Pioneers

If you're like many outside the launch industry, the concept of a company that is pushing the aerospace boundaries by developing the world's first commercial rocket powered by carbon-neutral biofuel might sound foreign to you. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today, I'm joined by David Hayrikyan, the Chief Technology Officer at BluShift Aerospace, a US-based startup company in Brunswick, Maine. BluShift Aerospace is a sustainable space launch service provider, offering dedicated, small 'taxi-ride' Space Launch Services, catering to the quickly growing market of sending nano-satellites and micro-satellites into space In this episode, you will get a captivating glimpse into the world of space exploration, innovation, and sustainability, with BluShift Aerospace. You will also get to hear in-depth about BluShift's unique rocket technology, the use of carbon-neutral biofuels, and their plans for launching from Maine.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Space exploration and Blue Shift's mission to reach the stars. (3:43) Space technology and rocket development. (8:38) Carbon-neutral biofuel for rocket launches in Maine. (15:30) Using Siemens NX for rocket design and simulation. (21:30) Advice for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in joining startup companies. (26:51) Connect with David Hayrikyan: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn

We live in a world where advancements in medical science have extended our lifespan and are transforming how we experience healthcare. However, one statistic shows one-third of the surveyed healthcare workers plan to leave their jobs in the next year due to experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. Many are looking for ways to make healthcare a bit easier by developing technologies that will help with the labor-intensive tasks they deal with every day. In this episode Kevin Blevins and Jim Gernatt interview Jay Singh, the CEO and founder of Able Innovations, a healthcare technology company.  Able Innovations' ALTA platform is addressing a critical challenge in healthcare by making patient transfers safer and more efficient, benefiting both healthcare workers and patients In this conversation with Jay, you will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare innovation. You will also get to hear about a robotic device developed by Able Innovations, that allows a single caregiver to transfer a patient with the push of a button, providing a consistent and dignified experience for the patient. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The problem of patient transfers in healthcare and the Alta platform (07:32) Automating patient transfers using sensors and technology (09:41) Safety and adoption of new technology in healthcare (16:06) Medical technology and partnerships. (18:56) Product development, commercialization, and company growth (27:34) Connect with Jay Singh: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn Connect with Jim Gernatt: LinkedIn

When you hear the word "privacy," what comes to mind? Your personal information? The security cameras in your home? Your favorite Alexa or Google device that is listening to your every word? But what about your car, or even more importantly, what about your phone? According to the ACLU website, cell phones and other wireless electronic devices are vital communication tools that have become necessary for full participation in modern life. But they are also powerful tracking devices that can be used to infringe on individual privacy. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today; I'm speaking with Jason Keats, founder and self-proclaimed "Chief Hooligan" at Osom Privacy, a US-based startup company developing new smartphone technology that, according to their website, is built better and built private.  In this episode, you will gain valuable insights into the critical role of privacy in today's technology, especially smartphones, and the challenges and strategies of starting and running a successful startup. You will also hear about Keats' passions, such as racing, and how they parallel his professional life, illustrating the diverse interests and skills that can contribute to entrepreneurial success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The challenges of hardware production  and Osom's partnership with Solana for the "Saga" device  (04:04) Materials used in smartphone manufacturing, like glass and titanium, and their impact on product quality (13:04) The importance of maintaining a flat organizational structure (24:36) Privacy-focused tech and racing sponsorships (28:57) The use of Siemens software at Osom Privacy (34:20) Connect with Jason Keats: LinkedIn  Website  Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn

