Distinguished Lecturer Tour: From Lab to Marketplace: Bridging Academic Innovation & Photonics Entrepreneurship
Abstract: Drawing on two decades of advancing diffractive optics, computational imaging, and nanofabrication, I share lessons from translating fundamental research into impactful technologies and startup ventures. This talk highlights the interplay between curiosity-driven discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commercialization—showcasing how patents, spin-offs, and industry partnerships can amplify scientific impact. I will discuss strategies for building innovation-ready research teams, navigating technology transfer, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students. Attendees will gain insights into balancing academic rigor with market realities, and how the next generation of engineers and scientists can leverage both to accelerate societal and technological progress.
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- 2356 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Canada
- Building: Hector J. MacLeod Building - MCLD
- Room Number: MCLD 3038
- Starts 11 July 2026 07:00 AM UTC
- Ends 24 September 2026 07:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Biography: Rajesh Menon is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Utah and Chief Technology Officer of Oblate Optics, a company commercializing flat-optics technologies developed in his laboratory. His research integrates nanofabrication, computational design, and optical engineering to advance inverse-designed photonics, flat lenses, and unconventional imaging systems. He holds more than 40 patents, has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, and has co-founded four technology companies that translate research innovations into practical technologies. He is a Fellow of Optica and SPIE, and a Member of the National Academy of Inventors. His honors include the ICO Prize, the NASA Early-Stage Innovations Award, the NSF CAREER Award and the IEEE Photonics Society’s Distinguished Lectureship. Rajesh earned his S.M. and Ph.D. from MIT and collaborates broadly with academic, industrial, and government partners worldwide.