Derek Z. H. Yan
About Derek Z. H. Yan
Derek Z. H. Yan serves as the CTO, cofounder, and a member of the Board of Directors at Polarr, where he has worked since 2015. He has a background in electrical engineering and mechatronics, with previous experience at institutions such as Stanford University and General Motors.
Current Role at Polarr
Derek Z. H. Yan serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Cofounder, and a member of the Board of Directors at Polarr. He has been with the company since 2015, contributing to its strategic direction and technological advancements. In his role, he oversees AI research and engineering efforts, focusing on the development of computer vision technology. He also manages strategic partnerships with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Samsung, LG, and Xiaomi, facilitating the integration of Polarr's AI technology into their devices.
Education and Expertise
Derek Yan holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, where he also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Researcher. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in engineering principles and advanced technology, which he applies in his current role at Polarr.
Professional Background
Derek Yan has a diverse professional background that includes various internships and positions in technology and engineering. He began his career as an IT Technician Intern at the University of Toronto Schools in 2008. He then worked as a Network Specialist Intern at Bell in 2009 and again in 2010. He also served as a Research Associate at the University of Waterloo from 2010 to 2011. Prior to his current role, he gained experience at Stanford University as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Researcher.
Contributions to Polarr's Growth
Derek Yan has played a significant role in Polarr's growth, contributing to the increase of its user base to over 5 million monthly active users across mobile, desktop, and web platforms. He has been instrumental in shaping the company's financial strategy, helping Polarr operate close to break-even since its Series A funding in 2019. His leadership in AI research and engineering has positioned Polarr as a key player in the technology sector.