Table Topics: Physics at Work for Humankind — Building Startups that Matter

ANCILLARYEVENT · EVT-TT03 · ID: EVT-TT03

This Table Topics session is an interactive, small-group follow-up with Daniel Renner, Principal at Atacama Optics & Electronics. Building on his session Physics at Work for Humankind, this extended Q&A discussion invites participants to engage directly with Daniel on the realities of launching and scaling physics-based startups. Conversation will focus on defining what makes a physics startup distinct, common challenges in funding, team formation, and commercialization, and the practical skills needed to manage growth—from leadership and budgeting to IP, manufacturing, and market development. Drawing on Daniel's personal experience, the informal format encourages candid questions, shared challenges, and real-world lessons for scientists and entrepreneurs seeking to build companies with meaningful impact.