Episode 21: Chris Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of RETRN

Episode 25: Daphne Pariser, CEO of HeronAI

In this episode, Dina Uzri interviews Daphne Pariser, PhD, CEO of Heron AI. Daphne shares her journey from biomedical sciences to leading a cutting-edge AI startup. Discover how her diverse background, strategic decisions, and regional support shaped her company's success in transformingbusiness analytics and decision-making. To learn more about Daphne Pariser and HeronAI, check out the links below. ·        Daphne Pariser, Ph.D. |LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-pariser/] ·        HeronAI -Automated Data Analytics [https://www.heronai.com/]   Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

Episode 24: Vlad Cazacu, CEO and Co-Founder of Flowlie Technologies

In this episode, Dina Uzri interviews Vlad Cazacu, CEO and Co-Founder of Flowlie Technologies. Vlad shares his entrepreneurial journey from studying psychology, accounting, and business at the University of Rochester to founding Flowlie Technologies, an AI-powered fundraising platform. He discusses lessons learned from startup experiences, venture capital insights, the importance of determination, and the future of AI in startup operations. To learn more about Vlad Cazacu, check out the links below. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladcazacu [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladcazacu] https://www.flowlie.com/ [https://www.flowlie.com/] When They Win, You Win: A More Human Approach to Supporting Entrepreneurship by Vlad Cazacu [https://a.co/d/05voCiFE] Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

Episode 23: Mike Kim, Biotech Strategy Executive and URochester Alum

In this episode, Dina Uzri interviews Mike Kim, a BS/PhD alumnus from the University of Rochester and seasoned biotech leader with over two decades of experience in business development and strategy. Mike shares his journey from bench science to business development and strategy, discussing the challenges and opportunities along the way. He emphasizes the importance of timing and community in building successful biotechs and the key differences in business development and strategy between startups and larger companies. Mike also provides his take on the hype vs reality for AI in drug discovery and development as well as insights into common mistakes made by early-stage biotechs. To learn more about Mike Kim, check out the link below. • Michael Kim | LinkedIn Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

Episode 22: Juniyali Nauriyal, CEO and Co-Founder of Photonect

In this episode, Dina Uzri interviews Juniyali Nauriyal, CEO and co-founder of Photonect, a startup focused on improving the efficiency of optical fiber connections to photonic chips. Juniyali shares her academic journey from India to the University of Rochester, her transition from researcher to entrepreneur, and the challenges of commercializing deep tech innovations. The conversation covers the importance of customer discovery, the role of various support programs, and her leadership philosophy in building a successful team. Juniyali also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in engineering and deep tech fields. To learn more about Juniyali and Photonect, check out the links below. • https://www.linkedin.com/in/juniyali-nauriyal/ • https://www.photonectcorp.com/ Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

Episode 21: Chris Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of RETRN

In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, Dina Uzri interviews Chris Thomas, CEO and co-founder of RETRN. Chris discusses his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, focusing on the development of sustainable bioplastics to combat plastic pollution. He shares insights on the challenges of navigating the competitive landscape, the innovative technology behind RETRN’s products, and the importance of customer feedback. Chris also highlights the significance of building a supportive company culture and the role of funding and mentorship in the startup ecosystem. To learn more about Chris and RETRN, check out the links below. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomas-845855b3/ - https://www.retrnbio.com/ Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester