Aras Sheikhi, born in 1987 in the picturesque city of Borujerd, surrounded by mountains, developed a passion for adventure and hiking from an early age. His academic journey began when he secured the 14th position in the highly competitive Konkur, the Iranian national entrance university exam.
Enrolling in Electrical Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, Aras emerged as a bookworm, consistently earning A+ marks, ranking first among his peers, and forming strong bonds with professors, notably Dr. Oraee and Dr. Ranjbar. Encouraged by his mentors, Aras delved into both academia and industry, leading a multidisciplinary team called Sahand, which achieved a remarkable third-place ranking in Iran with their innovative self-driving car.
Aras’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning saw him take courses in management and economics, enhancing his skill set. His academic journey, marked by excellence, eliminated the need for exams to progress from BSc to MSc and then to a Ph.D. degree.
A unique aspect of Aras’s character is his deep interest in the history of inspirational figures in Iran. This exploration served as a well of knowledge and inspiration, with Aras even engaging in conversations with living figures.
Post-Ph.D., Aras seamlessly transitioned into entrepreneurship while simultaneously joining the academic staff at Sharif University of Technology. Holding a professorship, he played a pivotal role in the university’s Innovation Center. This period marked significant personal and professional growth, as Aras mentored students, fostering innovation and creativity.
However, his main passion remained entrepreneurship and the commercialization of academic research. His academic approach to leadership was perfected with years of experience leading research projects for industrial heavyweights in Iran.
His leadership led to the establishment of two labs at Sharif University of Technology: Industry 4.0, which later led to the founding of Datall, boasting 40 employees and an international branch in Canada, and the Decentralized Distributed Data Systems lab, giving rise to Fluxudio, a venture established in Dubai with ongoing fundraising efforts.
His unique approach in connecting the academic focus of Sharif University of Technology with industry-backed research projects led to him being recognized as a distinguished faculty member by the university.
Currently, Aras serves as the Entrepreneurial Lead at UC San Diego, where he leverages his extensive experience in academia and industry to guide and inspire the next generation of inn
In 2020, Aras embarked on an international journey, establishing a company in Australia. Notably, he served as a professor at the University of Technology Sydney, contributing his expertise to the academic community. During his time in Australia, he founded a unique fashion company that wove Iranian ancient stories into the designs of clothes and perfumes, with each product encapsulating the essence of an Iranian city.
In 2023, Aras set foot in the United States, broadening the scope of his ventures. Serving as an entrepreneurial lead at the University of San Diego (USD), he navigates the vast opportunities in the U.S., introducing his diverse products and accomplishments to a broader audience.
Aras had the privilege of participating in the esteemed NSF I-Corps National Program in 2024, where he played a key role in the customer discovery process for FusionX, a groundbreaking Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) system for additive manufacturing. This immersive experience allowed Aras to conduct an in-depth analysis of the market needs and pain points through 112 comprehensive interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry experts, practitioners, and potential customers.
Through this program, Aras gained invaluable insights into the additive manufacturing market, particularly in high-demand industries such as aerospace, defense, education & R&D institutions, healthcare and medical, and manufacturing. His experience in the NSF I-Corps National Program not only enhanced his understanding of the market but also refined his skills in customer discovery, market analysis, and product development. Aras’s contributions to the advancement of FusionX, a leading solution in the additive manufacturing market, demonstrate his exceptional capabilities and dedication to innovation.
From an early age, Aras developed a close bond with nature, and has been an advocate of protecting the environment and sustainability ever since. His entrepreneurship efforts has always been in line with coming up with practical solutions to reduce energy consumption and pollution in various industries, and he has always led his teams by example into creating an environmentally-conscious workspace.
From the mountains of Borujerd in Iran to the innovation hubs of Canada, UAE, Australia, and the vast landscape of the United States, Aras Sheikhi’s journey continues, driven by a passion for learning, innovation, and cultural entrepreneurship.
