Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This presentation chronicles my journey from earning a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology to co-founding Falcomm, Inc., a venture-backed fabless semiconductor startup specializing in ultra-efficient power amplifiers for 5G and beyond. Drawing on experiences from academic research in zero-power RF/mm-wave signal processing and novel power amplifier designs, I discuss how the foundational skills and insights gained in academia shaped my approach to solving real-world problems.
The presentation highlights the pivotal moments in this transition, including identifying a market need, securing venture capital funding, navigating team dynamics, and establishing partnerships with industry leaders like GlobalFoundries. I also share lessons learned about bridging the gap between theoretical innovation and practical implementation, as well as the mindset shifts required to thrive as both a researcher and a CEO.
This talk aims to inspire academics and aspiring entrepreneurs to recognize the transferable skills inherent in their work, embrace calculated risks, and leverage their expertise to make a meaningful impact in industry. It also emphasizes the importance of persistence, adaptability,
and collaboration in the pursuit of building a startup from the ground up.
Speaker(s): Edgar,
Room: 4021, Bldg: Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, California, United States, 95053
