Harnessing the synergy of powerful edge and cloud artificial intelligence to protect people, communities and infrastructure from environmental hazards and threats — that’s the important mission of N5 Sensors. Using an environmental intelligence platform, N5 Sensors is led by Abhishek Motayed, a seasoned entrepreneur who is turning his company into a leader for real-time emergency response.
Motayed, a native of Kolkata, India, was part of the research faculty at the University of Maryland while also working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, one of 18 federal agency headquarters located in Montgomery County. Wondering about his career growth, Motayed chose to look within, inspired by his supervisor’s suggestion of an alternate career path. He courageously took the big step to commercialize his own research by starting a company and licensing patents and intellectual property.
When it was time to make his company official, Maryland’s Montgomery County was his first choice, in part for its diversity. “You see people from all parts of the world and having different thoughts, experiences, and expertise. It has been a rewarding experience living here and growing the company,” Motayed says.
He adds that being in the county has allowed him to attract the right talent to build a world-class team to deliver state-of-the-art products. He also has high praise for the local educational institutions, and frequently hires staff and interns from Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove. Supporting the local talent pipeline, he also hosts high school students, to expose them to STEM activities and careers.
His journey building a successful company hasn’t come without its challenges. But Motayed is always ready to meet them. “I have always focused on the positive — I use my background as a strength, motivator and inspiration. If you are the best in what you do, speak with passion, lead by example, be willing to do what it takes to execute your vision — your background becomes your strength and inspiration for you and others,” he says.
N5 Sensors promotes diversity and inclusion in all facets. Through building a welcoming and open culture, they support their employees, allowing each person to shine and reach their true potential. This includes hiring people from all walks of life, including underrepresented groups. “Who knows where the next great idea will come from?”
As for advice to future entrepreneurs, especially from diversity communities, he adds: “Aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on being the best they can and use their diverse background as a powerful reminder that showing up all the time and doing the hard work every day consistently is 90% of the game.”
With success on their horizon, Motayed plans to contribute to Montgomery County’s growth: “We have big plans to bring advanced semiconductor and defense tech, and climate tech manufacturing into the county, which we hope will put the county on the map for these sectors.”
Learn more about N5 Sensors.