Fernando Albertorio was a serial entrepreneur, scientist, and public speaker whose life’s work in creating award-winning assistive technology has transformed possibilities for people who are visually impaired. A longtime Team See Possibilities board member and friend, Fernando brought unmatched ingenuity, warmth, and dedication to every endeavor, and his impact continues to guide our mission today.

Born with albinism and legally blind, Fernando grew up on the tropical island of Puerto Rico. His father, a U.S. Air Force veteran, inspired his early love for science and technology. Fernando came to recognize that his vision impairment gave him a unique approach to problem-solving, one that shaped his remarkable path as a researcher, innovator, and leader.

Fernando earned his doctorate in Chemistry and later became an independent researcher in Physics at Harvard University, where he received the prestigious NIH Ruth Kirstein National Independent Research Award. In 2010, recognizing the opportunity to bring scientific innovation into the world of entrepreneurship, he founded his first technology company. Over the course of his career, he launched three companies, brought more than ten products to market, and built and led teams that scaled from concept to millions in revenue.

He served on the boards of several blindness organizations, including MABVI, and was an alum of leading business accelerators such as TechStars, MassChallenge, and Y Combinator. His work and story were featured across major outlets including CNN, MIT Technology Review, and Forbes, as well as on television programs such as Meet the Drapers.

Fernando’s brilliance was matched only by his kindness. He believed deeply in expanding opportunity, uplifting talent, and using science and entrepreneurship to make the world better for others.