If you're not familiar with the phrase "hypersonic," just think Mach 5, or something traveling at five times the speed of sound. There are several companies out there developing vehicles to travel at these speeds; they include private companies, such as the one we're going to speak with today. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today, I'm joined by Pradeep Dass, the President and CTO of Space Engine Systems, a Canadian-based aerospace start-up company located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In this episode, we will dive deep into Pradeep Dass's insights and vision for Space Engine Systems offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of aerospace innovation. In this episode, you will gain insights into Space Engine Systems' focus on pushing the boundaries of high-speed flight and its determination to make space more accessible. You will also get to hear about the challenges and limitations of traditional rockets, such as the waste of fuel, which Space Engine Systems aims to overcome with their approach. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Multi-fuel propulsion system. (00:12) Aerospace and medical applications, including the rapid transport of organs. (08:44) Space exploration and reusable rocket. (12:52) Space technology development and funding. (17:27) The challenges of developing new technology and the importance of a clear mission in space exploration.  (23:31) Hypersonic aircraft design and development challenges. (34:51) Space Engine Systems works with Siemens. (42:58) Connect with Pradeep Dass: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn

The world is currently witnessing the rapid commercialization of space. According to Google, there are over 100 launch companies, some of which are already in regular operation. But what happens when these rockets deliver their payloads to space? How do satellites, which are the payloads, move from their drop-off points to the specific orbits assigned by the International Telecommunications Union? I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today, I'm joined by Dan Olson, the Vice President of Engineering at Impulse Space, a startup dedicated to in-space transportation and infrastructure for the commercialization of space. In this episode, we will explore various aspects of Impulse Space's work and the aerospace industry. In this episode, you will gain insights into the exciting developments in the commercialization of space and Impulse Space's pivotal role in this rapidly evolving industry. Additionally, you'll discover more about Dan's remarkable journey, from designing race cars to spacecraft, highlighting the surprising commonalities in design and innovation across different sectors. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Dan's journey from designing race cars to spacecraft (02:12) Impulse Base and its innovative products (07:05) SpaceX launch and payload capabilities (12:15) Space transportation and missions with Impulse Space (17:08) impulse base and its Siemens software integration. (23:41) Connect with Dan Olson: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn

There have been several technological advancements that have changed society's relationship to acceleration, space, and time. And in the present day, the world is amid a significant surge in the commercialization of space. While some say that the commercialization of space began with SpaceX’s inaugural rocket launch, the story runs way deeper. Today, Kevin Blevins talks to Rahul Rughani, Chief Systems Engineer at Arkisys Inc, a US-based startup focused on developing space infrastructure.  In this episode, you will learn about the multifaceted nature of Arkisys' endeavor, from designing versatile port modules that can host an array of payloads to envisioning in-space manufacturing capabilities that could lead to constructing massive structures hundreds of meters across. You will also get to hear more about Arkisys’ partnership with Siemens, utilizing cutting-edge technology like Siemens NX to design, model, and render their innovative concepts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The concept of reconfiguration in space (5:52) The process of launching payloads onto the port module (10:51) The role of a systems engineer (16:18) Arkisys’ “Direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)" contract with the US Space Force (21:01) Monetizing power in space (25:43) Radiation is a significant concern (30:27) Advice for budding entrepreneurs (36:00) Connect with Rahul Rughani LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn

One of the exciting parts of working with startup companies is working with founders who start with an idea, gather a group of like-minded, passionate individuals, and then make the vision come true.  I am your host Kevin Blevins, and today I'm thrilled to welcome back to our show Aleksey Matyushev, co-founder and CEO of Natilus. Natilus is a company that produces autonomous cargo aircraft, aiming to revolutionize the global air freight business. Aleksey has participated in an earlier Siemens Pioneers podcast posted back in January of 2021, and now we've invited him back to discuss all the exciting changes at Natilus over the last two years. In this episode, he shares the company's remarkable journey over the past two years. We learn about their growth in personnel, the expansion of their physical facilities, and their progress in building a full-scale prototype. Aleksey also discusses the challenges they've faced, including the pilot shortage and supply chain issues, and how they've navigated through them. He highlights the importance of technology, efficient team structures, and partnerships with key suppliers in overcoming these challenges. The conversation also touches upon Natilus' plans, potential product expansions, and the significance of sustainability considerations What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How the pandemic impacted the startup ecosystem (4:59) The recent Silicon Valley Bank collapse and its effect on startup funding (7:44) The concept of "Dry Powder" in the aviation industry (12:47) How long it takes to raise money for a startup and the funding process (17:34) Natilus' focus on developing cargo aircraft in the aviation market (19:16) Natilus' relocation from San Francisco to San Diego (28:52) Challenges faced by Natilus in the last two years, including supply chain issues (37:42) Advice from Aleksey to fellow entrepreneurs (52:09) Connect with Aleksey Matyushev LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins LinkedIn

