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We are excited to welcome Syed Barizuddin to our team! Syed joins the Leslie Entrepreneurial Institute as Assistant Director of Research Commercialization, supporting the Tech Venture Program and working closely with NYU faculty and researchers as they move promising ideas toward real-world impact.

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you find your way to the Leslie Entrepreneurial Institute? What aspects of the role are you most excited to tackle?

I am an innovation and research commercialization professional helping university researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology-based startups translate promising ideas into real-world impact. My work has included research in various STEM areas, invention disclosures and IP strategy, technology transfer, startup formation, venture development, and securing federal funding through programs such as SBIR/STTR. In my previous positions I have supported a broad portfolio of science- and technology-based ventures.

I found my way to the Leslie Entrepreneurial Institute through my interest in working within a dynamic university ecosystem where research, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement come together. I am particularly excited to connect with faculty, researchers, and students across NYU. I look forward to helping assess the commercial potential of emerging innovations and support teams as they move from early ideas to validated technologies, partnerships, funding opportunities, and new ventures.

What draws you to working with startups?

I enjoy the combination of creativity, uncertainty, and problem-solving that defines startup development. Startups begin with a hypothesis about a problem and a possible solution; it is rewarding to help founders test their assumptions, learn from customers, refine their value proposition, and determine the best path forward.

I am especially drawn to working with researchers and first-time entrepreneurs. They often possess deep technical expertise and transformative ideas but may need support navigating intellectual property, markets, funding, team formation, and commercialization strategy. Helping them connect these pieces and make meaningful progress is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and learning about different cultures and cuisines.

Share a fun fact

If I was not working in deep-tech, I would be working in fashion!