Innovative New Program, TECH Fellows, Prepares Future Technical Entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley

Meet the inaugural cohort of the Technical Entrepreneur Coaching Hub (TECH) Fellowship at the Information Networking Institute (INI). Launched this year, the TECH Fellowship combines coursework with hands-on experience working with startups and venture capital firms to prepare the next generation of technical entrepreneurs.  

Leading this new program are two INI faculty members who have 19 years of combined experience in entrepreneurship: INI Professor of the Practice Quinn Jacobson and Associate Professor of the Practice Cynthia Kuo. The Fellowship is available to students in our two bicoastal degree programs, Master of Science in Mobile and IoT Engineering (MSMITE) and Master of Science in Information Technology - Information Security (MSIT-IS), who split their time between the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) main campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and CMU in Silicon Valley (CMU-SV). When students transition to Silicon Valley, they engage with top tech companies and entrepreneurs in the Bay Area.  

“Entrepreneurship can be an intimidating career path for engineers,” said Kuo. “That is why we created the TECH Fellowship — we wanted to help students develop confidence and grow their networks so they could launch their own ventures in the future. These students will be immersed into the Silicon Valley startup community while developing their entrepreneurial skills.” 

The TECH Fellowship builds on the vibrant resources and learning experiences already available at CMU-SV. Through the INI’s active alumni base located in Silicon Valley, students engage with a network of mentors and connections to bolster their careers. Half of the INI faculty is located at CMU-SV, providing courses designed to give students the foundational knowledge and skills to make an impact in their future professional roles. The TECH Fellowship infuses entrepreneurship directly into the curriculum, setting up the cohort for future success as technical leaders, startup founders or investors in new ventures.

The first TECH Fellowship cohort share why this program is so impactful to their career goals: 

Jingfei Xu – MSMITE 

The TECH Fellowship program offers me the invaluable opportunity to connect with venture capital firms and industry leaders, which aligns perfectly with my aspiration to build my own tech company. I have always been passionate about combining IoT engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and security to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges, such as improving cybersecurity for smart devices or optimizing resource management in connected systems. Through this program, I aim to deepen my understanding of entrepreneurial thinking, enhance my decision-making skills and gain insights into scaling a tech startup. By integrating these experiences with my academic background and career interests, I will be better equipped to turn my vision into reality and contribute meaningfully to solving critical global issues through technology. 

Anthony Shen – MSMITE 

The main reason I joined the TECH Fellowship program is to build connections within Silicon Valley’s techecosystem. These connections could open doors to internship and full-time job opportunities to gain experience in this dynamic environment. Beyond career development, I’m also excited about the opportunity to engage with entrepreneurs, including Professors Quinn Jacobson and Cynthia Kuo, as well as the TECH Fellowship community. My academic and career focus is on IoT and embedded software design  —  fields that are rapidly evolving. Through the TECH Fellowship program, I hope to deepen my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this space while learning how startups operate in fast-paced and innovative environments.  

Having worked at a startup before coming to CMU, I experienced the rewarding process of owning, designing and developing systems and products alongside experienced engineers. Working in a startup offers a unique chance to make a direct impact, collaborate closely with a diverse team and learn the complications of building a business. The TECH Fellowship provides a platform to refine my soft skills, expand my network and explore the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. 

Shrawani Pagar – MSIT-IS 

I aim to deepen my understanding of technology innovation and its practical application in addressing real-world challenges. The program provides a unique platform to develop leadership skills, collaborate with like-minded peers and learn from experts in the field. Through hands-on projects and mentorship opportunities, I hope to refine my problem-solving abilities, broaden my technical expertise and gain insights into emerging trends. 

As a master's student in Information Technology and Information Security at CMU, I focus on building a career that merges cybersecurity with advanced technologies like AI and automation. The TECH Fellowship program aligns perfectly with this goal by fostering a blend of technical excellence and strategic thinking. It will prepare me for leadership roles where I can drive innovation while maintaining a secure and inclusive technological ecosystem. The program also offers exposure to a network of professionals and resources that will accelerate my career growth and enhance my contributions to the tech industry. 

Bear Xiong – MSMITE 

What excites me most about the TECH Fellowship program is the opportunity to experience the startup journey from start to finish in Silicon Valley, particularly in computer architecture and systems software innovation. The program’s network and hands-on experience are invaluable assets that will help us thrive as future tech industry leaders in related fields. As a MSMITE student, I see perfect alignment with my career interests. Mobile and IoT are two domains that are often the first to adopt new computer architectures, and conversely, these architectures drive innovation in mobile and IoT applications. Through studying in CMU and the TECH Fellowship program, I aim to gain a top-down understanding of these technologies while building connections with entrepreneurs and innovators who are shaping the future of tech. 

Ting-Yun Chan – MSMITE 

Being part of a rapidly growing product development journey is definitely exciting. I want to make a direct impact on products and transform ideas into real-world solutions. Joining this program will equip me with the essential skills to achieve that. I plan to improve my networking, communication, critical thinking abilities and become more familiar with the industry. 

Are you an INI alum or industry professional connected to the startup or venture capital community? If you're interested in hiring our students as an intern or sponsoring a Practicum project, connect with our TECH Fellowship Co-Leads.