Production & Manufacturing, Quality Control, Maintenance & Operations, Logistics & Distribution, Sales & Quote Generation, After-Sales Service.

Upon completion, participants will be equipped to:

  • Evaluate AI investment opportunities with confidence
  • Lead AI transformation initiatives
  • Make informed decisions about AI vendor proposals
  • Identify high-value opportunities within their organizations
  • Effectively communicate AI strategy to all stakeholders
  • Navigate organizational change for successful AI adoption

Our AI Workshop for manufacturers helps those who want to explore the potential of AI for their business. The workshops will help participants identify and prioritize their AI use cases, learn about the best practices and tools for AI implementation, and develop a roadmap for their AI project.

The workshop is structured to ensure that participants not only understand AI technologies but also how to practically apply these in their manufacturing operations to drive tangible business value.

Learn More

Every startup needs to be thinking about how AI can be leveraged in their products. Increasingly, a plan for integrating AI into your product or service is required to acquire clients and funding. Early-stage startups don’t typically have the capacity to spend time on building AI roadmaps nor do they have access to AI engineers with the expertise to guide them. That’s where our 3-Week AI Roadmap Sprint comes in, specifically designed for seed and Series A stage startups like yours. Learn More

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STRATEGY ADVISORS

Our industry-experienced consultants bring decades of leadership experience in manufacturing operations, technology implementation, and business transformation. They work within our proven frameworks to deliver practical solutions that drive real business value. In addition, our partnerships with leading higher education institutions ensure you receive cutting-edge technical expertise grounded in academic rigor.

Darren Miller

Product Development Leader & Corporate Strategist

Darren is an accomplished product development leader and corporate strategist with extensive experience in driving innovation and business transformation. Most recently, Darren served as an executive at Rockwell Automation, where he led initiatives at the intersection of technology, strategy, and customer value.​

With deep expertise in digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and portfolio management, Darren excels at aligning technology investments with strategic business goals. His passion lies in understanding and defining customer outcomes, ensuring that product and service strategies are firmly grounded in delivering real, measurable value.​

Darren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Brian Fifarek

Supply Chain Digital/AI Strategy & Transformation Leader

Brian is an accomplished supply chain and manufacturing leader with extensive experience driving operational excellence and digital transformation. ​

With a background in Engineering and Public Policy and a strong foundation in procurement, demand planning, continuous improvement and data analytics, Brian has successfully led strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency, optimize performance, and leverage emerging technologies including Agentic AI. Brian combines technical expertise with practical insights to empower manufacturing leaders in adopting AI strategies that enhance productivity and competitiveness. ​

Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and MS &PhD in Engineering & Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University.​

Karen Hung

C-Suite Executive | Board Director | Civic Leader

Karen Hung, is a dynamic expert in fostering courageous leadership and strategic transformation. With experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, private equity-backed organizations, and nonprofits, she inspires people with her unique “balcony view” approach, guiding teams to align short-term actions with long-term vision.​

Karen’s executive career includes roles such as Senior VP and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Lands’ End, Head of Strategy and Innovation at General Electric, and P&L leader at Citigroup. Her commitment to service is reflected in multiple board appointments. ​

Karen has been recognized as a Private Company Director 2025 Director to Watch, 2025 BizTimes Media Notable BIPOC Executive, Woman of Influence, Notable Women on Boards, and Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders. ​

She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Washington University in St. Louis.

Sanjay Mohan

Executive Director of AI Strategy

Sanjay is a visionary leader with experience in driving transformative growth, innovation, and operational excellence across global corporations, startups, and technology consulting firms. As the Executive Director of AI at the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, Sanjay is dedicated to strengthening the region’s technology ecosystem by fostering collaboration between corporations, startups, educational institutions, and public-private initiatives.​

A seasoned strategy and growth executive, Sanjay has worked across four continents, guiding organizations through technology-driven transformations. He brings deep expertise in corporate innovation, commercialization of emerging technologies, and building sustainable tech ecosystems. ​

Before joining the MKE Tech Hub, he founded and led HealthIO, a predictive health-tech startup, scaling it from concept to acquisition. He has also held executive leadership roles at Milliman, Infosys, Pactera, and Polaris, where he led global teams, managed multi-million-dollar P&Ls, and helped Fortune 500 companies navigate digital transformation.

OUR PARTNERS

OUR COMMITMENT

Synapse operates on a not-for-profit basis. This unique position allows us to focus solely on delivering value to our manufacturing community, rather than maximizing returns.

Our fixed-fee structure covers program costs while ensuring you receive objective, vendor-neutral guidance focused entirely on your business success.

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