UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Charlotte Hamilton, Co-Founder and CEO of TAF Carbon, about her extensive experience in hard tech and clean energy innovation. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple startups, Charlotte shares what it takes to bring deep-tech solutions to market, the hurdles of fundraising in the space, and how regulatory policies influence the future of new technologies. She highlights the ...

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,...

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. ...

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 entrepre...

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 ...

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 t...

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...

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 ind...

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...

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 li...

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...