Walter Raftus

Walter Raftus is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Forge Automation, a manufacturing automation startup based in Toronto, Ontario. He established the software-enabled CNC parts manufacturing company in the summer of 2022, and the firm has since expanded to 10 employees while participating in the Y Combinator accelerator program. Raftus previously earned his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Prior to launching his own venture, he completed technical internships focusing on system software, deep learning, and embedded control at prominent technology organizations including Nvidia, Intel PSG, and Trexo Robotics. In his current executive role, he leads technical development initiatives for software-driven manufacturing. His professional background combines expertise in applied mathematics with a focus on utilizing artificial intelligence to operate large, specialized industrial machines.