UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

In Part 2 of this episode, host Dina Uzri sits down with Dan Eversole PhD, Patient Health Excellence Lead at Takeda Pharmaceuticals and a University of Rochester alum, to trace the path that took him from studying optics and biomedical engineering in Rochester to becoming a product and strategy leader at the forefront of digital health. Dan shares how growing up in Rochester's rich optics ecosystem sparked his passion for innovation, his journey to UT Austin to pursue cutting-edge PhD research in biomedical optical engineering.He opens up candidly about founding a startup straight out of graduate school — the early excitement, the harsh realities, and the personal sacrifices. From there, Dan reflects on how each role shaped his approach to customer-centric product development, real-world clinical workflows, and applying AI in healthcare and drug discovery to uncover meaningful insights from complex data. A throughline emerges across the conversation: the best innovations start not with the technology, but with a deep understanding of the people they are designed to serve.

To learn more about Dan Eversole, check out the links below.

·      Daniel(Dan) Eversole, Ph.D. | LinkedIn

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In Part 1 of this episode, host @Dina Uzri sits down with Dan Eversole PhD, Patient Health Excellence Lead at Takeda Pharmaceuticals and a University of Rochester alum, to trace the path that took him from studying optics and biomedical engineering in Rochester to becoming a product and strategy leader at the forefront of digital health. Dan shares how growing up in Rochester's rich optics ecosystem sparked his passion for innovation, his journey to UT Austin to pursue cutting-edge PhD research in biomedical optical engineering.He opens up candidly about founding a startup straight out of graduate school — the early excitement, the harsh realities, and the personal sacrifices. From there, Dan reflects on how each role shaped his approach to customer-centric product development, real-world clinical workflows, and applying AI in healthcare and drug discovery to uncover meaningful insights from complex data. A throughline emerges across the conversation: the best innovations start not with the technology, but with a deep understanding of the people they are designed to serve.

To learn more about Dan Eversole, check out the links below.

·        Daniel (Dan) Eversole, Ph.D. | LinkedIn

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

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

·        HeronAI -Automated Data Analytics

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

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.flowlie.com/

When They Win, You Win: A More Human Approach to Supporting Entrepreneurship by Vlad Cazacu

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

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

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

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

In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzlepodcast, Dina Uzri interviews Matias Figliozzi, CEO and co-founder of Unibaio, an agri-tech startup focused on developing biodegradable microparticles that increase absorption of plant fertilizers and pesticides, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of these chemicals used in farming. Matias shares his journey from an economist to an entrepreneur, the challenges of bridging science and business, and the innovative technology that Unibaio is bringing to the agricultural sector. He discusses the importance of collaboration, understanding customer needs, and the regulatory landscape for their product. The conversation also touches on the recent win at the Grow-NY competition and the future of sustainable agriculture.

To learn more about Matias and Unibaio, check out the linksbelow.

-         MatiasFigliozzi | LinkedIn

-         Unibaio -Home

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, Dina Uzri interviews Paul Guglielmo, Founder of Guglielmo Sauce and President and CEO of Craft Cannery. Paul shares his inspiring journey from a career in radio to craft food entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned in building his sauce brand, the importance of personal connections with customers, and how Craft Cannery supports other food entrepreneurs. Paul also reflects on his experience winning the Grow-NY competition and offers valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for risk tolerance and the importance of taking that first step.

To learn more about Paul, Craft Cannery, and GuglielmoSauce, check out the links below.

- https://www.craftcannery.com/- https://www.guglielmosauce.com/

Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

In this audio series, host Dina Uzri introduces the recently released University of Rochester resource "UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs". The guide aims to demystify the startup process and equip academic researchers with basic knowledge to navigate their entrepreneurial journey confidently.

CHAPTER 7 | Choosing a Law Firm

CHAPTER 8 | Developing a Business Plan

CHAPTER 9 | Fundraising Fundamentals