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Thomas Katona

Associate Professor - Innovation & Entrepreneurship at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Thomas Matthew Katona is an Associate Professor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly).12 He has a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UC Santa Barbara and an MBA from the University of South Carolina.2

Dr. Katona's expertise spans both academia and industry:

  1. Academic roles:

    • Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Cal Poly since 20141
    • Teaches in both the Orfalea College of Business and College of Engineering1
    • Faculty Director of the Innovation Sandbox at Cal Poly1
    • Director of Student Innovation Programs2
  2. Industry experience:

    • Worked in technology-based startups, focusing on solid-state lighting and semiconductor technologies12
    • Held senior roles in three successive startups: SET Inc., Soraa, and NEXT Lighting2
    • Experience with various funding models, including founder, government, and venture capital funded startups1

His teaching focuses on entrepreneurship, product design, and design thinking.1 Dr. Katona uses project-based learning as his primary teaching method and has been instrumental in formalizing cross-college entrepreneurship curriculum at Cal Poly.1

Outside of work, he enjoys singing karaoke and participating in the SLO Holiday Parade, where he's known for dressing up as Buddy the Elf.2

Highlights

Sep 26 · cie.calpoly.edu
Tom Katona | Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Tom Katona | Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Thomas M. Katona - Orfalea College of Business - Cal Poly
Jun 20 · venturewell.org
Faculty Spotlight: Tom Katona - VentureWell
Oct 8 · venturewell.org
How Collaboration Can Improve Entrepreneurship Education
‪Thomas M Katona‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

Related Questions

What are some notable projects or startups that Tom Katona has mentored at Cal Poly?
How does Tom Katona integrate his industry experience into his teaching?
What is the Innovation Sandbox at Cal Poly, and how does it benefit students?
Can you share examples of successful entrepreneurship capstone projects under Tom Katona's guidance?
What unique teaching methods does Tom Katona use in his entrepreneurship classes?
Thomas Katona
Thomas Katona, photo 1
Thomas Katona, photo 2
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Location

San Luis Obispo, California, United States