Meet Easton Lachappelle, a young, self-made entrepreneur, who is working with industry powerhouses from Arrow, Indiegogo, to Microsoft, to create more affordable and functional prosthetic arms via his company, Unlimited Tomorrow.

When Easton was 14, he made his first robotic hand out of LEGOs, fishing wire and electrical tubing. With gradual improvements, the hand turned into an arm and then advanced to a 3D-printed brain-powered robotic arm that he could operate with his mind. After an encounter with a 7-year-old girl at a science fair whose prosthetic arm had cost $80,000, LaChappelle was inspired to solve this problem by creating a practical and affordable device. Not only were his designs amazing, but his young age in addition to his self-taught knowledge of robotics started to make an impact. President Obama shook hands with one of his arms, and Easton has traveled the world spreading the message that you can learn outside of the education system. For example, he was invited to share his story on the TED stage. He’s even worked at NASA on the Robonaut project developing a new tele-robotic interface.

Learn about his rapid journey from Durango, CO to NYC and the transition from hobbyist to industry disruptor as he continues on his mission to create technology that will lower the barrier to access artificial limbs. We’ll also cover the strategy of partnering with experts to overcome design, manufacturing and funding challenges as Easton has via Arrow and Indiegogo.

Audience Q&A to follow