About Charles Shen, PhD, EMBA

Charles Shen, PhD, EMBA, is an engineer, entrepreneur, and educator with a lifelong passion for technology-driven transformation. With multi-decade deep experience spanning academia and industry, Charles has been at the forefront of AI, blockchain, and mobile Internet innovation, shaping how cutting-edge technologies drive real-world impact.

Currently, Charles is driving AI transformation in the financial industry by leading AI-native initiatives at Intuit. In particular, he leverages Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) to develop autonomous AI agents that deliver tangible business results, while ensuring they operate with safety, security, and human-aligned values.

Charles previously served as Co-Director of Columbia University’s Advanced Construction and Information Technology Lab, where he applied deep learning applications to modernize the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (AEC) industry, advancing sustainable urbanization.

He has also integrated AI with blockchain and Web3 technologies to advance decentralized finance (DeFi). Drawing from his crypto-native experience at ConsenSys, he developed ChatWeb3—one of the first applications to leverage OpenAI’s ChatGPT for blockchain data analysis—and Tokenomics Tutor, a CustomGPT that applies his pioneering W5H framework to crypto token design, both of which were trailblazing applications in their fields.

Beyond his technical contributions, Charles has held numerous leadership roles, including chairing international technology and entrepreneurship forums, advising Columbia University, and collaborating with civic organizations to advance STEM education and economic development. He has also been a VC investor and startup advisor, guiding early-stage ventures and fostering innovation.

Charles holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and an Executive MBA from Columbia University and is a Senior Member of ACM and IEEE. His research portfolio includes eight U.S. patents, three Internet standards, and over 1,600 global citations. His dedication to community service has been recognized with a Citation for Outstanding Leadership from the City Council of Philadelphia and the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award.