Trustee

Adam Kablanian

Adam Kablanian is an Armenian-American entrepreneur whose journey from Aleppo to Silicon Valley has been driven by a passion for science, a belief in innovation, and a commitment to community. After moving to California as a teenager, Kablanian earned a B.A. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University. That educational foundation set the stage for a career spent building transformative companies that connect deep technology with real-world impact. In 1996, Kablanian co-founded Virage Logic, a groundbreaking provider of embedded memory solutions. Under his leadership, the company went public on NASDAQ, grew to over 700 employees, and became the global leader in its field before being acquired by Synopsys. His decision to open a branch in Armenia during a period of economic hardship had a lasting effect—his team of engineers went on to design components used in the first-generation Apple iPod, placing Armenia on the tech innovation map. This success encouraged other major tech players to expand operations into the country. Following Virage Logic, Kablanian led a series of high-tech ventures focused on display and semiconductor innovation. As CEO of PlasmaSi, he helped develop cutting-edge OLED encapsulation technology, later acquired by Aixtron. He also served as CEO of Memoir Systems, and earlier launched iCON Communications, one of the first companies to bring broadband internet to Armenia. Currently, he serves as CEO of CYNORA, a leader in OLED emitter materials, where he is spearheading the use of AI-powered molecular discovery to drive next-generation display technology. Kablanian’s drive to build doesn’t stop at tech. In 2017, he founded Alexandrea Winery in Armenia to support local agriculture, create jobs, and elevate Armenian winemaking on the global stage. Combining traditional viticulture with modern techniques, Alexandrea Winery was the first in the country to produce a Riesling blend with Chardonnay and the native Voskehat grape—an emblem of Kablanian’s ethos: innovation rooted in heritage. Education and giving back have remained close to Kablanian’s heart. He played a leading role in raising $3 million for the Armenian Studies program at UC Berkeley and, together with his wife Rita, established scholarships for Syrian-Armenian students at the American University of Armenia, where he also served on the Board of Trustees. Deeply aware of the support he once received as a student, he remains committed to empowering others to pursue their own paths. In 2025 Adam Kablanian received the presidential medal of gratitude for his outstanding contribution to the development of Armenia’s high-tech industry and his tireless philanthropic activity.