Dirk Smits

Dirk Smits has a diverse work experience spanning several companies and roles. Dirk is currently a Co-Founder at Summer Robotics from August 2021 onwards. Previously, they worked at Terranet AB as an Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer from June 2021 to January 2022, and as the Chief Technology Officer from September 2019 to June 2021. Dirk also held the role of CEO at HighLight Innovation from May 2019 to June 2021.

Before that, they were associated with Samsung Electronics, where they served as the Vice President of Open Innovation from July 2015 to May 2019. Dirk also held the position of Vice President of Human Computer Interfaces from an unknown start date to July 2015.

Dirk has been involved in the start-up scene as well. Dirk was a Board Member at Anagear, a technology start-up, from April 2009 to December 2014. Dirk also founded PhotonJet, an advanced technology venture focused on mobile imaging, from September 2007 to October 2012.

Prior to their entrepreneurial endeavors, Dirk worked at National Semiconductor as the Director of New Ventures from October 2001 to September 2007. Dirk also held the role of VP and GM at HelloBrain, an online R&D exchange, from December 1999 to August 2001.

Earlier in their career, Dirk served as the Executive Vice President at SandCraft, where they developed 64 Bit MIPS processors from an unknown start date to an unknown end date. Dirk was also a Vice President and General Manager of RISC Microprocessors at IDT - Integrated Device Technology, Inc. from an unknown start date to an unknown end date.

Throughout their career, Dirk has been involved in various areas, including disruptive innovation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interfaces.

Dirk Smits has a diverse education history. Dirk started their academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with Honors Program at The University of British Columbia, from 1974 to 1978. Their strong interest in finance and international marketing led him to further their studies at the University of Chicago, where they obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from 1979 to 1981. During their time at the University of Chicago, they also participated in an exchange program at ESSEC France, where they focused on international marketing and finance theory. Dirk Smits' education background reflects their combination of skills in physics and business, particularly in finance and international marketing.