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Naga Varun Kanaparthy: Shaping the Future of Augmented Reality with Ingenuity and Vision

In the fast-paced world of technology, some entrepreneurs not only keep up—they set the pace. Naga Varun Kanaparthy, the founder of PFM Innovations, is one of those rare visionaries. With a background in competitive programming, hardware innovation, and augmented reality (AR), Kanaparthy has built a brand and business dedicated to tackling real-world problems with technical brilliance and creative vision.

Turning Passion Into a Brand

Kanaparthy’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a love for building and solving. “Whether it was founding Osprey Miners for NASA’s Lunar Mining Competition or placing 3rd in the 2017 ACM ICPC Southeast Region, I’ve always focused on applying technical ingenuity to real-world challenges,” he shares.

But the pivotal moment came in 2023 when Kanaparthy, alongside his partners, won the Emerge Americas Ironhack Hackathon with an AR solution built on the Magic Leap 2 platform. “That victory validated my vision for blending creativity and cutting-edge tech,” he says. From there, he founded PFM Innovations, a company that thrives on pushing boundaries and turning ideas into impactful tools.

Overcoming Challenges to Build a Vision

Kanaparthy’s path to success wasn’t without its hurdles. “The greatest challenges were personal—navigating family tragedy and finding stability within my own mind,” he explains. “I channeled those emotions into building.”

Professionally, he faced rejection as an entrepreneur starting without a network or significant resources. Yet persistence paid off. Winning competitions like Emerge Americas Hackathon and the 2023 Startup Summit pitch competition in the veterans category were not just wins—they were turning points. “They showed me the value of persistence, collaboration, and delivering on ideas that truly matter.”

The Power of Collaboration

Kanaparthy credits his success to the team that shares his vision, particularly Don Lockwood, his partner and a key force behind their Emerge Americas Hackathon win. “Don’s patience, experience, and network as a startup founder, Army Detachment Commander, and Good Citizen were instrumental,” Kanaparthy says.

Lockwood’s leadership extended beyond the competition. Together with Valery Kochetkov, the team decided to donate their $10,000 winnings to Team 86, a high school robotics team in Jacksonville, Florida, part of the FIRST Robotics program. “Their commitment to service and community exemplifies what this journey is all about,” Kanaparthy says.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

When asked to share advice, Kanaparthy’s focus is clear: obsession, empathy, and action. “Be obsessive about the problem you want to solve. When we won the Emerge Americas Hackathon, it wasn’t because we had a flashy pitch—it was because we understood how AR could solve the user’s pain point,” he explains.

He also encourages new entrepreneurs to embrace competition. “From ACM ICPC to hackathons and pitch events, competition builds resilience, networks, and validation,” he says. Lastly, his advice is to start messy and iterate. “Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start, and refine as you go.”

Balancing Work and Life

Kanaparthy candidly admits that work-life balance isn’t his strong suit. “Honestly, balance is my Achilles’ heel,” he says. However, he finds joy and sustainability through collaboration. “The key for me is working with people who share my energy and goals. Surround yourself with a team you respect and admire, and give them space to take ownership. That’s how you prevent burnout—even when you’re sprinting.”

The Future of PFM Innovations

Looking to the future, Kanaparthy is focused on democratizing augmented reality with XR Sight, a spatially aware infrared thermal scope. “It’s more than a product—it’s a tool that could transform safety and tactical awareness,” he shares.

Scheduled for release in 2025, XR Sight is already generating excitement with demos on platforms like Quest 3 and Magic Leap 2. To bring this vision to life, PFM Innovations is raising $0.5M–$1M in pre-seed funding for a $5M valuation. “My goal is to partner with forward-thinking investors who believe in the potential of accessible AR to change the world,” he says.

Building a Legacy

With a career defined by competition, persistence, and innovation, Naga Varun Kanaparthy is more than an entrepreneur—he’s a builder. Whether refining augmented reality solutions or pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, his story is a testament to resilience and vision. As the founder of PFM Innovations, Kanaparthy continues to create tools that solve meaningful problems, proving that with the right mindset, the future is always within reach.

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