TEDxCSTU

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Adam Chen

  Adam Chen is General Manager at Analogix, where he leads their display IC business. With over 30 years in the semiconductor industry, Adam has helped bring multiple startups to success, holds several patents, and has deep experience spanning engineering, marketing, and global strategy. An MIT-trained engineer, he’s passionate about making advanced tech—like AI—accessible to non-technical professionals.

• Andreas Ramos

  Andreas Ramos came to Silicon Valley in 1992 and has worked in marketing at many major corporation and startups, including Cisco, MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, He now teaches AI and Digital Marketing at CSTU. He's written more than 22+ books on digital marketing in six languages. See linkedin.com/in/andreasramos and his website andreas.com.

• Bharathi Raja Bose

  Bharathi Raja Ramachandra Bose serves as the Vice President of Sales at Relanto AI, a pioneering AI-native advisory and consulting firm. With a strong track record of delivering transformative AI solutions, he has collaborated with top-tier tech companies—including Google, Apple, and Microsoft—and mentors emerging AI startups across Silicon Valley. Outside the boardroom, Bharathi is a passionate communicator and creative thinker. He’s an accomplished author, translator, lyricist, and public speaker, with a deep love for literature and critical thought. His book உலகளாவிய பெருங்கூக்குரல்கள் (Global Outcry) presents Tamil translations of interviews with some of the world’s most influential minds, including Stephen Hawking, Yuval Noah Harari, and Noam Chomsky. Whether driving innovation in enterprise AI or bridging global ideas through language, Bharathi brings a unique blend of technical insight and cultural depth to every conversation.

• Cecilia Shen

  Cecilia Shen is the CEO and co-founder of Cybever, an AI-powered 3D world creation platform pioneering a new approach to video generation. By combining structured 3D environments with cutting-edge AI, Cybever enables creators across industries to generate production-ready content with unprecedented control, scalability, and visual precision—whether for games, film, or real-world simulations. With a career rooted in innovation, Cecilia previously served as an AI engineer at Google X, where she contributed to transformative projects like Mineral, an Alphabet initiative focused on advancing sustainability and robotics in agriculture. Her background combines deep technical expertise with a strong belief in using technology to solve meaningful, real-world challenges—a philosophy that defines her leadership at Cybever.

• Dong Jiang

  Dong Jiang or DJ, a lifelong learner who embodies the spirit of curiosity, growth and sharing. He is deeply involved in AI automation, building AI agents, and the world of no-code development. With a passion for public speaking and communication, he've learned from top mentors and coaches and attended around 700 events, connecting with over 6,000 fascinating individuals, and he’s not only committed to his own growth but also love to helping others improve their communication and public speaking skills

• Glen Qin

  Dr. Glen Qin, President of California Science and Technology University, is an esteemed educator, engineer, and technical leader in Silicon Valley. Holding a PhD from UC Berkeley, Dr. Qin is an expert in AI and Data Science. As a visionary leader, he has been guiding CSTU since its inception, driving the university's success. His leadership has not only shaped CSTU’s achievements but has also inspired many graduates to become high achievers in their own right.

• Jay Zhang

  Jay Zhang is a Software Engineer at YouTube (Google), He is a seasoned builder in Generative AI across infrastructure, models, and products. With impactful agentic product deliveries, he now focuses on content creation and Gen AI at YouTube. He holds degrees from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and UIUC.

• Jinxing Li

  Jinxing Li, Ph.D. Dr. Jinxing Li is a research scientist at UCLA specializing in space physics and AI for science. He leads a NASA-funded project focused on developing AI space environment model. Dr. Li is the founder of FoxGlobe, a company dedicated to AI education and consulting. He serves as the director of the Creative AI Contest (creati-ai.com), an international competition that promotes creativity in AI design.

• Jiumei (Master Peace) Zhang

  Jiumei (Master Peace) is the founder of the InLight Foundation. For her contributions to humanitarian work and social impact, she received the LABA International Humanitarian Contribution Award (USA). Her journey weaves together entrepreneurial spirit, cross-cultural insight, and decades of contemplative practice. Today, she is dedicated to helping leaders and seekers find strength and serenity in the era of AI and constant change—opening new possibilities for leadership and ways of living. Her work has also been recognized by multiple international organizations.

