WPI alum named first entrepreneur-in-residence
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has picked an alumnus and business executive as its first entrepreneur-in-residence, a role the school said will help students, faculty, and alumni identify early-stage technology startups and guide them toward growth.
Jim Giza, a 1995 graduate and a founder and former vice president at technology firm Kayak, will lead WPI’s Tech Advisors Network (TAN), which is comprised of about 40 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who advise and support students and faculty in converting ideas and research into commercial ventures.
“Jim Giza is spending time networking with entities across the state. The growth of interest from alumni in entrepreneurism and innovation has been accelerating so fast, we’re trying to get volunteers to take control of these initiatives. Through that, he is identifying candidates for TAN,” said Mark Rice, vice provost for innovation and entrepreneurship at WPI. “His primary focus is on (Worcester’s) UMass Medical Center, and how to connect WPI to medical people to create new medical products.”
Giza, who earned a master’s degree in computer science from WPI in 1995, is also principal owner of Throughput LLC, a consulting business for early-stage startups.
“As I see the entrepreneur-in-residence program, a large part will be getting companies into TAN,” Giza said in a statement from WPI. “A lot of people come through here [WPI] with ideas, but don’t know how to implement them. I want to see more stuff happening in Worcester, and I want to see grads staying in Worcester.”
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