Walking the Walk
The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) at the University of Michigan has a laser focus – to facilitate an entrepreneurial mindset within the University. We intend to foster various initiatives that encourage start-ups, and we know what that entails because the CFE itself is a true startup. We can walk the walk… and we’re going to take you right along with us.
When Thomas Zurbuchen and his band of rebels founded the CFE almost two years ago, they did so with a unique vision of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs and how to educate and provide opportunity and assistance to those who have the passion for creating something new. Their vision included not just commercialization of unique technology but also a strong desire to develop social entrepreneurship and change the world. What they have achieved in a relatively short amount of time is truly amazing and they should feel extremely proud.
I’m thrilled to be part of the movement that the CFE has undertaken and to lead it through its next stage of development. The energy, optimism and extreme focus on the target customer (students and faculty) are exactly the ingredients necessary for success. It’s stated repeatedly that in a successful startup it’s all about the team, and the CFE is no exception to that rule.
During the next 12 months our goals will be multifold. We’ll solidify the programs that have already been created and accelerate activities that will continue to unlock the energy and opportunities for students and faculty. We’ll engage members of the community and create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that will facilitate growth. I’m passionate about the work being done here and the opportunity not only to help our students and faculty achieve amazing things but also to help change Michigan and be part of the future of our State’s economic growth.
I recall something Thomas said to me when I was interviewing for this role that truly underscored the importance, energy and excitement about the CFE. Thomas said, “Failure is not an option.” So true – that says it all. We might stumble but we’ll learn from our mistakes and build on what we learn from them. After all, we’re entrepreneurs, and we walk the walk.
From Doug
Managing Director Doug Neal
Doug Neal is a serial entrepreneur and experienced senior technology and operations executive that has spent the last 20 years working in leadership positions at various technology companies in California and Michigan.
Prior to returning to his home state of Michigan, Doug was Vice President – Endpoint Policy Management at iPass Inc. and formerly President and CEO of Mobile Automation. He began his career in network management software during college at Central Michigan University as a network administrator and software programmer. In 1986, he joined Hewlett Packard and led a team to develop a network version of some of their existing software products. In 1991, Doug joined Symantec's Peter Norton Division where he was the Lead Architect and Director of Development for their system management product line. He co-founded Mobile Automation in 1997 believing that customers were missing an easy- to-use mobile system management solution. As President and CEO of Mobile Automation, Doug played an active role in strategic decisions, technical vision and operational management of the company. Mobile Automation was acquired by iPass Inc. in fall 2004 where he led a team to provide iPass connectivity customers with a secure management platform solution uniquely integrated with the broader iPass wireless product line.
Doug and his family returned to Michigan in 2005 where he has spent the last four years pursuing his own entrepreneurial activities in addition to mentoring multiple technology startups in the Ann Arbor area, working with SPARK, the Central Michigan Smart Zone and regional investment organizations.
Doug is passionate about entrepreneurship in Michigan and believes in the tremendous potential that exists in the University of Michigan entrepreneurial program. He feels the future of Michigan begins with our students.
Prof. Thomas Zurbuchen is the Founding Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and now oversees the Center as an Associate Dean of Entrepreneurial Programs. He is a professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Science, and the Department of Aerospace Engineering, at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. He serves on the boards of three small companies and non-profits, mostly in the state of Michigan. He has been at the University of Michigan for over 14 years.
Zurbuchen, who holds a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Bern, Switzerland, was a recipient of a Swiss National Science Foundation award before coming to the University of Michigan, where he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious U.S. Presidential Early Career Award, which represents the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. Zurbuchen, a specialist in the robotic exploration of space, served as team leader for the development of NASA’s Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer, an instrument that flew aboard the Messenger spacecraft during its January 14 flyby of Mercury.
Zurbuchen also has a long record of service as a Chair and Member of committees advising NASA, the NSF, and the DOL. He served on several committees of the National Research Council, mostly focused on Space Research. He has also testified to congress on research topics, on educational issues, and on export control.
Read Dr. Zurbuchen's weekly blogging about entrepreneurship.
Visit Dr. Zurbuchen's profile at the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Science.
Download Dr. Zurbuchen's CV
