UR Ventures Tech Hustle and Buzzle

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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.

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

    FEB 2

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

    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 building successful biotechs and the key differences in business development and strategy between startups and larger companies. Mike also provides his take on the hype vs reality for AI in drug discovery and development as well as insights into common mistakes made by early-stage biotechs. To learn more about Mike Kim, check out the link below. • Michael Kim | LinkedIn Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

    1h 4m
  2. Episode 22: Juniyali Nauriyal, CEO and Co-Founder of Photonect

    JAN 5

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

    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 importance of customer discovery, the role of various support programs, and her leadership philosophy in building a successful team. Juniyali also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in engineering and deep tech fields. To learn more about Juniyali and Photonect, check out the links below. • https://www.linkedin.com/in/juniyali-nauriyal/ • https://www.photonectcorp.com/ Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

    39 min
  3. Episode 21: Chris Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of RETRN

    12/15/2025

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

    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 products, and the importance of customer feedback. Chris also highlights the significance of building a supportive company culture and the role of funding and mentorship in the startup ecosystem. To learn more about Chris and RETRN, check out the links below. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomas-845855b3/ - https://www.retrnbio.com/ Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

    49 min
  4. Episode 20: Matias Figliozzi, CEO and co-founder of Unibaio

    12/01/2025

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

    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 entrepreneur, the challenges of bridging science and business, and the innovative technology that Unibaio is bringing to the agricultural sector. He discusses the importance of collaboration, understanding customer needs, and the regulatory landscape for their product. The conversation also touches on the recent win at the Grow-NY competition and the future of sustainable agriculture. To learn more about Matias and Unibaio, check out the linksbelow. -         MatiasFigliozzi | LinkedIn -         Unibaio -Home Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

    41 min
  5. Episode 19: Paul Guglielmo, President/CEO of Craft Cannery and Founder of Guglielmo Sauce

    11/17/2025

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

    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 Craft Cannery supports other food entrepreneurs. Paul also reflects on his experience winning the Grow-NY competition and offers valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for risk tolerance and the importance of taking that first step. To learn more about Paul, Craft Cannery, and GuglielmoSauce, check out the links below. - https://www.craftcannery.com/- https://www.guglielmosauce.com/ Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

    54 min
  6. UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs: Chapters 7-9

    10/06/2025

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

    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 CHAPTER 9 | Fundraising Fundamentals

    27 min
  7. Episode 18: Scott Tenenbaum, Professor of Nanobioscience at SUNY Albany and CEO of sxRNA Technologies

    09/22/2025

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

    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 academic entrepreneur. He discusses the evolution of academia's relationship with industry, the complexities of the human genome, and the commercial applications of RNA nanoswitches. Scott also highlights the challenges of being a faculty entrepreneur, the resources available for academic startups, and offers valuable advice for researchers looking to commercialize their discoveries.   To learn more about Scott, his research, and sxRNA Technologies, check out the links below. - https://www.albany.edu/nanoscale-science-engineering/faculty/scott-tenenbaum - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotttenenbaum/ - https://www.sxrna.com/   Hosted by Dina Uzri, PhD, MBA - Technology Development Program Director at UR Ventures, University of Rochester

    1h 1m
  8. UR Ventures Startup Guide for Academic Entrepreneurs: Chapters 4-6

    09/08/2025

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

    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.

    26 min
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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.

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