Austin Hwang is a Principal at ADVentures, the corporate venture arm of Analog Devices, where they invest globally in early-stage startups pioneering solutions in Advanced Systems & Robotics, Climate/Energy, and Human Health. Before joining ADVentures, Austin spent three years at Honda Xcelerator Ventures, sourcing and investing in strategic deep-tech startups. Previously, Austin was an operator for seven years across pressure sensor and enterprise AI startups, including serving as Co-founder and COO of LearningPal (acquired by Ripcord). Austin holds a BEng Biochemical Engineering from University College London and an MSc Biomedical Engineering from the University of Oxford.

What is a value, principle, or philosophy that has meaningfully shaped your journey? How does it continue to influence how you invest, lead, or approach challenges?

I would say resilience, empathy, and helpfulness have shaped my journey the most. Being a co-founder and early employee taught me how much mental resilience matters when things don’t go as planned. That experience gave me deep respect for founders tackling the hardest challenges, and it drives me to be helpful whenever possible. I know how much that support means. I see helping others as both a privilege and a responsibility, whether it’s founders, investors, or my broader network.

 Is there a technology, idea, or movement that most people overlook (or dismiss) which you believe will define the next era of innovation? What draws you to this perspective?

I believe the next era of innovation will be driven by interdisciplinary collaboration and global cross-pollination. Breakthroughs are no longer confined to specific regions, they’re happening everywhere. We’re also seeing increasing convergence between software and hardware for real-world applications, and exciting intersections like AI and semiconductors with healthcare. I envision a future where bridging the physical and digital worlds, powered by diverse domain expertise, solves meaningful global challenges.