Being a tech leader and a true visionary in his professional life, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan understands the fact that semiconductors are the nerve center and the neurons of the digital brain of the modern global civilization. The major hurdle he observed over his two decades of career was the severe limitations of conventional photonics and the challenge it created in integrating optical devices with electronic devices on the same chip.
Dr. Venkatesan and his team at POET Technologies solved the problem when they created the world’s first Optical Interposer that integrates both electronic and optical elements on a single chip using standard CMOS fabrication techniques.
Sharing their vision, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan says: “It is to become the global leader in chip-scale photonic solutions by deploying our Optical Interposer technology to enable the seamless integration of electronics and photonics for a broad range of vertical market applications.”
“We are on our way to becoming the global leader in chip-scale photonic solutions, powering the next generation of artificial intelligence networks and hyperscale data centers. Partnerships with Foxconn Interconnect Technology, Luxshare Tech, and other industry leaders validate the POET Optical Interposer™ platform technology,” he adds.
Powering the Photonics Revolution in a Data-Driven World
In an era where semiconductors form the backbone of every digital revolution—from cloud computing to AI—few leaders have demonstrated the ability to foresee technological inflection points and shape them with precision. Dr. Venkatesan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of POET Technologies, is not just witnessing change but actively creating it.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan Venkatesan is, in his own words, “a technologist at heart.” His foundational years at Motorola and Freescale equipped him with a deep understanding of the science that powers semiconductors—knowledge that he describes as essential for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the industry. Rising through the ranks, he took on a strategic leadership role at GlobalFoundries as the Senior Vice President of Technology Development, where he began to perceive the semiconductor industry not just as a technical challenge but as a force capable of transforming global markets and everyday lives.
His defining leap came nearly a decade ago when he took the helm at POET Technologies. At a time when Silicon Photonics—a fusion of photonics and semiconductor engineering—was emerging as a transformative force, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan recognized its potential to revolutionize data transfer infrastructure. In a world increasingly reliant on cloud services and the rapid acceleration of AI, he envisioned POET as a pioneer, delivering scalable photonics solutions that could reshape the future of data communications.
“As they say, here we are,” he reflects. “Happy to be innovating, happy to be contributing in our way to the continued development of semiconductor technology in the world.”
From Spark to Scalable Vision: Transforming Photonics with Purpose
When Dr. Suresh Venkatesan first joined POET, the company was little more than a technical curiosity—a promising lab concept teetering on the edge of potential. “Optics was just gaining steam,” he recalls. “I saw the ability to turn what was then an innovative lab idea into a commercially viable platform.”
This vision—to take the fledgling science of silicon photonics and fuse it with his decades of semiconductor expertise—quickly grew in both scope and ambition. “At first, it was about proving the technology. But over time, that evolved into building a full-fledged ecosystem around our Optical Interposer platform,” Dr. Suresh Venkatesan explains. This interposer technology became the cornerstone of POET’s mission—offering not just faster data transfer but scalable, economical photonics solutions for high-growth markets like AI, cloud computing, and edge data infrastructure.
“We’re not just moving data faster—we’re reshaping the economics of photonics.”
Leading with Vision, Driving with Discipline
In the whirlwind of today’s tech landscape, innovation isn’t optional—it’s existential. As a leader, Dr. Venkatesan believes in the balance of creative freedom and purposeful direction. “Innovation thrives when people understand why they’re doing what they’re doing,” he emphasizes. “At the heart of innovation is a dissatisfaction with the status quo.”
But he’s quick to point out that innovation for its own sake isn’t enough. POET’s culture, which he calls “disciplined innovation,” is rooted in market alignment and customer value. “Research should make a difference. We focus our creativity toward outcomes—toward technical feasibility and measurable impact.”
His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: empower people, encourage them to challenge assumptions, and align their creativity with clear objectives. “Innovation can’t be scheduled, but it can be guided. And that’s how we operate at POET.”
Crafting Culture from the Ground Up
When Dr. Venkatesan took the reins, POET was a startup. Today, with more than 50 employees and global attention on its pioneering photonics solutions, the company’s internal culture remains deeply personal. “We’re still a small company, and that allows us to build an intimate culture—one of innovation, execution, and shared vision,” he says.
As both a technologist and a leader, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan actively participates in R&D discussions and sets the pace for innovation. “Being a pacesetter means showing that I value the same things I expect of my team—passion, precision, and performance.”
Decisions That Define the Future
No visionary journey is without its defining moments—and for Dr. Suresh Venkatesan one of the toughest decisions came early on. “The technology I originally came in to commercialize—it wasn’t as broad in scope as I had hoped. So, we pivoted.”
