PhDs in Entrepreneurship: Exploring the Cornell Tech Runway Startup Postdoc Program with Fernando Gomez-Baquero

Summary:In this episode of PostPhDirections, I sit down with Fernando Gomez-Baquero, the Director of the Runway Startup Postdoc Program at Cornell Tech, to explore how PhDs can transition from academia to entrepreneurship. Fernando shares his journey from earning a PhD to becoming a CEO and how the CornellTech Runway Startup program supports researchers in building their own startups. We talk about the financial backing, mentorship, and structured curriculum participants receive, and why embracing failure, storytelling, and speed are critical in the entrepreneurial process. If you’ve ever thought about commercializing your research or taking an unconventional career path, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration for taking that next step. Apply to the program here: