Paul Tolley

Executive, Technologist

Founder & Managing Director at Stretford End Solutions LLC (2017-01 – Present)

Advisory and consulting firm supporting deep-tech, semiconductor, photonics, and defense-sector companies across commercialization, strategy, and technical execution.

• Lead engagements in Gallium Oxide (Ga₂O₃) semiconductor device strategy, including fab planning, process flows, and commercialization pathways aligned with CHIPS/NIST priorities.
• Provide expert witness services across optics, photonics, semiconductor manufacturing, injection molding, and advanced manufacturing disputes.
• Support DoD-aligned clients in Trusted Foundry compliance, ITAR, and secure manufacturing frameworks.
• Conduct technical due diligence for venture capital and private equity across deep-tech sectors.
• Advise on manufacturing scale-up, outsourcing strategy, and global supply chain optimization.

Chief Technical Officer / Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Excell Partners, Inc. (2019-01 – Present)

• Lead technical diligence and portfolio support for deep-tech venture investments across semiconductors, materials, photonics, energy, and biotech.
• Evaluate emerging technologies including ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors (Ga₂O₃, SiC, GaN) and advanced manufacturing platforms.
• Support founders in scaling from lab-to-market commercialization, including process development and manufacturing readiness.

Executive Vice President, Disruptive Technologies at SUNY Polytechnic Institute / CNSE Smart Systems Technology Center (2011-01 – 2017-12)

• Led DoD Trusted Foundry MEMS operations with full compliance for classified programs.
• Directed commercialization strategy across semiconductors, MEMS, photonics, and advanced materials.
• Played a key role in formation of AIM Photonics (NNMI) and power electronics initiatives.
• Advanced MEMS-CMOS hybrid integration and secure microelectronics manufacturing.
• Established ISO, ITAR, and defense-compliant operational frameworks.
• Supported early-stage development pathways relevant to next-generation power devices, including ultra-wide bandgap materials.

Executive Director, MEMS & Trusted Foundry Operations (DMEA) at SUNY Polytechnic Institute / CNSE Smart Systems Technology Center (2011-01 – 2017-12)

President & CEO at Infotonics Technology Center (ITC) (2008-01 – 2011-12)

• Transformed distressed MEMS R&D center into a self-sustaining commercialization engine.
• Achieved DoD Secret Facility Clearance and executed classified development programs.
• Led development of advanced sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting technologies.
• Built vertically integrated capabilities across design, fabrication, packaging, and testing.
• Expanded global customer base and secured federal funding (DoD, DOE).

Founder, Optics at Syntec Optics (1999-01 – 2008-12)

• Scaled company into North America's leading polymer optics manufacturer.
• Developed advanced injection molding and diamond turning processes for high-performance optical systems.
• Delivered defense programs including infrared optics and missile systems (AlON materials).
• Achieved >24% profit margins while growing revenue from $3M to $18M.
• Pioneered high refractive diamond turning (HRDT) technologies.

Engineering Manager / Director Program Management at OCLI / Opkor Inc. (1995-01 – 1999-12)

• Managed multimillion-dollar programs in optics, thin films, and optoelectronics manufacturing.
• Led development of night vision optical systems and polymer optics technologies.
• Oversaw full lifecycle from design through production at scale.

Area Engineering Manager at Sonoco Products Co.

Plastics Engineer at BIC Corporation

Manufacturing Engineer at Automotive Controls Corp.

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering – Clarkson University

A.S. in Mechanical Engineering – Mitchell College