Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential: Lehigh Students Thrive in Silicon Valley
Lehigh University students are diving headfirst into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship, gaining firsthand experience in California’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Through programs like the Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovation and Lehigh West, students are transforming ideas into tangible ventures.
JR Perez, a dual major in chemical engineering and the Integrated Degree in Engineering and Arts and Sciences (IDEAS), discovered the LehighSiliconValley (LSV) program during his sophomore year. This immersive week-long program offers students a chance to explore entrepreneurship on the West Coast, fostering a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Perez’s participation in LSV was transformative, allowing him to connect with successful Lehigh alumni and envision his own future in entrepreneurship. “Speaking to Lehigh alumni leaders in the industry was really beneficial for not only meeting people and making connections, but breaking out of my shell,” Perez explained.
One significant interaction was with Marc Tarpenning P’27, venture partner at Spero Ventures and Tesla Inc. co-founder. This conversation broadened Perez’s perspective, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of entrepreneurship where engineers can also lead businesses. Inspired by these experiences, Perez eagerly sought further opportunities in San Francisco.
His next step was the StartUp Academy, a 10-week practicum in San Francisco offered by the College of Business and Lehigh West. Perez spent his summer interning at Joule Labs, a startup specializing in autonomous fleet service infrastructure, immersing himself in the Silicon Valley ecosystem to gain insights for his own budding startup.
“After LSV, I was really inspired to find my own niche and build my own startup,” Perez said. He actively attended conferences, networked, and researched how entrepreneurs established their companies. Throughout this journey, Perez learned valuable lessons, including what to avoid in the entrepreneurial process.
Back at Lehigh, Perez continued to engage in research labs, identifying a recurring issue with inventory mismanagement. This observation led to the creation of SmartFlow Inventory, a voice-based platform tailored for small manufacturers. His innovative solution earned him the grand prize at the Baker Institute’s Eureka! Student Venture Program, along with a $5,000 award.
Now, Perez mentors fellow students in Baker Institute programs, sharing the insights he gained through Lehigh’s entrepreneurial initiatives. “I don’t think any of this would’ve clicked for me if it wasn’t for Lehigh Entrepreneurship and Lehigh West. They taught me how to find opportunities, how to turn problems into solutions,” he remarked, encouraging students from all disciplines to explore entrepreneurship.
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