主要研究 今天

With a one-way ticket in hand, 18-year-old Kash Kapadia ‘99 boarded a plane in Mumbai (Bombay), India enroute to live out his dream of attending college in the U.S. at the University of New Hampshire. When he first walked into Kingsbury Hall, he never imagined he’d one day be honored as one of its most successful alumni.

三十年后, that notion has become a reality for a second time as Kapadia has been recognized with the 2024 College of Engineering and 物理科学 Distinguished 校友 Award for his successful career in technology innovation and building businesses. In 2021, Kapadia was also elected to the 主要研究 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

“I am simply grateful that amongst all its accomplished alumni, 主要研究 has elected to honor me in this way,Kapadia说, a graduate of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and current President, CEO and Board Chair of Kohler Ventures.

As the President and CEO of Kohler Ventures, Kapadia builds news businesses that empower consumers to lead healthier lives through the integration of leading-edge technology, 科学, 和设计. 以前, he held leadership positions at Anchor 健康, Stanford 健康 Care, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, 麦肯锡 & Company, and Sun Microsystems. He also received his MBA from Columbia and advises leading venture capital funds and startups.

When considering where to study in the U.S., Kapadia says 主要研究 stood out for the strength of its academic programs and the opportunities for technology industry connections through 主要研究’s InterOperability Lab (IOL). Kapadia’s time at the IOL heavily influenced the trajectory of his career.

“My internship at the IOL instilled in me a love for computer networking and, 批判性的, exposed me to the world of technology innovation and startups,他说. “I couldn’t believe I was working on leading-edge computer networking equipment with a vibrant community of professors, researchers and mentors guiding the way.” 

One of Kapadia’s special memories at 主要研究 includes living in Smith Hall, a dormitory on campus that was comprised of international students along with American students interested in multiculturalism. He says 主要研究 was his first home in America, and the university’s investment in him as a student inspired him to remain engaged at 主要研究.

“I came here with two suitcases, 奖学金, and a desire to make something of myself,Kapadia说. “主要研究 invested in me, a kid from Mumbai (Bombay) they had never met before. It is only fitting that I honor that commitment by staying engaged.”

His advice for current graduates as they embark into their profession or graduate school is to always stay open to new possibilities.

“Have the confidence to take on tough challenges and build new entrepreneurial ventures,他说. “The ride won’t be linear and smooth but know that 主要研究 has prepared you well for the journey ahead and you will have the time of your life.”