Celebrating Dhwani Shah: From Research to Real-World Impact

Bringing research out of the lab and into the real world is no small feat—it’s a journey marked by challenges, dedication, and countless hours of work. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Dhwani Shah, PhD , founder and CEO of Aadhya Navik Inc., who has embraced this journey with grace and grit. Her story is one of courage and resilience as she takes the leap from academia to the entrepreneurial world.

Dhwani’s journey began in India as a passionate assistant professor. Her love for teaching led her to pursue a Ph.D. in transportation and automated vehicle systems. In 2016, when she moved to Windsor, Canada, her focus shifted to exploring the human side of transportation—safety, comfort, and efficiency in autonomous driving systems.

Dhwani’s work in this space was groundbreaking. With her expertise, she envisioned a way to tackle a critical issue in autonomous vehicles: passenger motion sickness. Her company, Aadhya Navik Inc., is developing control systems that consider motion sickness thresholds in driving decisions, creating smoother, safer rides for passengers. The potential impact of her work is huge, paving the way for a more comfortable experience in autonomous vehicles as they become part of our lives.

But the transition from research to business founder wasn’t easy. Dhwani found herself learning new skills, from marketing to finance, all while balancing family life. With the support of Windsor-Essex’s startup ecosystem, including WEtech Alliance, she began turning her vision into reality. With guidance from industry experts, she entered the Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge, where her company placed in the top 100—a huge milestone that affirmed her progress.

If you’re a researcher looking to bring your ideas to market, here are four quick steps to help you get started:

1. Seek Mentorship: Connecting with experienced advisors who understand both research and business can be a game-changer.
2. Test Your Idea: Conduct market research to ensure your innovation solves a real problem and has potential for growth.
3. Develop a Clear Plan: Building a business plan will help outline your goals and keep you focused.
4. Connect with Support Networks: Organizations like WEtech Alliance can provide the resources and connections that are essential for turning research into impact.

WEtech Alliance’s advisory services are uniquely positioned to support researchers on their entrepreneurial path. To learn more about how they can help, check out Dhwani's blog HERE

Today, we celebrate Dhwani’s journey and the incredible progress she’s made. Her dedication to solving complex problems in transportation and her commitment to making a real difference are inspiring. Congratulations, Dhwani! Here’s to many more milestones and successes on your path forward.