College of Engineering, Design & Computing Events

Brian Holloway, PhD
Vice President and Head of the Deep Science Fund
Intellectual Ventures

Launching a high-tech startup: What does it take, how is it done, and why you should at least consider doing it yourself

Abstract
Intellectual Ventures’ Deep Science Fund is built around our simple belief that there is a better way to invent and commercialize the next generation of technology. Taking ideas from our network of some of the world’s top inventors and bringing in talented scientists to turn those ideas into high-growth, disruptive companies, our impact is seen in the numerous spinout companies launched by our fund and our sister fund, the Invention Science Fund. Based on breakthrough research in metamaterials, nuclear engineering, thermionic emission, fluid dynamics, solid state physics, and materials science we have created more than 18 new companies.  

In this seminar I will outline the process the Deep Science Fund uses to identify opportunities, de-risk the scientific basis of an idea, develop technology, and launch new companies.  I will also summarize different sources of funding for new startups and provide my personal opinion on some of the pros and cons of each.

Bio
As the Head of the Deep Science Fund Brian Holloway leads a diverse team of technologists and entrepreneurs as they develop high-risk, high-reward opportunities into commercial successes via a novel research, development, commercialization pathway.  Dr. Holloway joined IV from Lockheed Martin where, as the Chief Technology Officer of Lockheed’s Advanced Technology Lab, he was responsible for the laboratory’s research vision, strategy development, technology road mapping, and business development/capture. 

Prior to Lockheed Martin, Dr. Holloway spent 7 years in government civilian service as a Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA) Program Manager (2009-2013), where he managed portfolio of fundamental and applied programs in both the Defense Science Office and the Strategic Technology Office; and as Associate Director of the US Navy Office of Naval Research Global (ONRG) London, UK office (2013-2015), where he created new capabilities for the warfighter via international research engagement. 

Before joining DARPA, Dr. Holloway established and led the Nano-Materials Research Group within Luna Innovations Incorporated.  From 1998 to 2006, Dr. Holloway was an assistant and associate professor (with tenure) in the Applied Science Department at the College of William & Mary.  Prior to joining the faculty at William & Mary, he served in the office of Senator John. D. Rockefeller (WV) as a legislative assistant. 

Dr. Holloway received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering (Highest Honors) from the University of Florida and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in mechanical engineering with a materials science minor from Stanford University.