The Science of Startups with Activate’s Cyrus Wadia

2024-05-30

Cyrus Wadia is the CEO of Activate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers scientists to bring their research to market. Having supported nearly 200 scientists in founding around 150 companies, including notable names like Fervo, Twelve, Sublime Systems, and Antora Energy, Activate offers selected fellows a unique blend of financial support, business capital, and access to a vast mentorship network. With hubs in Berkeley, Boston, New York, Houston, and a remote program, Activate nurtures the path from...

Cyrus Wadia is the CEO of Activate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers scientists to bring their research to market. Having supported nearly 200 scientists in founding around 150 companies, including notable names like Fervo, Twelve, Sublime Systems, and Antora Energy, Activate offers selected fellows a unique blend of financial support, business capital, and access to a vast mentorship network. With hubs in Berkeley, Boston, New York, Houston, and a remote program, Activate nurtures the path from scientific discovery to entrepreneurial success.

Cyrus recently joined Activate after stints in sustainability leadership roles at Amazon, Nike, and the White House. This extensive experience, combined with his PhD in energy and resources from UC Berkeley and chemistry degrees from MIT, equips him uniquely for this role.

While the path from computer science to entrepreneurship is well-trodden, Activate champions the less common path from life sciences, chemistry, and physics to entrepreneurship. As we transition our energy systems, it seems inevitable that many new science-based businesses will become iconic industry-defining companies of the 21st century. And for this to be realized, we need to nurture the pathway for scientist-entrepreneurs. Our MCJ venture funds have invested in multiple companies founded by Activate fellows, and we were eager to hear from Cyrus about Activate and his vision for where it's headed.

In this episode, we cover:

[03:49]: The gap Activate fills between academic research and commercialization
[05:44]: Transition challenges for scientists becoming entrepreneurs
[10:42]: The role of tech transfer offices and the gap in supporting hard tech entrepreneurship
[16:34]: Activate's unique approach in supporting fellows through licensing and entrepreneurship
[22:52]: The ideal Activate fellow: ready to jump into entrepreneurship head-first
[24:57]: Selection criteria for Activate fellows
[31:26]: Overview of Activate's program, including support and community involvement
[34:03]: Financial and strategic support provided to Activate fellows
[37:52]: Cyrus Wadia's background and journey to becoming CEO of Activate
[42:04]: Future directions and impact goals for Activate

Episode recorded on Mar 6, 2024 (Published on May 30, 2024)

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