Dr. Kenan Sahin

Dr. Kenan Sahin writes about American education, drawing on his experience as a professor, entrepreneur and board member.

Dr. Kenan Sahin is an entrepreneur, former professor, and founder of Kenan Systems, TIAX, and CAMX Power whose work examines the relationship between American education, innovation, democracy, and market capitalism. Educated at Robert Academy in Istanbul, Inglewood High School in California, and MIT, where he pursued undergraduate and doctoral studies, he brings classroom, boardroom, and business-building experience to his assessment of educational excellence. He taught for nearly twenty years, including teaching undergraduate and graduate students and international executives at MIT. Starting Kenan Systems with $1,000, he grew it to a global enterprise with 1,000 employees before its acquisition by Lucent/Bell Labs for $1.5 billion. His experience also includes service on MIT’s board and direct involvement in hiring thousands of employees. As an exchange student, he sold hot dogs at football games and became student council vice president—early experiences that inform his emphasis on learning beyond the classroom. His manuscript, The Excellence of US Education, explores how education develops adaptable citizens, leaders, and innovators.

• American Education
• Educational Philanthropy
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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Lean Startup, to Lean Company, to Rich Exit

In 1982, MIT professor Kenan Sahin took $1,000 from his savings and used it to undertake the most extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, culminating with a $1.54 billion rich exit just 17 years later.

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