Foothill Innovation Challenge

Meet Our Keynote Speakers and Judges

We've assembled an incredible panel of judges for this year's challenge and are particularly excited to have them share their experiences with you. We invite you to learn about the judges and encourage you to interact with them on Challenge Day!

Thank you to Tim Menard and Rachel Wu, who will also serve as keynote speakers for the event.

TIM MENARD,
Founder & CEO, LYT.ai

Timothy Menard is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of LYT.ai (previously SinWaves Inc.). The company builds intelligent cloud-connected traffic solutions for transit and emergency vehicles. Developed in San Jose, California, LYT uses its next-generation software (powered by machine learning principles and artificial intelligence) to help municipalities and regional transportation agencies improve communication between traffic signals. This technology enables reliable, faster, and safer emergency response and transit usage than before.

Before founding LYT, Tim was a firmware engineer at Tesla in Palo Alto, California. Tim designed hardware/software simulation systems that autonomously tested the proper functionality of vehicle electronics used in Tesla's Model S, and Model X. Tim has six peer-reviewed IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) publications in the field of ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems). Five of those publications are directly related to cellular tracking vehicles for the purpose of traffic analysis. He also holds a patent for designing a real-time snow-plow tracking and commuter information system for the benefit of safer winter trips. All of these accomplishments were achieved during his time at UAA.

RACHEL WU,
Sr. Technical Product Manager, Google

Rachel Wu is a Silicon Valley native with experience launching products within industry-leading tech organizations and at high-tech startups. Rachel earned a BS in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2019 and was a C. Prescott Davis Scholar. She joined Google as a Product Manager in the Global Business Organization; leading product teams in solving complex business challenges impacting global users across many Google’s product portfolio. Rachel received a Senior VP award for User Empathy and Exceptional Impact, helped accelerate Gen AI product delivery across Google Cloud, and led AI upskilling programs for Google employees. She is also a 2026 MBA candidate at Stanford Business School. Rachel is passionate about giving back to her community and connecting with people from all walks of life.

MAX BUCHAN,
Founding Software Engineer, Cleanlab

Max Buchan is a serial entrepreneur and founding engineer at several AI startups, with a passion for bringing cutting-edge machine learning research to the mainstream. Two years ago, he joined Cleanlab as a founding software engineer, where he developed innovative software solutions to address AI’s biggest challenges: messy data and wild hallucinations in LLMs. Cleanlab, backed by Bain Capital, Menlo Ventures, and TQ Ventures, raised a $25 million Series A funding. Its current valuation is about $100 million.

Max’s adventurous journey in tech began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied computer science and geophysics for his undergraduate degree. His double majors laid a strong foundation for his multidisciplinary approach to software engineering.

Prior to joining Cleanlab, Max was a founding software engineer for consumer-facing AI applications in the travel, education, and entertainment industries. While his experience spans a wide variety of industries, his engineering philosophy remains constant—and most importantly, simple: Have I built the best THING?

IZZY HERNANDEZ,
Production Control Lead Associate, Tesla

Izzy Hernandez is a proud alumni of Foothill-De Anza College, where he greatly enjoyed his time as a student. His experience played a significant role in shaping his professional aspirations. Izzy worked as a freelance graphic designer, providing creative solutions to small and medium-sized businesses.

Izzy has worked for Tesla since 2022 and is current a production control lead associate at Tesla, Fremont, CA. He manages critical aspects of production logistics, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency within the fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Outside of work and academics, he is passionate about automotive design and customization. His artistic background continues to influence his passion for design. He enjoys participating in car shows and contests, showcasing his customized 2018 Dodge Challenger RT and has won many prizes.

PETER LANDSBERGER,
President, Board of Trustees, Foothill-De Anza Community College District

Peter Landsberger was elected and re-elected to and served on the Board of Trustees since November 2016 to present. He has lived in Los Altos since 1978, the year he was named Foothill-De Anza's first general counsel. He was subsequently promoted to the position of vice chancellor, serving as the chancellor's chief deputy responsible for supervising all district office operations.

Now retired, his 30-year career in community colleges includes service as president of the College of San Mateo, senior vice chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District, and interim chancellor of the Los Angeles district. He has served on the boards of the Foothill-De Anza Foundation, the Community School of Music & Arts in Mountain View, the San Jose-Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and UNITE–LA, a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles that seeks to expand college access to underserved youth in the Los Angeles region. He holds a juris doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley, a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Berkeley, and an associate degree in political science from Santa Monica College. 

About This Year's Challenge Theme

Innovative Ideas With Social Impact

This spring the 2025 Foothill Innovation Challenge invites students to bring their ingenuity, entrepreneurial mindset, passion and innovative thinking to identify problems that face communities in need, and to develop sustainable business ideas that will solve those problems and positively impact the community. 

Focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education

Every year, our challenge emphasizes a specific social issue for students to center their innovative projects on. This year, we're concentrating on tackling AI and Education. Imagine developing an AI tool that transforms education by personalizing learning, making it more accessible and inclusive. From adaptive platforms to AI tutoring, AI has endless potential to empower learners, close educational gaps, and promote equity. While we encourage solutions in this field, all socially impactful ideas addressing pressing issues are welcome. Feel free to submit any idea you're passionate about—the Challenge is open to all creative concepts.