Shubham Mondal thrives at the intersection of science and strategy, where cutting-edge research meets entrepreneurial thinking. Whether he’s winning awards for groundbreaking semi-conductor research or tackling real-world business challenges, Shubham is always looking for ways to push boundaries.
A Trailblazer in Semiconductor Research
As a Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan, Shubham has earned top accolades for his groundbreaking work in III-Nitride semiconductors, including the 2023 APL Materials First-Place Excellence in Research Award, prestigious funding from the Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation, and the Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship. His research is paving the way for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices, but his ambition extends beyond the lab.
Bridging Research and Entrepreneurship
Through the Center for Entrepreneurship’s Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, he’s applied his analytical expertise in new ways—working as a pro-bono consultant for Michigan-based businesses and exploring the intersections of research, problem-solving, and business strategy. Now, as he prepares to graduate, he’s carrying that mindset forward—whether in academia, industry, or wherever the next challenge takes him.
Expanding Horizons with McKinsey’s Insight Program
For Shubham, entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching startups; it’s about embracing an exploratory mindset—one that has taken him from semiconductor cleanrooms to McKinsey’s Insight Program and beyond.
“Entrepreneurial mindset can have a broad definition, but I think all of them would entail some sort of free thinking, exploration and risk-taking,” says Shubham. “Programs offered by CFE and interacting with people in this program significantly helps in building an entrepreneurial mindset. It helps you think out of the box.”
Before starting his Ph.D. program, Shubham was selected for McKinsey’s prestigious Insight Program, an exclusive opportunity for only 50-60 graduate students across North America. The two-day workshop offers a deep dive into management consulting, allowing participants to experience what it’s like to work at McKinsey. Through a hands-on mock case, networking with McKinsey colleagues, and collaboration with fellow participants, Shubham gained valuable problem-solving skills and industry insights that continue to shape his entrepreneurial journey. Most importantly, though, he learned to think in new, bolder ways.
“While I ultimately chose a different path, the experience was transformative,” says Shubham. It instilled in me the power of an ‘exploratory’ mindset—one that encouraged me to think beyond the confines of the semiconductor cleanrooms where I spent the majority of my time during my Ph.D. program.”
This experience was just the start of Shubham’s journey with innovation and entrepreneurship, throwing him into a new world full of endless possibilities. “This shift in perspective expanded my horizons, fueling my ability to innovate and approach challenges from diverse angles,” says Shubham. “I carry this mindset with me in all my professional endeavors.”
Building an Entrepreneurial Skill Set
With the seeds of entrepreneurship firmly planted in Shubham’s mind, he continued on his academic journey with a newfound hunger for more. When his Grad Coordinator, Kristen Thornton, suggested that he enroll in CFE’s Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Shubham recognized an opportunity to build upon the skills he learned at McKinsey.
While Shubham doesn’t have a venture in the works just yet, the Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation has helped him understand what goes into starting a business. “I now have the technical know-how of how to launch a startup, understand the challenges involved, and even have some potential strategies to overcome them,” He reflects.
This year, Shubham plans to graduate with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. “Nothing gets better than that,” he exclaims. When it comes to advice for future CFE students, Shubham offers some words of wisdom: “CFE offers a great platform for networking, especially with people outside the field of research.” He says making these connections is crucial for Ph.D. students, as they often “get caught up in our own sphere, resulting in a limited outlook.”
Looking Ahead
As he embarks on the next phase of his career, Shubham envisions a future in academia as a professor, where he can continue his research while fostering the same exploratory mindset that has defined his journey. Whether in the classroom, the lab, or the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, Shubham Mondal is committed to pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges—wherever they may lead.