DinaU

UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

Business EN ↓ 28 episodes

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 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from the Upstate NY region.

Author

DinaU

Category

Business

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

May 22, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Episode 25: Daphne Pariser, CEO of HeronAI 22.05.2026

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...

Episode 24: Vlad Cazacu, CEO and Co-Founder of Flowlie Technologies 27.04.2026

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,...

Episode 23: Mike Kim, Biotech Strategy Executive and URochester Alum 02.02.2026

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 buil...

Episode 22: Juniyali Nauriyal, CEO and Co-Founder of Photonect 05.01.2026

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...

Episode 21: Chris Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of RETRN 15.12.2025

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 pro...

Episode 20: Matias Figliozzi, CEO and co-founder of Unibaio 01.12.2025

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 ent...

Episode 19: Paul Guglielmo, President/CEO of Craft Cannery and Founder of Guglielmo Sauce 17.11.2025

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...

UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs: Chapters 7-9 06.10.2025

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 CHAPT...

Episode 18: Scott Tenenbaum, Professor of Nanobioscience at SUNY Albany and CEO of sxRNA Technologies 22.09.2025

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Scott Tenenbaum,a Professor of Nanobioscience at the University at Albany - SUNY. Scott is also CEO of sxRNA Technologies, Inc., a SUNY spinout company that has engineered first-of-its-kind, RNA nanoswitches that enable targeted RNA therapies, unlocking a future of safer, more effective treatments. Scott shares his journey as an RNA biologist and academi...

UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs: Chapters 4-6 08.09.2025

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.

Episode 17: Silvia Garcia Codony, Assistant Vice President, New York Ventures 18.08.2025

In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzlepodcast, host Dina Uzri speaks with Silvia García Codony, Assistant Vice President of New York Ventures, about her career path into venture capital and the mission of NY Ventures to expand access to funding across the state. Silvia discusses how her diverse background in mathematics and life sciences informs her investment approach, offers i...

UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs: Intro through Chapter 3 04.08.2025

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. Startup Guide - UR Ventures

Episode 16: Ahmed Mustafa, CEO of BioSpherix 16.06.2025

In this episode of the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast, host Dina Uzri interviews Ahmed Mustafa, CEO of BioSpherix, who shares his fascinating career journey from political science to biotech leadership. Ahmed discusses his leadership philosophy, the importance of continuous learning, and the innovative technology at BioSpherix that aims to democratize healthcare. He emphasizes the sign...

Episode 15: Amy Gurske, Founder and CEO of sayhii 02.06.2025

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Amy Gurske, Founder and CEO of sayhii, a health tech startup focused on enhancing communication and engagement within organizations. Amy shares her unique journey from engineering to health tech, the lessons learned from her corporate experiences, and the power of data in understanding human performance and motivations. She discusses the “roots” of sayhi...

Episode 14: Tony Pisani, Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at URMC and Founder of SafeSide Prevention 19.05.2025

To learn more about Tony and Safe Side Prevention, check out the links below. (2) Tony Pisani | LinkedIn US Website: https://safesideprevention.com/ AUS Website: https://safesideprevention.com.au/ Podcast: SafeSide Prevention | Never the Same Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology DevelopmentProgram Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

Episode 13: Erik Simanis and Mark Yde from Venture Design Firm Half-Solved 05.05.2025

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Eric Simanis and Mark Yde about Integrative Venture Engineering (IVE), a methodology developed to create profitable ventures through a systems engineering approach. Erik and Mark discuss the importance of designing a profitable business architecture for new ventures from day one, especially for those creating new markets. They also walk through the limit...

Episode 12: Chris Strohsahl, President and CEO of Drummond Scientific 21.04.2025

In this episode, host Dina Uzri speaks with Chris Strohsahl, President and CEO of Drummond Scientific. Chris shares his journey from studying biophysics to founding Lighthouse Biosciences, joining Drummond Scientific, and eventually becoming the firm’s CEO. He discusses the serendipitous nature of his career, the challenges of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, and the innovative str...

Episode 11: Charlotte Hamilton, Co-Founder and CEO, TAF Carbon 07.04.2025

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 ne...

Episode 10: Karla George, CEO, FLX AI 24.03.2025

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 h...

Episode 9: Albert Huang- Surgeon Turned Serial Medtech Entrepreneur 10.03.2025

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 sh...

Episode 8: Stephanie Curcio- Co-Founder and CEO of NLPatent 24.02.2025

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 imp...

Episode 7: Susana Marcos- Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester 10.02.2025

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 Visu...

Episode 6: Tom Gaborski and Jim McGrath- CoFounders of SiMPore 27.01.2025

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...

Episode 5: Theresa Mazzullo and Rami Katz- Excell Partners 13.01.2025

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 ope...

Episode 4: Harold Smith- Founder and CEO of OyaGen 30.12.2024

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 expectati...

Listen to the UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.