From the Lab to the Factory Floor — and Everything In Between.
Meridian 81 Technology Partners is led by Rick Schwerdtfeger, Ph.D. — a CEO, CTO, and co-founder with 30+ years taking technology from early research through pilot, scale-up, and full production. We bring that same hands-on credibility to every engagement.
Advancing the Industries That Power the Future
Meridian 81 exists to give PE- and VC-backed companies, established manufacturers, and deep-tech startups access to the kind of executive and technical leadership that usually only comes with a full-time hire — without the overhead or the long ramp time.
Rick Schwerdtfeger, Ph.D. founded Meridian 81 after decades operating at the intersection of materials science, advanced manufacturing, and executive leadership. As a serial entrepreneur in Founder, CEO, or CTO roles, and a former NSF Program Director managing 110 deep-tech companies, he brings a perspective that no single-industry generalist can match.
Whether the challenge is an annoying technical problem that won't go away, a stalled scale-up, a board that needs technical answers, a government funding opportunity, or a business in crisis — Meridian 81 brings the depth to move it forward.
Advisory Board Experience
Advisory board service across clean energy, STEM education and deep-tech research.
ClearCove Systems Inc.
Advisory Board Member
2013–2020
Business development and energy strategy at a wastewater-to-renewable-energy company
Whitaker Center for STEM Education
Advisory Board Member
2018–present
STEM education
FGCU Emerging Technologies Institute
Advisory Board Member
2018–2022
Interdisciplinary research and technology development
OUR&D
Advisory Board Member
2017–2024
Non-profit funding deep-tech research projects
What We Stand For
Technical Integrity
Every recommendation is defensible on technical grounds. Analysis is rigorous, conclusions are evidence-based, and deliverables are built to withstand board-level scrutiny.
Independence
No vendor affiliations, no equipment partnerships, no financial relationships that could compromise objectivity. The only obligation is to the client.
Practitioner-Led
Rick has operated equipment, qualified materials, managed programs, and built organizations in the industries Meridian 81 serves. Every engagement is led by someone who has done the work, supported by a bench of experienced consultants when needed.
Measurable Outcomes
Success is defined in terms of client outcomes — cost reductions, yield improvements, program milestones, and organizational performance — not deliverable counts or slide decks.
Six Service Lines. One Practitioner.
Fractional CEO & CTO Leadership
Part-time or interim executive leadership: strategy, technology roadmap, team building and board-ready answers, without a full-time hire.
2Technical Due Diligence
An independent read on whether a technology, team and plan will survive production, for investors, acquirers and partners.
3Equipment, Controls & Scale-Up
Move a process from pilot to production: equipment specification, controls and automation, vendor selection, installation, ramp and yield learning.
4Government Funding Strategy
Shape and write competitive DOE, NSF and SBIR proposals, informed by time on the funding side as an NSF Program Director.
5Commercialization & Partnerships
Business development, customer discovery, go-to-market, licensing and strategic partnerships for new and mature technologies.
6Crisis, Restructuring & Transition
Steer a business through disruption or change: cost and cash discipline, operational restructuring, and clean, well-managed transitions.
Let's Discuss Your Program
Whether you're facing a technical challenge, a strategic decision, or a business in crisis — Rick brings the depth and the track record to move your program forward.
Contact Us