NJIT Alumnus, Faculty and Board Members Among Honorees at NJ Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards
Three Highlanders were recognized for their entrepreneurial achievements and significant contributions to New Jersey’s economy at the 12th annual New Jersey Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards. Among the distinguished honorees were alumnus and trustee Dhiraj Shah '99, Foundation Board of Directors member Arthur Kapoor and Professor Suresh Kumar.
The New Jersey Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards recognize immigrant business leaders who help communities across the state thrive. Named after historic entrepreneurs, the awards celebrate the social and economic contributions of New Jersey’s immigrant population and highlight their vital role in today’s economy. The program is sponsored by the NJ Business Immigration Coalition, a broad-based alliance of chambers, associations, and organizations throughout the state.
Dhiraj J. Shah: Entrepreneur of the Year
Dhiraj Shah, an Albert Dorman Honors College scholar who earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science, was recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year. Shah is co-vice chair in NJIT’s Board of Trustees.
He is the founder and general partner of ASY Capital, a high-growth investment firm launched in February 2025, where he actively supports early-stage companies with expertise in investment strategy and operations. Prior to ASY, Shah was a general partner at Primera Capital, a San Francisco-based venture firm focused on technology, and previously served as founder, president and CEO of Avaap (2006–2021), a consulting firm he led through two successful acquisitions and continues to chair as executive board member.
Avaap, based in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading management and technology consultancy specializing in platforms like Workday and Tableau, with a focus on healthcare, education, and public sector clients. The firm has earned industry recognition for its innovation, customer satisfaction, and workplace culture.
Earlier in his career, Shah held leadership roles at Lawson Software, where he helped establish a global center of excellence in Chennai. A noted tech leader, he was named one of New Jersey’s Top Technology Influencers by ROI-NJ in 2022 and currently serves as board chair of the YPO New Jersey Chapter.
Arthur A. Kapoor: Caspar Wistar Award for Growth
Arthur Kapoor is the co-executive vice chair of NJIT’s Foundation Board of Directors and a seasoned entrepreneur in health care technology. Kapoor was honored with the Caspar Wistar Award for Growth.
He is the founder and chairman of HealthEC LLC, a company he led as president and CEO. Founded in 2012, HealthEC provides a data management platform that integrates clinical, claims and community-based information to improve patient outcomes and guide care interventions. The company has over 100 employees and is backed by HLM Venture Partners and LabCorp.
Kapoor began his entrepreneurial journey in 1986 by developing CAD tools for the furniture industry. He transitioned to health care in 1991 by founding Med-Link Technologies, a leading health care claims clearinghouse later acquired by Emdeon. In 1997, he established Infotech Global, Inc., a software development firm specializing in agile solutions across the application lifecycle.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and an MBA from Rutgers University, and is a frequent speaker at the World Economic Forum, focusing on technology challenges in developing nations. Kapoor has also served on the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority Board of Commissioners.
Suresh U. Kumar: Lifetime Achievement Award
Suresh Kumar, a senior university lecturer and director of entrepreneurial programs at NJIT’s Ying Wu College of Computing, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. A seasoned entrepreneur, innovation strategist and academic leader with more than 30 years of experience, he designs AI-driven venture creation programs and leads regional collaborations focused on inclusive economic development.
He is also president and board member of TiE New Jersey, where he fosters entrepreneurship and global innovation ecosystems. Kumar previously founded and scaled two successful IT firms — NexAge Technologies and Green Earth Technology Solutions — both of which achieved national recognition and were acquired. He has also advised companies like Healthcare Triangle Inc.) and served on economic policy teams for the Biden-Harris campaign.
In parallel with his business leadership, he has mentored at Columbia Business School, led programs at Rutgers Small Business Development Center and co-founded Startup Tribes. He holds a Doctor of Management focused on immigrant entrepreneurship, an MBA from Cochin University, and a Bachelor of Science from Kerala University, along with certifications from Stanford and Columbia in innovation and entrepreneurship. Kumar is a frequent speaker and advisor on AI, startup strategy and economic development.
