Tara Akhavan

Dr. Tara Akhavan is a globally recognized technology entrepreneur and innovation leader, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to perceptual display processing and automotive display solutions.

She holds a PhD in Image Processing and Computer Vision, a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, all from Vienna University of Technology. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for a career at the intersection of advanced engineering, artificial intelligence, and human-centered technology design.

In 2015, Dr. Akhavan founded IRYStec, a pioneering company focused on developing eye-friendly “perceptual display” technologies to improve visibility, safety, and comfort—particularly in automotive environments. Under her leadership, IRYStec secured collaborations with major automotive original equipment manufacturers and quickly gained industry recognition. In 2020, the company was acquired by Faurecia, now known as FORVIA, a global leader in automotive technology. Following the acquisition, Dr. Akhavan served in key executive roles, including President and General Manager of Faurecia IRYStec Inc., Vice President of Software Solutions & Ecosystems, and Global Innovation & Ecosystems Director.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young Canada in 2019 and leading a company recognized among the Top 20 Most Innovative Startups in Canada by CIX in 2018. She has also received the Innovation PACE Award from Automotive News and contributed to CES Innovation Award–winning technologies.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, Dr. Akhavan has built a career defined by innovation, product strategy, and global impact. Before founding IRYStec, she developed highly scalable Operations and Maintenance Center software for the telecommunications industry, which served 20 million subscribers in 3GPP networks. She is also a sought-after speaker at international conferences, a mentor to startups, and an active participant in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Today, Dr. Akhavan leads AI4Eyes Medical Technologies Inc., a SaaS health-tech startup using artificial intelligence to enhance ocular disease detection, improving the speed, accuracy, and revenue of eye care practices. She also runs Tara Consulting Inc., through which she continues to mentor and advise entrepreneurs, sharing her expertise to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Dr. Tara Akhavan’s journey reflects a rare blend of deep technical expertise, visionary entrepreneurship, and a commitment to applying technology for meaningful human impact. From revolutionizing automotive displays to advancing AI in healthcare, she continues to shape the future of technology across multiple industries.