Are you an early-stage team developing innovative solutions in data transparency, big data, AI/ML, blockchain, cybersecurity, or related fields in deep tech? Apply to The Columbia | IBM Launch Accelerator, a pre-seed program for early-stage ventures affiliated with NYC-based academic institutions. Teams accepted into the program will operate at the intersection of the Lean Launchpad methodology and technical development and will benefit from the guidance, technical support, and mentorship provided by participating academic, investor, and corporate partners.
Applications are due Friday, November 20th, 5:00PM EST at:
www.columbiaibmlaunch.submittable.com
To learn more, please register for one of the following informational sessions by clicking the RSVP button below!
Thursday, October 22, 2:00 - 3:00PM EST
Monday, November 2, 12:00 - 1:00PM EST
Friday, November 13, 12:00 - 1:00PM EST
Columbia University has extensive experience founding and supporting successful commercialization programs to provide promising early‐stage technologies with funding, validation, and prototyping, to transition technology out of the academic lab and into the market at a faster rate. The Columbia Lab-to-Market Accelerator Network (Columbia L2M) currently encompasses five technology commercialization programs across separate industries: medical technologies, clean technology & energy, digital media, and therapeutics. Many of these programs are multi-institutional and involve extensive collaboration with our peer universities and their tech transfer offices. Columbia L2M is committed to supporting the expansion of existing programs and the creation of new initiatives for the future. If you are interested in learning more about the network please contact Jack Steele (js5085@columbia.edu).
Employers often consult Najia to clarify complex business immigration requirements in a dynamic enforcement environment. Najia represents a wide range of organizations in their business immigration and compliance efforts, including national and multinational companies, emerging companies, and franchisors, as well as research, educational, healthcare, and religious institutions. She serves clients in financial services, life sciences, technology, manufacturing, utilities, retail, defense, the arts, and more. Najia has recently helped several clients prove that their desired analysts, executives, marketing experts, and young careerists are essential, uniquely skilled “professionals” qualified for the positions for which they are being recruited.
Described as diligent, thorough, and responsive, Najia has a strong acumen for business immigration strategy, including issues around: the establishment of new companies; immigration sponsorship policies; the review of mergers, acquisitions, and other changes in corporate structure; and the international transfer of students, faculty, and employees. She represents clients in connection with nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions, labor certification applications, family-based petitions, adjustment of status and citizenship applications, and immigration interviews. She also regularly counsels employers with respect to I-9 compliance and global immigration procedures. A sought-after speaker on business immigration topics, Najia has been a featured speaker at the American Immigration Lawyers Association annual conference. She has been asked to present client workshops and to participate in student outreach events through PowerBridgeNY and FWD.org and at educational institutions such as New York University and Columbia University. She often speaks to minority law students about challenges in the legal profession and presents at Wiggin and Dana's in-house HR Circle events and its Lunch & Learn Visa Workshop Series.
Najia obtained her law degree from Pace University School of Law. While in law school, Najia devoted significant time to the Immigration Justice Clinic and represented indigent immigrants in complex removal proceedings, including immigration raid detainees, women with claims under the Violence Against Women Act, and asylees seeking immigration relief in the United States. She continues similar work on a pro bono basis. She was also employed by Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP prior to attending and during law school, where she gained significant experience in business immigration matters. Najia obtained her degree from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She is Co-chair of the firm's Diversity Committee and is fluent in Hindi and Urdu.