From the Lab to Leadership — My Journey
I’m Dr. Sunil Kumar, a scientist-turned-entrepreneur, author, and mentor dedicated to helping PhDs unlock the wealth, freedom, and success they deserve, beyond the academic path.
Like many researchers, I started in a world driven by curiosity and discovery. I earned my PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, driven by a passion for translating complex science into tangible, real-world impact. During my PhD, I founded a startup in India focused on delivering skill-based training to students — my first leap beyond the lab.
Later, I moved to the United States to continue cutting-edge work in biotech, contributing to innovations in liquid biopsy and co-developing a patented product later licensed by a U.S. startup. Joining that startup early on gave me firsthand experience in building something from the ground up — an experience that changed how I viewed success.
But I also faced limitations. Visa restrictions meant I couldn’t start a company here myself at the beginning. I mentored my wife as she built her own successful business — a journey that taught me what it truly takes to thrive as an entrepreneur, especially as an immigrant PhD.
Why I Built Next Smart PhD
I’ve seen brilliant researchers stuck in underpaid roles, struggling to make career transitions, and waiting years for clarity. I started Next Smart PhD to make that change.
Through books, online courses, live talks, and 1:1 guidance, I help PhDs:
- Launch businesses with minimal risk and effective systems
- Transition confidently into high-impact industry roles
- Secure U.S. green cards using their scientific credentials (especially EB1A)
My work is grounded in real experience, not just theories. I’ve lived every stage of the journey, and now I’m here to make sure others don’t walk it alone or in the dark.
What Drives Me
Since my PhD days, I naturally found myself in the role of a guide, offering clarity and motivation to fellow researchers navigating difficult choices. Whether it was over coffee, phone calls, or late-night messages, I often became the person others turned to when they needed perspective.
That instinct to help never faded.
Even after completing my PhD and moving into industry, I continued to support researchers by reviewing CVs, discussing career paths, and answering questions about startups and immigration. I saw firsthand how incredibly talented PhDs can get stuck — not because they lack ability, but because they lack support, systems, and a clear path forward. Next Smart PhD was born out of that drive to guide — to take those conversations and insights and scale them for real, practical impact.
My mission is to help PhDs build wealth and gain freedom — with clarity, strategy, and bold action. Whether you’re still in academia, exploring industry, or dreaming of your own business, you don’t have to settle.
This is your invitation to think bigger.
Let’s redefine what success looks like after your PhD.