Urban mobility has been one of the most important and challenging issues in our times. It is a catch-all term which means we are discussing the ease and speed with which people, goods, and services can move around in urban areas. And with cities getting more populous and more congested, there will be new challenges for transportation systems that will impact how we design and build our urban locations. Today, Kevin Blevins talks to Francis Pollara, the founder and former Director of Strategy and Development for Urban Movement Labs. Urban Movement Labs is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between local government and innovators, all committed to the same vision — a Los Angeles where new transportation technologies are tested, proven, and brought to life. Today you will learn about the work of Urban Movement Labs (UML), a non-profit transportation technology innovation organization. You will also get to hear more about the Humans of New Mobility series, sponsored by Siemens, which features webinars that explore the human side of the mobility ecosystem.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Urban Movement Labs got started and how it has grown into what it is today. (12:21) Various aspects of urban air mobility (18:09) The challenges facing Los Angeles in terms of mobility and the programs being implemented to address them (25:27) How the use of robots for deliveries in urban areas could change the curb environment, and how cities could adapt to this new technology (30:27) Advice to budding entrepreneurs and venture capital companies (40:52) Connect with Francis: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin: LinkedIn

Ultrasound imaging has long been a cornerstone of medical diagnostics, helping doctors and healthcare professionals to visualize internal organs, monitor the growth and development of fetuses, and guide minimally invasive procedures. However, despite their widespread use and proven efficacy, traditional ultrasound machines need to be improved in their capabilities.  I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today, I'm speaking with Josh Arnone, Senior Engineer at DeepSight Technology, a US startup company developing hardware, software, and AI technologies that vastly improve image quality and extend the depth of penetration of medical diagnostic ultrasound. In this episode, Josh will help us understand how DeepSight uses different technologies with superior sensing capabilities to overcome the limitations of traditional ultrasound imaging. You will learn about using Siemens tools at DeepSight enabling efficient mechanical engineering and surface modeling. You will also hear about other projects at DeepSight, aiming to apply their sensing technology to various medical fields. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How DeepSight got started (8:17) Key challenges and milestones the company has seen along the way (11:55) How DeepSight is different from traditional ultrasound (17:06) Software used at DeepSight  (23:17) Other projects DeepSight is currently working on besides ultrasound (25:45) Connect with Josh Arnone: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn

The growth of startups has increased tremendously in the last decade. But bringing a successful innovative business from 0 to 1 is one of the hardest things you can undertake. A lot of people keep creating companies with good ideas or even great ideas but cannot launch the company for one reason or another. It could be a lack of funding or something as simple as knowledge of where to start. And that's where groups, consortiums, and especially companies like ventureLAB come in. Today, Kevin Blevins talks to Avinash Persaud, Vice President of Hardware Catalyst at  ventureLAB, a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies. ventureLAB is Canadian-based and is led by seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders with decades of industry experience. In this episode, you will learn about the challenges faced by hardware technology startups and the role of organizations like ventureLAB in supporting their growth. You will also get to hear more about the types of infrastructure and labs available to startups at ventureLAB, as well as what companies can expect in the first few months of working with the organization.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Avinash’s background in engineering  (2:34) The semiconductor industry and its future (13:31) The need for more diversity in the semiconductor industry supply chain (16:14) Why ventureLAB chose to partner with Siemens (25:11) The screening process at ventureLAB  (22:28) What start-up companies can expect working with ventureLAB (28:20) Connect with Avinash Persaud: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn