About Me
Precision-built intelligence
A technical founder crafting AI systems that feel tangible-combining emotional intelligence, robotics, and full-stack execution with the clarity of modern industrial design.
AI & Machine Learning
Expertise in computer vision, NLP, and emotional AI with published research
Entrepreneurship
YC applicant (top 10%) and interviewee, founded multiple AI-driven startups
Full-Stack Development
From embedded systems to web apps, built products at Bombardier and ByteDance
Academic Excellence
Completed an accelerated Cornell M.S. ahead of the typical two-year schedule while balancing startups and research.
Experience
Work experience
A journey through AI, aerospace, and entrepreneurship
Hireal Inc.
Founder & CEO
JobHatch Inc.
Founder & CEO
SkyrisAI Corp.
Co-Founder & CTO
FreeRange Drones
Co-Founder & CTO
ByteDance
Project Manager
UC San Diego
Computer Vision Research Assistant
Bombardier Aerospace
Aircraft Infotainment Full Stack Developer
engineering.com
Technical Writer
Bombardier Aerospace
Airworthiness Compliance Engineer
Projects
Innovation through code, hardware, and AI
VR-Enhanced Autonomous Vehicle Testing
Research project integrating virtual reality into the CARLA simulator for immersive autonomous-driving system testing. This was one of the early open-source efforts to couple VR with CARLA, enabling real-time VR interaction with simulated vehicles.
Computer Vision Research at UC San Diego
Contributed to cutting-edge computer vision research, focusing on real-world applications of machine learning. Designed and trained convolutional (CNN) and fully convolutional networks (FCN) to enhance object detection accuracy, playing a pivotal role in the pipeline from model architecture to performance optimization. Leveraged Python, OpenCV, and PyTorch to develop algorithms capable of handling complex visual data. Published a literature review on semantic image segmentation, exploring advanced techniques for improving segmentation accuracy and efficiency.
Computer Vision Security System
Developed a cloud-based facial recognition system with SHA-256 encryption and real-time processing capabilities. Demonstrated practical applications of computer vision in security contexts, contributing a working implementation alongside comprehensive research on cloud-based facial recognition.
Education
Education
Academic excellence and continuous learning
Cornell University
Master of Science
Systems Engineering and Data Science
- •Accelerated MS program completed in 1.5 years
- •Thesis on VR and LLM-backed autonomous driving
Carleton University
Bachelor of Engineering
Electrical Engineering
- •Specializations in microelectronics and communications
- •Co-op at Bombardier Aerospace; published facial recognition research
Luther College High School
High School Diploma
Engineering Focus
- •Founded the school's first Aerospace and Engineering Club
- •Composed and performed 12-instrument piece for Spring Festival Gala
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Recognition, awards, and notable achievements
Publications & Research
Master's Thesis: VR and LLM-backed Autonomous Driving
(Nov 2024)Published research on autonomous-driving systems using VR testbeds and large language models, including website, ProQuest, and full-text links
Literature Review on Semantic Image Segmentation
(Nov 2023)Published a comprehensive review on fully convolutional networks for semantic segmentation
Competitions & Awards
2nd Place - Sia Partners H-W3B NYC World League Hackathon
(Mar 2024)AuthenTEZ, an NFC-based blockchain access point, won second place at this competition
YC Top 10% - Skyris AI (X25 Batch)
(2025)Selected as a top 10% applicant for Y Combinator
YC Interview - FreeRange Drones (W25 Batch)
(2024)Advanced to the interview stage for Y Combinator
Test Scores & Certifications
Mensa IQ Test
(2023)Scored 133, placing around the 98th percentile on Mensa’s online IQ challenge. (Note: the online challenge is for fun and does not confer Mensa membership.)
GRE Quantitative
(Feb 2023)Score: 169/170 (93rd percentile)
Entrepreneurship & Leadership
Ventures Accelerated - Alumni
Completed entrepreneurship accelerator program
CVEC - Partner
Active partner in Cornell Venture Capital ecosystem
Cornell Maker Club & Chorale
Member of Maker Club and 1st Violin in Cornell Chorale
Lifestyle
Hobbies & Interests
Beyond coding and innovation, I find balance through music and sports. These passions fuel my creativity and keep me energised.
Musical Pursuits
Violin
Concertmaster energy with solo runs across classical stages and community galas.
Piano
Improvising jazz progressions and arranging cinematic themes.
Guitar
Acoustic storytelling blending singer-songwriter and fingerstyle.
DJ / Mixing
Curating uplifting house and future bass sets for community events.
Athletic Activities
Tennis
Baseline-heavy rallies and league play to sharpen agility.
Golf
Early-morning rounds focused on tempo, swing planes, and patience.
Gym
Strength programming that mixes hypertrophy blocks with mobility work.
Hiking
Summiting Bay Area ridgelines and capturing panoramic vistas.
Animal Companions
I recharge with animals as much as athletics—raising a guinea pig, co-owning Dodo the bunny and visiting Bay Area farms keeps my empathy sharp.
Kenu the Puppy
Road-trip buddy who reminds me to pause between product sprints.
Dodo the Bunny
Co-owned Holland lop whose birthday parties keep the team smiling.
Tuntun the Guinea Pig
Tiny CEO of balcony summits—thrives on organic greens and sunshine.
Bay Area Horses
Weekend farm visits to reset, ride, and stay close to nature.
“Creative balance isn’t optional—it comes from music, movement, and the animals & communities that ground me.”
Contact
Get In Touch
Let's build something amazing together
Contact Information
© 2025 Simon Tian.
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