Engineer. Researcher. Entrepreneur. The experience I'm bringing to Sacramento.
My journey has taken me from the research laboratories of Armenia to the fast-moving startup scene of San Francisco. Along the way, I have worn many hats: scientist, engineer, business strategist, and founder. Each chapter has taught me something different, but the thread that runs through all of it is a relentless drive to build things that matter.
After publishing peer-reviewed research in combustion synthesis and materials science, I realized that my passion for solving complex problems extended far beyond the laboratory. I earned an MBA to complement my technical background, then dove headfirst into software engineering, building complex web applications at companies like Connexity and eLocal. I quickly learned that the most impactful work happens at the intersection of technology and business strategy.
That realization led me to entrepreneurship. Over the past several years, I have co-founded multiple ventures, each one tackling a different problem but all rooted in the same belief: that technology, when thoughtfully applied, can transform how people work and connect. Today, as CEO of Elixion, I am building an AI-native workspace where human engineers and AI agents collaborate to create software. It is the culmination of everything I have learned, and it is just the beginning.
National Academy of Sciences
Materials Science & Engineering
Full-stack, 10+ years experience
5 ventures built from the ground up
X International Symposium on SHS
Published peer-reviewed research on combustion synthesis and materials science, establishing a foundation in rigorous scientific methodology.
Business, Management & Marketing
Earned an MBA with focus on business management, complementing technical expertise with strategic business thinking.
Connexity · eLocal.com
Built complex web applications at scale, honing full-stack engineering skills across adtech and lead generation platforms.
Los Angeles, CA
Launched ventures including Career Scoops and networking platforms, focused on startup development and business growth strategies.
San Francisco, CA
Leading the development of an AI-native workspace where human engineers and AI agents collaborate. Building the future of software development.
CEO & Co-Founder · 2025 – Present
Elixion is an AI-native workspace where human engineers and AI agents collaborate to build software. We are reimagining how development teams operate by creating an environment where artificial intelligence is not just a tool but a true collaborator in the software development process.
An AI-powered SCRUM development framework with automated testing and clean code enforcement. Enterprise-grade development practices through automation.
Learn more →A professional networking platform designed to facilitate meaningful connections between professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
Learn more →Insights and strategies from the entrepreneurial trenches. Real lessons learned from building multiple ventures, shared to help other founders navigate the startup journey.
Coming soon →Before transitioning to software engineering and entrepreneurship, Zhirayr contributed to peer-reviewed research in materials science. This rigorous, evidence-based approach to problem-solving remains a cornerstone of how he approaches every challenge.
X International Symposium on Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS)
Materials Science & Engineering Research
"Zhirayr brings an exceptional combination of technical depth and business vision. His ability to take complex problems and find elegant solutions is rare. Working with him has been one of the most productive collaborations of my career."
"What sets Zhirayr apart is his relentless drive and genuine care for the people around him. He does not just build companies; he builds teams and communities. His work ethic and integrity are an inspiration to everyone who works with him."
Whether you want to discuss policy, collaborate on a venture, or just connect, I am always open to meeting new people and hearing new ideas.