1. Description of STEP Signature Project:
My STEP Signature Project involved attending TechCrunch’s Disrupt conference, a premier event for technology startups and innovators, that took place in San Francisco from September 19th to 21st. Sponsored by Ohio State University’s Second Year Transformational Program (STEP), this experience allowed me to immerse myself in the world of entrepreneurship, gain insights from leading tech innovators, and understand the dynamics of the startup ecosystem.
2. Understanding and Transformation:
Prior to my STEP Signature Project, I primarily viewed the world of startups and entrepreneurship from a purely academic perspective, based on what I had learned in classrooms and textbooks. However, dabbling in Ohio State’s startup ecosystem, by winning the Fintech Pitch Competition and Launchpad in 2022, and working on my startup with my peers, made me more interested in the world of venture capital and startups. Attending TechCrunch’s Disrupt conference transformed my understanding and showed me a different perspective that entrepreneurship is not just about innovative ideas, but also about the grit, determination, and resilience required to bring those ideas to fruition. I began to see myself not just as a mechanical engineering student, but as a potential innovator with the capability to contribute to the ever-evolving tech landscape.
3. Events Leading to Transformation:
Several key experiences during the conference catalyzed my transformation. Firstly, interacting with startup founders (such as Christian Reed of Reekon Tools, Quinn Sandler of Plantiga, and Blake Faulkner of CrewMate to name a few) gave me a firsthand account of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Their stories of overcoming obstacles, pivoting their business models, and persisting in adversity were truly inspiring.
Secondly, attending panel discussions and keynote addresses exposed me to diverse perspectives on technology trends, market dynamics, and investment strategies. These sessions expanded my horizons and made me realize the vast possibilities in the tech world. A few of my favorite sessions I attended were by the Founder and CEO of Cruise (autonomous robotaxis): Kyle Vogt and the founder of Redwood Materials who was also the CTO of Tesla and closely worked with Elon Musk for 17 years: JB Straubel. I enjoyed the roundtable conversations with Kaustubh Pandya (Partner at Brick & Mortar Ventures), Rex Salisbury (Founder and Solo GP), and Zhenni Liu (Partner at Mac Ventures).
Lastly, the relationships I forged with fellow attendees, many of whom were students like me, were invaluable. I was able to meet business students from UC Berkeley and was also able to meet fellow mechanical engineering students all the way from the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Our discussions, brainstorming sessions, and debates provided a collaborative learning environment, reinforcing the importance of community and networking in the startup ecosystem.
4. Significance of the Transformation:
This transformation is pivotal for my future aspirations. As a mechanical engineering student passionate about entrepreneurship, I now understand the importance of merging technical knowledge with business acumen. The insights gained from the conference will undoubtedly influence my academic pursuits, guiding me towards courses and projects that align with the intersection of technology and business. On a personal level, the experience has instilled a sense of confidence and determination to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Professionally, the relationships and networks formed will serve as a foundation for future collaborations, partnerships, and ventures.