That pivot meant redefining the product roadmap, delaying engagements, reallocating resources, and, ultimately, reinventing POET into what it is today: A leader laser-focused on its Optical Interposer platform technology and the range of applications that can come from it. “We had to make difficult choices, but they brought clarity—both technical and commercial—that now underpins everything we do.” Thanks to a supportive board of directors and a clear strategic vision, POET’s transformation wasn’t just smooth—it was catalytic.
The Revolution Point: Redefining the Future Data Communication Infrastructure
As Dr. Suresh Venkatesan reflects on his nine-year journey as the CEO of POET Technologies, one theme resonates above all else—transformation through intent. What began as a compelling opportunity to turn a laboratory-born photonic concept into a commercially viable platform has since evolved into a mission of shaping an entire ecosystem powered by the POET Optical Interposer.
“We’ve moved far beyond just proving the technology. Today, our vision is about reshaping the economics and scalability of photonics—especially in AI, cloud, and edge computing. We’re not just enabling faster data movement; we’re redefining the very infrastructure of future data communications.”
This evolution wasn’t merely technological—it was philosophical. Dr. Venkatesan’s approach to leadership blends disciplined innovation with an entrepreneurial spirit. At POET, innovation is not a buzzword. It’s a mandate grounded in clarity of purpose, customer-centric design, and relentless execution. He champions a culture that encourages team members to challenge assumptions, embrace better ways of doing things, and align creativity with market demands.
“A dissatisfaction with the status quo is at the heart of innovation. But creativity needs direction. We don’t innovate for the sake of it—we innovate to make a difference.”
Building Culture: From Four to Fifty
The culture Dr. Venkatesan nurtured at POET stems from the DNA of a startup—agile, tight-knit, purpose-driven. He has instilled a rhythm of innovation and execution. As a hands-on leader, he doesn’t just delegate vision—he co-creates it.
“I’m a pacesetter. I work alongside the team, brainstorming solutions, encouraging breakthroughs, and anchoring everything in value creation.”
This mindset was crucial during POET’s pivotal transition. Early in his tenure, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan recognized the limitations of the initial photonics platform and made the bold decision to pivot—refocusing efforts on the Optical Interposer. It meant redrawing the product roadmap, delaying engagements, and making difficult investment calls.
“That clarity brought us technical and commercial coherence. It became the bedrock of everything we do today.”
ESG as an Embedded Ethos
For Dr. Venkatesan, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is not a checklist—it’s a design principle. POET’s photonic solutions inherently enable energy-efficient data transmission. But the commitment doesn’t stop there. The company is exploring new architectures that optimize raw material usage, promote sustainability, and reduce reliance on scarce resources.
“We’re developing technology that respects the planet while advancing performance. That’s a dual bottom line I deeply care about.”
Legacy of Impact
What does legacy mean to a man driven by progress? For Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, it’s not about titles—it’s about transformation.
“I hope to be remembered as someone who enabled foundational shifts in semiconductors and photonics. As someone who built organizations where innovation could thrive and who set bold goals, executed with integrity, and empowered others to succeed.”
Having led revolutions from silicon-on-insulator technologies to copper interconnects, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan has already etched his name in the Semiconductor Hall of Fame. But he’s not done.
Guiding the Next Generation
A respected mentor, he distills his leadership philosophy into three principles:
- Impeccable work ethic – A non-negotiable.
- Broadening perspectives – Beyond function, toward systems thinking.
- Clarity and consistency – In vision, decision-making, and execution.
He encourages calculated risk-taking and emphasizes the importance of ecosystem alignment—recognizing that success hinges not only on great technology but also on customer readiness and partner support.
“Not all risks pay off. But what matters is how quickly and gracefully you can course-correct. That’s leadership.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years
As the AI and big data wave crashes into every sector, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan sees photonics at the center of a new digital renaissance.
“AI has changed the game. Our opportunity is to deliver transformative bandwidth at semiconductor-level economics. That’s our sweet spot.”
To stay ahead of the curve, POET is doubling down on platform flexibility, deep-tech integration, and strategic customer partnerships.
“This industry reinvents itself every decade. First, PCs, then the cloud, and now AI. Photonics is the infrastructure of this era, and we’re in the right place at the right time.”
What’s Next?
Despite the accolades and milestones, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan remains anchored by curiosity and conviction.
“I’m a technologist at heart. Whether through leadership, mentorship, or board service—I want to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
He envisions POET as a small company with a big impact—a David rewriting the rules in a Goliath-sized industry.
“We’ve spent years developing this platform. Now, we’re commercializing it with purpose. It’s a thrilling time, and I’m proud to be leading a team bold enough to challenge the future.”
