UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

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UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle episodes

  • Episode 10: Karla George, CEO, FLX AI

    In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Karla George, CEO of FLX AI, a Rochester-based data analytics and AI solutions company. Karla speaks about her unique career path and shares how FLX AI evolved from a regional consortium into a leading provider of AI-driven data analytics solutions. Karla highlights the power of collaboration and the importance of staying ahead of AI trends, and shares her vision for the company’s future, including the development of off-the-shelf AI products.


    To learn more about Karla George and FLX AI, check out the links below.

    Karla George | LinkedIn

    About FLX AI – FLX AI

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

    28 min
  • Episode 9: Albert Huang- Surgeon Turned Serial Medtech Entrepreneur

    In this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Albert Huang, a UR alum and surgeon turned medtech entrepreneur, about his journey from medicine to founding Allotrope Medical. Albert shares insights on prototyping, market research, the importance of mentorship, and the role of Y Combinator in his success. He discusses the challenges faced during the startup journey, including fundraising, product design shifts, and the acquisition process. The conversation also touches on common pitfalls in medtech startups and the current trends in innovation within the industry.

    To learn more about Albert Huang, check out the link below.

    Albert Huang, MD | LinkedIn

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

    50 min
  • Episode 8: Stephanie Curcio- Co-Founder and CEO of NLPatent

    In this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Stephanie Curcio, co-founder of NL Patent, an AI-based patent research platform. They discuss Stephanie's journey from being an IP attorney to launching a patent tech startup, the challenges of patentresearch, and the evolving role of AI in democratizing access to patent data, and future implications for the industry. Stephanie also shares insights on the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship.

    To learn more about Stephanie Curcio and NLPatent, check out the links below.

    • Website: https://www.nlpatent.com/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-curcio-10479862/
    • Twitter: @stephabie

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

      46 min
    • Episode 7: Susana Marcos- Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester

      In this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Susana Marcos, a leading researcher in visual optics and ocular imaging. They discuss Susana's academic journey, her pioneering work in developing new technologies for eye evaluation, and the challenges of commercializing these innovations. Susana shares insights on the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, the role of the Center for Visual Science, and emerging trends in visual optics. She also offers valuable advice for researchers interested in forming spinoff companies.

      To learn more about Susana Marcos and the Center for Visual Science, check out the links below.

      • Susana Marcos, Ph.D. | UR Medicine
      • Center for Visual Science

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

        36 min
      • Episode 6: Tom Gaborski and Jim McGrath- CoFounders of SiMPore

        In this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Tom Gaborski and Jim McGrath, co-founders of SiMPore, an early-stage nanomaterials company. They talk about their academic backgrounds, the journey of launching a company from their research, and the challenges they faced along the way. They discuss the discovery of unique membrane materials, the recognition of their commercial potential, and the evolution of their business. Tom and Jim also talk about the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with their entrepreneurial activities. They reflect on their experiences, the lessons learned, and the exciting projects currently underway at SiMPore, particularly in the field of tissue on chip technology.


        To learn more about Tom, Jim, and SiMPore, check out the links below.

        (1)  Tom Gaborski | RIT

        (2)  McGrath Lab -University of Rochester Medical Center

        (3)  Nanotechnology Companies in USA | About Us | SiMPore


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

        University of Rochester

        48 min
      • Episode 5: Theresa Mazzullo and Rami Katz- Excell Partners

        In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Theresa Mazzullo and Rami Katz of Excell Partners about the venture capital landscape in western and upstate New York. Theresa and Rami discuss Excell’s unique position in the market, the importance of economic development, and the recent launch of the Upstate Biotech Ventures fund. They highlight their rigorous investment strategy, the advantages of operating in western New York,

        and the sectors they find most exciting for future investments. The conversation also covers the development of a life science ecosystem in western
        New York, focusing on the Upstate Biotech Ventures fund. Hear more about the fund's financial goals, the challenges faced in biotech investments, and the importance of strong management teams in startups. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from past investments and future aspirations for the fund, emphasizing the need for a robust support system for startups in the region.

         

        To learn more about Excell Partners and the Upstate Biotech Ventures fund, check out the links below.

        EXCELL – Invests In New York

        Upstate Biotech Ventures


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

        University of Rochester

        53 min
      • Episode 4: Harold Smith- Founder and CEO of OyaGen

        In this episode, Dina Uzri interviews Harold Smith, founder and CEO of OyaGen, hearing about his journey

        from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing dual careers, and the development of antiviral therapeutics targeting HIV and Ebola. Harold discusses the challenges and rewards of navigating setbacks in academia, the importance of partnerships in drug discovery, and the expectations of investors in the biotech industry. He shares his experiences with funding, the realities of starting a biotech company, and the significance of mentorship and collaboration. Harold
        emphasizes the need for intellectual growth and the balance between stress and personal well-being, while also outlining his future aspirations for his company, OyaGen.


        For more about Harold Smith and OyaGen, check out the links below.

        (2) Harold Smith | LinkedIn

        OyaGen – HIV drug discovery towards a cure


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

        University of Rochester

        53 min
      • Episode 3: Jim Senall- President, NextCorps

        In this episode, Dina Uzri speaks with Jim Senall, president of NextCorps, about his journey in technology and entrepreneurship, the evolution of NextCorps as a

        tech accelerator, and the various programs it offers to support startups. They discuss the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the importance of collaboration
        with local universities, and the role of the Rochester Angel Network in funding startups. Jim shares insights on the future of technology trends, particularly in AI and climate tech, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.


        For more about Jim Senall and NextCorps, check out the links below.

        (2) James Senall | LinkedIn

        About Us - NextCorps


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

        University of Rochester

        37 min
      • Episode 2: Harl Tolbert- Associate Vice President, UR Ventures, University of Rochester

        In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, host Dina Uzri speaks with Harl Tolbert, Associate Vice President of UR Ventures at the

        University of Rochester. They discuss Harl’s career journey from animal sciences to technology transfer, the intricacies of the tech transfer process, and the challenges and opportunities in commercializing academic research. The conversation also highlights emerging trends in life sciences, the university's
        strong optics program, and offers valuable advice for researchers and budding entrepreneurs.
        For more on Harl Tolbert and the UR Ventures Office at UR, check out the links below:

        (2) Harl Tolbert | LinkedIn

        Team - UR Ventures

         

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

        University of Rochester

        50 min
      • Episode 1: Darren Lipomi - Professor and Chair of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester

        In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, host Dina Uzri speaks with Professor Darren Lipomi, a leading figure in nanotechnology and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores Darren's journey from a rural upbringing to becoming a prominent academic and entrepreneur. He shares insights into the real-world applications of nanotechnology, the challenges of commercialization, and the importance of integrating business training into scientific education. The discussion also highlights the entrepreneurial culture within research labs and the significance of technology spin-outs. Listeners gain valuable advice on navigating the commercialization landscape and the support needed from universities to foster innovation.

        For more on Darren Lipomi, check out the links below: ⁠⁠Darren Lipomi - YouTube⁠⁠

        https://x.com/darren_lipomi


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

        University of Rochester

        41 min

      About UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

      From the publisher's feed

      Innovation is part of Upstate New York's DNA, and the region continues to “Hustle and Buzzle” with passionate technology entrepreneurs. Tune in for insights and advice from startup founders, academic…