Taste of Tech Seminar: Strategic Considerations for Florida and Semiconductors | IGNITE – Innovation Gator Network
Time and Date
11/17/2025
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM (EST)
Agenda
Lunch: 11:45 – 12:00 Talk 1: 12:00 – 12:20 Talk 2: 12:20 – 12:40 Networking: 12:40 – 1:00
Talk 1: Strategic Considerations for Florida and Semiconductors
Presentation Overview: Semiconductors are “hot,” and everyone, including Florida, wants to get into the action. However, established ecosystems are deeply rooted and rarely move. Instead, Florida must be clear-eyed about the broader competitive environment and focus on leveraging truly differentiated assets and capabilities that are authentic to the region. This short talk will explore the strategic options for semiconductors in Florida with some unconventional conclusions.
Dr. Rahul Razdan
About the Speaker
Dr. Rahul Razdan is a seasoned technologist and executive with more than four decades of experience spanning semiconductors, electronic design automation (EDA), and advanced computing. He began his career as an architect for the pioneering “Alpha CPU” at Digital Equipment Corporation, later leading the System & Functional Verification business at Cadence Design Systems, Sr VP Strategy at Flextronics, and successful startups in wireless power (Qualcomm) and EDA (Xilinx). He holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University (B.S., M.S.) and a Ph.D. from Harvard. Currently, he leads the Razdan Research Institute, where his work explores research in autonomy with an active strategy consulting practice on strategy with large public semi/EDA companies.
Talk 2: IGNITE – Innovation Gator Network
Presentation Overview: The Innovation Gator Network (IGNITE) empowers University of Florida students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and turn ideas into impact. Through experiential learning, industry partnerships, and a campus-wide student startup incubator, IGNITE equips students with the confidence and tools to innovate both inside and outside the classroom. This presentation explores how fostering creativity, hands-on problem solving, and innovation through experiential learning not only produces more entrepreneurial engineers but also develops professionals who are adaptable, collaborative, and ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
Bianca Valsecchi
About the Speaker
Bianca Valsecchi is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Florida, graduating in May 2026. This academic year, she serves as the Director of the Innovation Gator Network Inspiring Technology and Entrepreneurship (IGNITE) within the Engineering Innovation Institute. She was also the Program Coordinator for the IGNITE Industry Scholars Program during the 2024-2025 academic year, an industry-embedded initiative connecting students with corporate innovation projects. Her goals include applying innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary teamwork to create a meaningful impact within engineering education to better transition students into the industrial workplace.
| Thank you to our semester sponsor, Rohde & Schwarz, USA! Thanks to their generous support, this series will continue to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts for an unmatched experience exploring the latest trends and breakthroughs in the semiconductor industry. |