• John Jiang

  Dr. John Jiang is a pioneer in big data, AI, and digital transformation. As Chief Architect/CTO of Lockheed Martin IT after 9/11, he led anti-terrorism data systems and the virtual border for DHS (2002–2005). He built and led enterprise data practices at BearingPoint (2005–2009), and served as Executive Architect at IBM and Dell (2009–2012), advising Global 500 CIOs/CTOs on cloud and data strategy. At Hitachi America R&D (2012–2015), he drove IT/OT transformation via Industrial Internet. Since 2015, he has consulted as CTO, enterprise architect, and data scientist for Walmart, Boeing, Intel, FAA, Vanguard, and others. Dr. Jiang holds a PhD in particle physics from Stony Brook University and was a postdoc at Stanford SLAC, contributing to the discovery of the top quark. He also worked at Fermilab, NASA Ames, and NSLS. With 25+ years of leadership, he has bridged advanced science and enterprise tech across sectors.

• Liangfang Chao

  Dr. Liang Chao is a Silicon Valley technologist and civic leader who brings people together through innovation and storytelling. With a Ph.D. from Princeton and decades of experience in chip design software, she now works at a startup transforming circuit board design with AI and automation. As Mayor of Cupertino in 2025, she launched initiatives blending art, entrepreneurship, and technology to strengthen community bonds.

• Mantin Lu

  Mantin Lu is a keynote speaker, coach, and founder of the Success Spectrum Movement who transforms the lives of parents raising neurodivergent children. With over 10 years of speaking and coaching experience, along with a strong foundation in business leadership and education, he combines his unique performing arts background with profound personal experience to deliver impactful presentations. As a father of an autistic child and former C-Suite executive who has navigated both professional success and personal challenges, Mantin offers authentic, evidence-based strategies that help parents move from surviving to thriving in their unique parenting journey.

• Natalia Bielczyk

  Natalia Bielczyk, PhD is a Career Strategist, Business Developer, and Computational Neuroscientist exploring the Future of Work. In the AI-first labor market, professional development has become "chess 5D,” and so she travels the world studying the rules of the game. She is building Ontology of Value®: an online career incubator helping professionals and teams self-navigate and subvert all expectations in AI era. Natalia and her team build tools and educational programs to help professionals self-navigate and craft their dream careers, as well as help businesses create synergistic, healthy, and happy teams in times of AI. She works as an academic teacher, researcher, advisor, startup mentor, speaker, author, podcaster, and blogger. Even though she chose to work in the open job market, Natalia remains a researcher at heart and believes in the compatibility of science and entrepreneurship. As a bootstrapping solopreneur, she also advocates for independent decision making in business.

• Peter Danenberg

  Peter Danenberg is a senior software engineer at Google DeepMind, where he leads rapid prototyping for Gemini, creating high-visibility AI applications showcased to top executives.

• Peter Dominick

  Professor Peter Dominick, was Marketing Director at Medtronic(Billion$ Company), successfully led the commercial launch of a robotic surgery product. Previously, he worked as Director, Product Marketing Manager at Avingera and Product Manager at Intuitive Surgical. Dominick holds degrees from Santa Clara University and the University of California, Santa Cruz.

• Ping Wu

  Ping Wu is an AI educator and speaker dedicated to empowering people at the intersection of technology and humanity. His mission is to help individuals move from anxiety to creativity by recognizing the patterns that shape decisions, relationships, and the future—augmented by AI tools. Before this calling, Ping spent over two decades in the software and IT industry, holding leadership and technical roles at TikTok USA, SAP, and webMethods (acquired by IBM). He now teaches Multi-Agent Systems at California Science and Technology University, consults with Gilead Sciences on cloud data quality, and co-authored MAS – Multi-Agent System with Andreas Ramos. Ping also advises a California Commissioner for Economic Development and is the inventor of a patent-pending system for AI coordination and digital twins, designed to amplify human thinking and creativity through pattern recognition.

• Raymond Fu

  Raymond Fu is a veteran technologist and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in the software industry. In this insightful talk, he tackles a critical question facing today’s workforce: How do we learn software engineering in the age of AI? With firsthand experience leading innovation across startups and tech companies, Raymond shares practical ideas on what students can do to become successful engineers and thrive in an AI-driven world.

• Ricky Chan

  Ricky Chan is a distinguished academic, entrepreneur, and licensed real estate broker bridging theory and practice across entrepreneurship, AI, and startup ecosystems. He is Professor of Entrepreneurship at California Science and Technology University (CSTU), Lecturer of Computer Science at San Jose State University (SJSU), Executive President of the CSTU Startup Center, and Program Manager of the ZinnStarter Startup Accelerator at SJSU, mentoring aspiring founders. His expertise spans entrepreneurship, data structures, algorithms, AI, predictive analytics, and the dynamics of startup success. Beyond academia, Ricky leads AI initiatives such as the Cupertino Stories Project for Mayor Liang Chao and has judged the Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge (SJSU) and the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (SMU). As founder of Kudo Services and VP of the PolyU Alumni Association (Northern California), he blends research and practice to empower innovators worldwide.

