How Thomas Lee Young is Redefining Industrial Tech as a Young Founder

A Unique Journey to Silicon Valley Innovation

In a world where remarkable stories often lead to groundbreaking technology, the tale of Thomas Lee Young stands out. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, this 24-year-old founder's journey to becoming the CEO of Interface, a burgeoning Silicon Valley startup, is a perfect amalgamation of personal passion, cultural heritage, and determined resilience.

Young's upbringing in a family of engineers shaped his early fascination with technology. Oil rigs and energy infrastructure surrounded him, igniting an interest in mechanical engineering that would not waver despite significant life obstacles. He dreamt of joining the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) since the age of 11 and crafted a unique application essay to gain admission. However, once accepted in 2020, he was met with challenges, including visa complications due to COVID-19, and a plummeting college fund that forced him to pivot to a more affordable program.

Persistent Determination in the Face of Adversity

Studying at the University of Bristol, Young discovered human factors engineering, a field dedicated to making industrial systems safer and more user-friendly. This exposure was pivotal; it allowed him to witness firsthand the inadequacies in safety documentation and operational procedures used across industries. He realized these inefficiencies could result in catastrophic accidents, urging him to devise a solution that would later evolve into Interface.

At Jaguar Land Rover, his role further solidified his focus. Young pitched the idea of creating a streamlined platform to enhance safety documentation, but the company was not interested. This setback fueled his resolve—he applied to Entrepreneur First, a talent incubator focused on launching startups, and was accepted against overwhelming odds.

Transformative Connections and Building Interface

Meeting Aaryan Mehta, now his co-founder and CTO, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Both had faced their unique hurdles; Mehta's visa struggles led him to pursue math and computer science in London instead of Georgia Tech or Penn. Despite their different backgrounds, they bonded over shared dreams and aspirations, eventually launching Interface.

The startup's mission is clear: leverage AI to make heavy industry safer. Their software scrutinizes operational guidelines against regulations and guidelines, using advanced language models. This approach has sparked significant interest in industries such as oil and gas, where Interface has detected thousands of errors that could jeopardize worker safety.

Innovation as an Outsider's Advantage

What separates Young from conventional industry leaders is both his youth and outsider status. In meetings with veteran executives, his initial reception is often skeptical. Yet, by truly understanding their operations and articulating how Interface can save them money and improve safety, he transforms doubt into admiration. “Once you can flip them, they will absolutely love you and advocate for you,” he explains.

This unique perspective, coupled with a solid grasp of AI technology, empowers Young to challenge convention and achieve remarkable results. He recognizes that even the most established corporations often rely on outdated systems, making the need for modernization urgent.

Invitation to Engineer the Future

As parents of school-aged children, you may wonder how young innovators like Young are redefining industry landscapes. Their stories are reminders of the importance of resilience, creative problem-solving, and the pursuit of passion. Encouraging children to explore STEM fields can inspire the next generation of innovators.

The world is continuously changing, and as it does, so are the horizons for future leaders in technology. By cultivating a mindset that embraces challenges and fosters ingenuity, let's inspire our children to chase their dreams fearlessly. Encourage them to take interest in technology, help them find connections, and who knows—one day, they might lead the next big thing, just like Young.

Call to Action: Explore ways to support your child’s interest in technology and engineering by introducing them to hands-on learning experiences. Whether through clubs, online courses, or simply encouraging them to experiment at home, every effort creates the possibility for their bright futures.