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Dave Welch

CEO and Founder, AttoTude
,United States
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Dave Welch's Overview

Total Experience70 years
CompanyAttoTude
CountryUnited States

Dr. Dave Welch is a renowned technologist and entrepreneur, best known as a co-founder of Infinera Corporation, where he also served as Chief Innovation Officer and President. He is a seminal figure in the advancement of optical networking, particularly for his pioneering work in the development and commercialization of large-scale Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). These PICs have revolutionized the telecommunications industry by dramatically increasing data transmission capacity while reducing the size, cost, and power consumption of optical transport systems. Dr. Welch's contributions have been instrumental in enabling the growth of the internet and cloud computing. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University and is recognized for his visionary leadership and deep technical expertise in photonics and optical communications.

Professional Summary

Dave Welch's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

AttoTude - CEO and Founder (2024 to Present)
NosTerra Ventures - Founder (2020 to Present)
Axiado Corporation - Chairman of the Board (2017 to Present)
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) - Board Member (2010 to Present)
Infinera - Founder-Board Member (2001 to Present)
SDL Inc. - CTO (1985 to 2001)

Notable Achievements

Co-founder and Key Executive at Infinera

Co-founded Infinera in 2000, building it into a leading provider of Intelligent Transport Networks. Served in critical roles including President and Chief Innovation Officer, guiding the company's technological strategy and market position.

Pioneer in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)

Led the groundbreaking development and successful commercialization of large-scale Indium Phosphide (InP) based Photonic Integrated Circuits, integrating hundreds of optical functions onto a single chip.

National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Member

Elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering in 2016 for his contributions to high-power semiconductor lasers and photonic integrated circuits.

Numerous Patents and Publications

Holds over 130 U.S. patents and has authored or co-authored over 250 technical publications, reflecting his prolific innovation in optical technologies.

Optica (formerly OSA) Fellow

Recognized as a Fellow of Optica (The Optical Society) for his outstanding contributions to the field of optics and photonics.

IEEE Ernst Weber Managerial Leadership Award

Received the IEEE Ernst Weber Managerial Leadership Award for his leadership in the development and commercialization of photonic integrated circuits.

Educational Background

Ph.D., Electrical Engineering

Cornell University - Year 1981

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance

Company Overview

AttoTude
Total employees14
HeadquartersEnschede
Founded2020

AttoTude specializes in the development and manufacturing of cutting-edge metrology solutions that offer picometer-level displacement sensing accuracy. Their technology is designed for demanding applications in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, advanced microscopy, and precision engineering, helping clients improve process control, enhance product quality, and enable new scientific discoveries.

AttoTude Funding Information
€1.5M - Total Funding Raised
€1.5M - Most recent funding amount
1 - Number of funding rounds
20 Oct, 2021 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Cottonwood Technology Fund
Oost NL

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