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What does a decades-old rotary engine, a family locomotive-parts shop, and the scramble to power AI data centers have in common? And why does a self-funded founder believe the fix for the world's growing power problem was sitting in a 1970s engine design nobody had looked at twice? What you’ll discover today… (00:00) From automation apprentice to family manufacturing shop to EV startup — how the grid math led Leigh to Hydronexus. (03:40) Reviving a shelved 1970s rotary engine design and solving the cooling problem that made hydrogen combustion viable. (07:31) Inside the Electrify Nevada accelerator, and the investor conversations that forced the natural-gas-to-hydrogen pivot. (11:31) The honeymoon-phase question, and why the harder problem isn't the engineering, it's raising capital. (13:23) Early traction in the Caribbean and the Philippines, and the road to a working prototype. (15:32) The personal cost of self-funding, and what the journey taught Leigh about himself. (17:07) What's next: the case for angel investment, the five-year vision, and where the engine could go beyond data centers. What you’ll discover today… Leigh Killingbeck's path to founding HydroNexus started on the shop floor. He trained at an automation company, then co-founded a manufacturing business with his father making parts for locomotives and semiconductors, gaining hands-on experience with welding, CNC machines, and running a business. A stint at an EV startup convinced him the grid can't support an all-EV future. That gap led him back to a rotary engine concept largely abandoned since the 1970s, one he redesigned to solve hydrogen's biggest problem, excess heat, into a compact, power dense engine that beats fuel cells and piston engines on cost and complexity. HydroNexus is now building toward its first prototype after a run through the Electrify Nevada accelerator, where investor conversations forced a key pivot: rather than waiting on hydrogen infrastructure, the same engine runs today on natural gas, with a path to blend in and eventually run on hydrogen as it becomes available. The company is self-funded and early stage, but already fielding interest from microgrid projects in the Caribbean and the Philippines, with data centers, the AI driven power crunch that opens this episode, as the long-term target. For founders navigating hard tech, this conversation is a candid look at translating deep engineering into a fundable story, the discipline of bootstrapping while raising a family, and why the milestone that matters most isn't a valuation, but real, reliable power delivered to people who don't have it. Connect with us Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Leigh Killingbeck LinkedIn HydroNexus Energy Website

What does an old wallpaper mill, a Swiss banknote plant, and a pair of glaucoma-detecting glasses have in common? And why does a man who has built more than 30 companies say founders should stop trying to invent anything at all? What you’ll discover today… (00:00) The golf-ball hustle that started it all, and the parental support behind it. (08:57) The contrarian bet that built Fortress. (13:36) Inside the pressure of a distressed-asset turnaround. (17:12) Running multiple companies solo, wired differently. (21:30) Why a 30-company track record doesn't guarantee a check. (22:40) The throughline from uranium to glaucoma glasses. (25:43) iGuardian and building versus buying. (28:37) What investors listen for — and why solo founders struggle. (32:35) Coachability, discipline, and humility. (36:35) De-risking deep tech with grants and digital twins. (42:51) Legacy, what still excites him, and rapid-fire wisdom. More about the episode Chad Wasilenkoff is not a typical founder. He started selling golf balls at eight years old, was buying and selling video games, BMX bikes and cars by his teens, and has gone on to found close to 30 companies across forestry, mining, advanced materials, chemical recycling and medical devices. He doesn't consider himself an inventor — he's an investor who operates the business himself and looks for the exit. His playbook is finding value where nobody else is looking. He turned a near-worthless forestry mill into Fortress and sold it for $210 million. He bought a Swiss banknote mill for a fraction of its worth and unlocked tens of millions in hidden land and inventory value. He spotted a coming uranium shortage most investors ignored. That same instinct now drives iGuardian, glasses designed to detect glaucoma at home, and a chemical catalyst company tackling plastic recycling at scale. For founders and investors in hard tech or deep tech, this conversation is a masterclass in contrarian thinking — what investors listen for in a pitch, why solo founders face a harder road, and why buying a great idea can beat inventing one. Connect with us Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Chad Wasilenkoff  LinkedIn Eye Guardian Website Helicoid Industries Website

What if the nuclear industry's biggest problem has nothing to do with the reactor itself? And what happens when a SpaceX veteran decides he's the one to fix it? What you’ll discover today… (00:00) From a bush pilot in Alaska to building SpaceX launch pads to reshaping nuclear infrastructure.  (06:10) Understanding the market and customer-driven innovation. (08:45) A bold new approach to nuclear energy innovation. (12:05) Financing future growth and sustainability: Flexible models for growth. (15:00) The reality and challenges of starting a start-up.  (18:00) Lessons from a sabbatical and the importance of reflection. (22:30) The importance of patience in startups. (25:00) Building customer trust in a skeptical market- winning over early adopters. (28:00) Navigating regulatory challenges early (29:25) The learning curve of transitioning from aerospace to nuclear  (30:20) Balancing innovation with industry responsibility  (33:30) How to build trust with investors (36:00) How to deal with doubts, fears, and keeping the momentum going in a startup. (37:20) The impact of fatherhood on leadership and managing stress as a founder (40:25) Applied Atomics’ vision of the future More about the episode Ben Kellie is not a nuclear scientist. He’s an infrastructure builder. He spent years at SpaceX leading the launch pad construction at Vandenberg and running the landing barge programme day to day — learning what it actually takes to push complex, high-stakes infrastructure into the world. When he left to found The Launch Company, he bootstrapped it, served every major venture-backed rocket company, and exited on his own terms. Then he took two years off to think. What he found, after long walks and deep dives into advanced fuels, carbon sequestration and the future of industry, was a single blocker: the lack of affordable, firm, zero-emission baseload power. That insight became Applied Atomics — a company now just 13 months old, with a reactor licence in hand, a plant design at 60%, a digital twin running real-time plant physics from a Pelican case, and signed customer letters of intent.  Applied Atomics is not waiting to perfect the reactor. It is vertically integrating well-understood, high-heritage nuclear technology with new control systems and a supply chain built for actual deployment. If you are a founder, investor, or operator in hard tech, energy, or infrastructure, this episode is a blueprint for how to move fast without losing discipline — and why the most powerful innovation is sometimes a better process, not a better reactor. Connect with us Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Ben Kellie LinkedIn Website

