Limitlessly
Pioneering Research for Equity
As a multinational research think tank, we limit ourselves to only one mission: pioneer a more equitable future through a quantitative lens. This means we do research on equity. We do research that promotes equitable access. We do research that creates equitable access. We promote policy, legislation, and outreach that builds a better future. We are looking for still more ways to have an impact: contact if you can help.
Our Aims.
Advance Quantitative Research
To produce and publish high-impact, student-led research in quantitative finance, systems modeling, and applied mathematics.
Inform Global Policy & Innovation
To translate technical insights into actionable policy recommendations in areas such as fintech, AI governance, and public health innovation.
Empower the Next Generation of Thinkers
To build a global network of young researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy minds through fellowships, events, and cross-border collaborations.
Executive Officers
Meet the people driving impact at The Cantor Institute.
Sid Mahajan
Founder & President
Sid founded the Cantor Institute to create a global platform for student-led research at the intersection of math, markets, and technology.
Outside Cantor, Sid enjoys math, computer science, and economics. He plays Golf at Phillips Exeter Acadamy, where he is also head of the Private Equity, Business, Real Estate, and Investment Clubs.
Rohan Agarwal
Chair of Research
Rohan is a student researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on quantitative finance, complex systems, and innovation policy. He oversees broader research operations.
Outside Cantor, Rohan enjoys math, history, economics, and finance. He plays baseball at Prospect High School and is President of the debate team.
Mihir Gupta
Chair of Policy
Mihir serves as Chair of Policy at the Cantor Institute, leading the development of research-driven policy briefs on finance, technology, and global systems.
Outside Cantor, Mihir enjoys math, economics, real estate, and finance. He is a leader of the San Jose chapter of the Acacia project, and an Eagle Scout.
Senior Fellows
Eric Zhu
Senior Fellow
Eric Zhu is the co-founder of Aviato and General Partner at Bachmanity Capital, a $20M early-stage fund. He brings deep experience in venture capital and startup ecosystems, helping lead The Cantor Institute’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Parmis Dizaji
Senior Fellow
Parmis Mokhtari-Dizaji is a student at Cornell University. With experience spanning refugee advocacy, legal-health collaboration, and international development, she brings a systems-thinking approach to policy innovation at the Cantor Institute.
Jenna Mulji
Senior Fellow
Jenna Mulji is an international business student with global experience in marketing, data consulting, and AI ventures. From working with Alibaba Group to Hill & Knowlton in Madrid to Cantor, Jenna leads strategic outreach and communications for the Cantor Institute’s global initiatives.
Advisory
Meet our real-world advisors.
Michael Paliotta
Senior Advisor
Michael is the Equities Chief Executive Officer and Senior Managing Director at Evercore, the largest boutique investment bank on Wall Street. He has previously worked in high-level positions at Credit Suisse and asset management firms. He earned his BS in Business Administration from Manhattan College and his MBA from NYU Stern.
Diane Swonk
Senior Advisor
Diane Swonk is the Chief Economist at KPMG, one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the world. She is a regular contributor on CNBC, Fox, CNN, and Bloomberg Business, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Diane earned her BA and MA in Economics from the University of Michigan and her MBA from the Booth School at the University of Chicago.
Our Origins
Named after Georg Cantor, the pioneer of set theory and the mathematics of infinity, the Cantor Institute was founded by a group of student researchers committed to advancing bold, interdisciplinary inquiry. What began as a collaboration between students passionate about quantitative finance, policy, and emerging technologies quickly grew into a multinational initiative.
Inspired by Cantor’s willingness to challenge convention and explore uncharted intellectual territory, the Institute now serves as a hub for original research, policy development, and global collaboration across complex systems. We exist to empower the next generation of thinkers to model the world’s hardest problems—and imagine its boldest solutions.
The Cantor Institute is built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and impact.