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Tom Zhang’s journey of entrepreneurship and innovation is nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder of Daxo Industries, Inc. in January 2023, Tom has led the company to redefine agriculture through cutting-edge solutions. With a mission to enhance human productivity in repetitive tasks, Daxo Industries has quickly become a trailblazer in orchard management and harvesting practices.
One of Tom’s standout achievements is facilitating a $1 million pre-seed funding round, a testament to his ability to inspire confidence in investors with a compelling vision. These funds have been pivotal in enabling Daxo to develop revolutionary technologies and scale operations. In just 18 months, Tom steered the company to six-figure revenue with over 30 paying customers, cementing Daxo’s position as a rising leader in agricultural technology.
At the heart of Tom’s success lies his inventive brilliance. He has invented and patented three groundbreaking technologies for orchard use, addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by growers. These innovations exemplify his ability to merge technical expertise with real-world problem-solving, creating tools that transform traditional agricultural practices.
Tom’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2023 and 2024, he received the prestigious Wharton Innovation Fund Award and the Miller Innovation Fellowship, which recognize leaders who merge academic insight with entrepreneurial impact. These accolades highlight his dedication to advancing the intersection of technology and agriculture.
Tom’s leadership and drive are further evident in his personal journey. A Cum Laude graduate from Cornell University with a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, Tom’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for his ability to tackle complex challenges. Refusing to rest on his laurels, he pursued and successfully defended a Ph.D. in Robotics from the University of Pennsylvania in October 2024. His doctoral research deepened his expertise in robotics and automation, skills he seamlessly integrates into Daxo’s product development.
In addition to his entrepreneurial and academic accomplishments, Tom has emerged as a thought leader in robotics and automation. He has been invited to speak at renowned conferences, including the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) and the Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL). These invitations underscore his growing influence and his commitment to sharing knowledge with the global scientific community.
Tom’s drive for excellence extends beyond academia and entrepreneurship. He was awarded a scholarship for the On Deck Founders Fellowship, where he joined a global network of visionaries to refine his entrepreneurial skills. He was also accepted into UpScaleX, a prestigious Silicon Valley AI accelerator, further cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking innovator. Additionally, his relentless pursuit of innovation has been supported by Daxo’s ability to foster customer trust through hands-on collaborations with over 30 orchards across the country.
Under Tom’s leadership, Daxo Industries has not only grown as a company but also revolutionized the way orchards operate. His ability to scale the business, secure patents, and deliver real-world solutions has made a tangible impact on agricultural productivity. From securing funding to earning the trust of customers and industry leaders, Tom has proven himself to be a dynamic and results-driven entrepreneur.
What sets Tom apart is his unwavering dedication to solving real-world problems. His journey is defined by resilience, creativity, and impactful leadership. Whether it’s bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization or contributing thought leadership to global forums, Tom exemplifies the transformative power of vision and determination. His story is a source of inspiration for innovators and entrepreneurs alike.
For his contributions to technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, Tom Zhang is a deserving candidate for the Stevie Award. His work not only inspires but also demonstrates the profound impact of visionary leadership on solving real-world challenges.
Nomination Title: Tom Zhang, Founder and CEO
