A Founder’s Journey from Ground to Flight
Presented by the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business
Dr. Jeremy Wang shares his entrepreneurial journey from advanced engineering research to co-founding a venture-backed startup operating at the frontier of autonomous aviation. Drawing on his experience as a founder and operator in a highly regulated industry, Jeremy explores what it takes to transform technical innovation into a viable, mission-driven business.
Through Ribbit’s story, Jeremy reflects on translating research into real-world solutions, navigating regulation and risk, building early traction, and leading a growing company in an emerging sector. His talk offers practical insights for students interested in entrepreneurship, deep-tech ventures, and turning engineering expertise into meaningful real world impact.
About Jeremy Wang
Dr. Jeremy Wang is the co-founder and COO of Ribbit, a venture-backed startup building the world’s first airline powered by fully autonomous aircraft. Since co-founding Ribbit in 2020, the company has achieved several major milestones, including Canada’s first hands-free, gate-to-gate autonomous flight, regulatory approval for remotely piloted test flights in Alberta, and commercial partnerships with multiple online retailers and wholesalers. Ribbit has also been awarded a federal contract to resupply remote northern communities.
Before launching Ribbit, Jeremy held senior technical and leadership roles across aerospace research and autonomous systems, including CTO at one of Canada’s leading drone operators. He holds a BASc in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto and a PhD in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Jeremy also sits on the advisory board for Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics.
Event details:
Date: January 28, 2026
Time: 12:30-2:00 PM EST
Location: Pearl Sullivan Engineering Building, Conrad School Hub, Room 2357
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RSVP on Tickefi for this exclusive event. In person first come first serve. Lunch will be served post event.
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Open to all students, faculty and staff. Recommended to MBET, EC0-op, BET students