Chiu joins Rice from Berkeley Frontier Fund, where he served as principal and focused on investments in technologies spanning artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics and computing. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with founders, investors and research-driven startups, helping identify emerging technologies with the potential to reshape industries and create lasting value.

Reporting directly to Dean Luay Nakhleh, Chiu will lead the development of venture-building initiatives aligned with the school's three research thrusts: health and well-being, sustainability and resilience, and computing and AI. The initiatives aligned with the first two thrusts will help faculty and students navigate the unique challenges of bringing research-intensive technologies to market, while those aligned with computing and AI will provide support tailored to the faster pace and distinct needs of digital ventures. Together, these efforts will help strengthen the school's ability to support entrepreneurial activity across its research portfolio.