Conference on Entrepreneurship Provides Motivation, Inspiration, and Professional Headshots

Ponsi Trivisvavet MBA ’99, the CEO of Inari, shared a heartwarming story at the Eclectic Convergence conference that truly showcased the impact of her company’s work. By delivering seeds to an Indonesian farmer that helped increase his crop yields significantly, the farmer was able to buy a cow for the first time in his life. This newfound ability not only provided meat for his family but also opened up opportunities for his children and grandchildren to receive an education. Trivisvavet’s dedication to creating seeds that use less land, fertilizer, and water while producing higher yields is truly making a difference in people’s lives around the world.

Inari’s focus on using multiplex gene editing and AI-powered predictive design to develop seeds for soybeans, corn, and wheat is revolutionizing the agricultural industry. While currently concentrating on these crops that make up 70 percent of the market, the company’s technology is adaptable to other seeds as well. Trivisvavet’s passion for tackling challenging technologies and pushing boundaries has led Inari to achieve what was once thought impossible. Despite initial skepticism, the company has proven that multiplex gene editing can indeed be successful in plants, showcasing the power of innovation and determination.

The Eclectic Convergence conference also featured a pitch contest for new companies, with Elm AI emerging as the winner. Elm AI utilizes AI to streamline the document review process for companies, founded by Cornell Tech graduates. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in networking activities, receive professional headshots, and interact with speakers during “speaker hours.” The event provided a platform for students like Noah Lucia ’26, whose company Filmify is part of the eLab student business accelerator program, to connect with alumni and industry professionals who share a passion for entrepreneurship.

The diverse group of attendees at the conference, including alumni, staff, faculty, and students from various Cornell campuses, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world, highlighted the global impact of entrepreneurship. Students from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, found inspiration in the stories shared by the featured speakers, emphasizing the universal appeal of taking risks and pursuing one’s passions. The event concluded with a wrap-up by hosts Zach Shulman ’87 J.D. ’90 and Scott Belsky ’02, reinforcing the importance of curiosity, confidence, and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey.

Overall, the Eclectic Convergence conference served as a source of motivation and inspiration for attendees, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among individuals with a shared interest in entrepreneurship. The event not only showcased innovative ideas and technologies but also provided a platform for meaningful connections and discussions that have the potential to drive positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.