• Rohan Marfatia

  Rohan Marfatia has 20+ years of experience in sales, strategic partnerships, and business growth through innovative solutions. He has led digital transformation programs for global enterprises across Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Travel, Telecom, and Insurance. With a strong track record in both startups and large-scale organizations, Rohan connects technology to measurable business outcomes and builds sustainable partner ecosystems. He holds an MBA from Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, and a Bachelor's in Electronics & Communications Engineering from Sardar Patel University. At DataCRaiM, he focuses on integrating AI, data analytics, and CRM to deliver “Excellence with Intelligence” across industries. Outside of work, Rohan enjoys travel and sports, bringing a global mindset to solving business challenges.

• Shalini Gopalkrishnan

  Dr. Shalini is the CSTU - California Science and Technology University Professor, a consummate traveller to all continents and over 100 countries, Speaker, author, researcher, serial entrepreneur in technology, leadership, and social impact

• Shawn Flynn

  Shawn Flynn is a seasoned mid-market investment banker and distinguished Podcast Host deeply immersed in Silicon Valley's vibrant ecosystem. Leveraging extensive experience across various business stages and sectors, Shawn currently serves as Managing Director at Silicon Valley Highpoint Capital (SVHCapital), a premier middle market investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions, growth capital raising, and secondary. Shawn Flynn is a Registered Representative of Finalis Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC). The views expressed are his own.

• Sophie Ren

  Sophie Ren is a visionary founder, learning scientist, and AI-humanity explorer. As the Co-founder of ChatSlide.AI and board member of Stanford Entrepreneurs and Stanford Alumni WIN, she bridges neuroscience, AI, and product innovation to redesign how we learn. A Forbes 30 Under 30 and Hurun 30 Under 30 honoree, Sophie has pioneered breakthroughs in subconscious-driven learning, LLM emotional intelligence, and motivation design. Her ventures—including DouXing, used by millions across Asia—reflect her core belief: the future of learning lies not just in logic, but in unlocking the invisible forces of intention, memory, and emotion. A Stanford-affiliated investor at Velocity Capital and member of the Stanford AI Alignment community, Sophie now focuses on how large language models and the human brain can co-evolve.

• Vivi Lin

  Vivi Lin is a former Reuters TV journalist turned tech storyteller, bridging innovation with humanity. She is the founder of VIVI Media Group and creator of Vivi in the Valley (Tech with Soul Series), where she explores the intersection of AI, Web3, and purposeful design. Her mission is to champion mindful innovation—tech that serves the human spirit, not just the market. Vivi advises startups, builds platforms, and speaks globally on aligning emerging technologies with empathy, purpose, and connection—especially in times of disruption.

• Wenshe (Binghe) Lou

  Binghe, born in 1973, holds a Bachelor's in Economics and Law from the China University of Political Science and Law. A professional writer, he authored bestsellers such as Homeless《无家》, The Damned War《狗日的战争》, and Dutycalls《使徒》. He has served as Director of Business Weekly, Producer at Tourism Satellite TV, and Chief Editor at Sohu.com and UK-based The Chinese Weekly. Binghe founded BingheAI Arts, which focuses on AI-generated content. In 2024, he launched a well-received AI storytelling course in North America and now works with Harvard CAMLab on global AI education. From 2025–2027, Chongqing Publishing Group will publish his upcoming novels, including AI Apocalypse, Shadowless, Blade Runner, Homeless, Dutycalls New Edition, Science Mystery, The Abyss, and Shark Game.

• YK Sugi

  Developer Experience Manager at Eventual. Also a creator of an open source coding assistant with 1200 stars on GitHub. Founder of CS Dojo, a programming education YouTube channel with 1.9M+ subscribers.

• Yu (Yumi) Du

  Yu Du is the Regional Head of Business Development & Sales at FanTuan Delivery, where she has led partnerships with hundreds of restaurants and brands across the U.S. With a background in engineering and design, she brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, empathy, and storytelling to her work. Yu applies her knowledge of psychology and communication to create meaningful business outcomes and foster lasting relationships. Her core sales philosophy centers on authenticity and understanding the real reasons behind why people say yes.