Anne Louis, a student in Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) M.S. in Technology Management (TMGT) program, is turning personal challenge into entrepreneurial innovation. As a mother, caregiver, and emerging founder, she’s using her experience to shape the future of pediatric tracheostomy care through her start-up, Adonix. She is also a Social Impact Fellow in artificial intelligence and machine learning for financial inclusion and economic mobility at Runwei and a Caring Across Generations 2025 Care Impact Fellow.
We recently caught up with Louis to learn more about her journey, the inspiration behind her company, and how Columbia SPS has helped shape her path.
You were inspired to start Adonix based on your experience as a caregiver. Can you tell us more about that journey and what drove you to focus on pediatric tracheostomy tubes?
I was astonished to find out that all pediatric supplies and hospitals were not created equal. In 2019, my son was only two months old when he was in an ICU, where they were doing everything they could to save his life. He was born incredibly premature at 25 weeks—about seven months into pregnancy—and his respiratory symptoms continued to worsen.
We didn’t receive his tracheostomy until he was six months old. For a while, we hoped his growth would improve his breathing, but he struggled. Eventually, he underwent a long surgery to have the tracheostomy placed, and over the years, this device gave him life and freedom—it allowed him to learn and thrive from anywhere.
He’s now had his tracheostomy for five years. Through this journey, I’ve learned so much, and it’s made me want to innovate in that space—to do more with pediatric medical supplies and devices overall.
Congratulations on being accepted into the Black Business Matters Business Plan Intensive and advancing in the Capital Raising Competition! What have these opportunities taught you about building a mission-driven start-up?
These opportunities really helped shape my business plan and team. Last semester, we were also semifinalists in the Greater Good Competition. I’ve learned that pitching your business takes more than a great idea—it requires traction, discipline, and a long-term vision.
Being selected for the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program this year gave me even more insight into start-up life and the tools I need to succeed with this product. It also helped me realize I needed to start even earlier in the journey—before the tracheostomy tubes themselves—with something that could bring families together and educate them.
Why did you choose the Technology Management program at Columbia SPS, and how has it supported your entrepreneurial goals so far?
I initially chose the program to help me grow in my previous role at work. But this past year has taught me so much more. I learned how to build and create multiple business concepts. I never thought I’d be able to build my own business, let alone two!
We were semifinalists in the Business School’s AI in Finance Competition for a project created during our Blockchain AI course with Professor Tejwanash Anand. That course alone opened my mind to entirely new possibilities.
Do you have a favorite course or professor who’s had a lasting impact on you and how you work?
It’s hard to pick just one. Every professor unlocked a level of creativity I didn’t know I had beyond my 9-to-5 role. I’m not the same person I was when I started, thanks to all of the instructors who helped transform how I see business and technology.
Midway through my first year, I actually gave birth, and the entire department, along with my classmates, helped me finish the semester strong. Technology Management has truly become an extension of my family. I’m honored to have had this experience.
What aspects of the TMGT program have been most valuable, whether in curriculum, networking, or real-world application?
The best part is how everything connects. You can take a business idea and run it through every course—from strategy to operations to pitching—and come out with a product that’s ready to launch.
The program also gave us amazing access to the industry. We visited places like NewLab and Microsoft Garage early on through our industry liaison, which opened our eyes to what New York City has to offer in tech. Last year, I earned the SPS Professional Development Grant to attend AfroTech 2025, and I won the Wonder Women in Tech Award, which is also supporting my attendance. These opportunities have been life-changing.
Would you recommend this program to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
I always recommend this program! The biggest advice I give is to apply and to compete. Whether the competition is inside SPS or beyond, it prepares you for real industry standards—and it pushes you to deliver something you’re passionate about. Graduating from this program puts you in a position to help any start-up or launch your own.
What’s next for you? Any major milestones or goals on the horizon?
After graduation, I hope to grow my idea and officially launch my company. In the meantime, I’m enjoying being home with my kids and taking time to think about where I can best contribute on a global scale. I’m looking for the space where my past experiences meet my present skills—as a parent, an innovator, and an advocate.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Technology Management is a hands-on technology leadership development program designed to train professionals for equal fluency in tech fundamentals, business operations, and ethical leadership.
The fall 2025 application deadline for the Technology Management program is June 1. The program is available for part-time or full-time enrollment. Learn more about the program here.
