Dario Vasquez

IDE provides co-curricular opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop an idea into a real product or service. In his role, Vasquez focuses on initiatives to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with essential resources and access to a supportive ecosystem, vital for nurturing their ventures from inception to market launch. His responsibilities include delivering bootcamp programs, networking events, access to funding opportunities, and mentorship opportunities from alumni and New York City industry leaders. 

Vasquez is an avid supporter of Open Startup, a nonprofit based in Tunisia that provides entrepreneurs with resources from US universities and international partners to scale startups in the MEA region. In addition, he received a Tunisia Fellowship (2021-23) through Network 20/20’s Entrepreneurial Diplomacy program to build a broad network of leaders and citizens in the United States and abroad who generate concrete, sustainable, and actionable ideas to enhance international security, entrepreneurship opportunities, and prosperity in Tunisia. Prior to his current role, he managed outreach programs for the Materials Research Center (MRSEC) led by Columbia Prof. Jim Hone. In 2016, he submitted a successful $100K RFP to the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program to fund 30+ Brazilian undergraduate students to participate in MRSEC’s REU program at Columbia Engineering. 

Vasquez joined Columbia Engineering after starting his career at the Institute of International Education, where he served as Senior Program Manager of Global Learning Programs and managed grants for private foundations including the Rockefeller Foundation and Christensen Fund. Previously he managed business development and partnerships for a Brooklyn, NY startup focused on producing environmentally friendly cleaning products for B2B customers. He earned his BA in Environmental Studies and Sociology from Dickinson College, PA and MPA from the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University.