Michael Zapata III

Michael Zapata III serves as the Executive Chairman of Protochips Inc. and ArrayXpress Inc., focusing on semiconductor-based analytical instrumentation and genomics services, respectively. Since 2000, Michael has been an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at NC State University, promoting the commercialization of technologies and participating in funding initiatives. As an investor and consultant at ProPilot Ventures, Michael collaborates with foreign governments and universities to develop innovation programs and private equity investments. Michael's extensive background includes a 34-year military career as a Field Officer and Combat Aviation Officer in the US Army and North Carolina Army National Guard. Additional roles include serving as an appointed member of the District Export Council, leadership positions at Martin Innovations and LIPSinc, and an associate director at the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science. Academic qualifications include an MSM/MBA in Management of Technology from NC State University, alongside military leadership training from the US Army.