Abdel Ali, founder and CEO of Kiwi Charge, shares how broken EV charging becomes when you don’t control the parking space, electrical capacity, or building ownership. Instead of accepting the limitation, he built a radically different solution: mobile, robot-based EV chargers that bring power directly to parked vehicles. What you’ll discover today… (04:20) Why EV charging in multi-tenant buildings is one of the biggest bottlenecks in EV adoption (05:30) The real cost problem with fixed chargers—and why 80% of installation spend isn’t value-adding (09:30)  Subscription vs pay-per-use: rethinking the EV charging business model (12:30) How one robot can replace up to 30 Level-2 chargers using AI and scheduling (15:30) Building a robotics startup without an engineering background (17:50) From pilots to partnerships with developers and automakers (21:25) How SmartTO supports hard-tech founders through long development cycles (29:50) De-risking hardware startups with pilots, living labs, and digital twins (35:10) The hardest lessons learned scaling a physical, infrastructure-driven company (36:50) Advice for founders tackling climate and infrastructure problems (41:00) Kiwi Charge’s vision for EV charging five years from now More about the episode In this episode of Siemens Pioneers: Startups from Dream to Reality, host Pang Cau sits down with Abdel Ali, founder and CEO of Kiwi Charge, and Paulina from SmartTO, a Toronto-based mobility incubator supporting hard-tech innovation. Kiwi Charge is tackling one of the least glamorous—but most critical—challenges in the EV ecosystem: charging in existing buildings. Rather than retrofitting parking garages with costly fixed infrastructure, Kiwi Charge uses autonomous mobile robots that navigate parking lots and charge vehicles overnight. The result is a flexible, scalable, and capital-efficient alternative that works within today’s electrical constraints. Abdel shares how his background in venture capital shaped a market-first approach—validating willingness to pay before committing to expensive hardware development. Paulina offers a behind-the-scenes look at how incubators like SmartTO help founders de-risk deep-tech ideas through mentorship, applied research, living labs, and digital twins. If you’re building in climate tech, infrastructure, robotics, or any hardware-heavy space, this conversation offers practical insights into turning constraints into competitive advantage. Connect with us Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Abdel Ali LinkedIn Website Dr. Paulina Karwowska-Desaulniers LinkedIn

What if Spider-Man’s web were real? For Roberto Velozzi, founder and CEO of Spidey Tek, that question turned into a lifelong pursuit, and eventually, a business. What you’ll discover today… (02:10) The “aha moment” that turned science fiction into science fact (05:00) Early adopters and investors who believed before mass production (06:30) Scaling spider silk using an alfalfa-based production platform (11:40) Partnerships, fundraising, and the $5 million scale-up plan (18:00) The power of building the right team and leadership under pressure (18:50) Refugee roots, resilience, and redefining what “hard” really means (19:50) Advice for scientists and engineers building hard-tech startups (23:30) The five-floor elevator pitch that sums up Spidey Tek’s trillion-dollar potential More about the episode Originally from El Salvador, Roberto’s journey from comic-book fan to biotech innovator has been anything but ordinary. After decades of research, his team discovered how to produce spider silk proteins at scale—creating a material that’s stronger than steel, lighter than carbon fiber, and completely biodegradable. In this episode, Roberto shares how Spidey Tek went from lab experiment to a company attracting attention from aerospace giants, automotive manufacturers, and materials science firms across the world. With a production model built on alfalfa plants and partnerships that remove traditional manufacturing barriers, Spidey Tek stands at the edge of a sustainable-materials revolution. If you’re an investor, innovator, or anyone fascinated by nature-inspired technology, this conversation is a masterclass in turning impossible science into scalable impact. Connect with us Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Roberto Velozzi LinkedIn

What if your PhD side project could turn into a multimillion-dollar acquisition in just five years—without going through endless VC rounds? What you’ll discover… The crucial pivot that took Laser Depth Dynamics from medical imaging to manufacturing—and why it made all the difference How leveraging your university ecosystem can give you world-class R&D resources without the overhead Why empathy might be the most underrated skill for technical founders The role strategic partnerships played in landing Laser Depth Dynamics’ very first customer How to prepare your company for acquisition from day one Where to find it… (2:00) From PhD research into optical coherence tomography to a startup idea (5:15) The big pivot: starting a technology business (8:00) Using the university ecosystem to develop and test prototypes (9:40) Strategic partnerships with IPG Photonics and securing first customers (13:40) Building marketing assets that engineers often overlook (19:05) Understanding product-market fit in B2B hard tech (25:10) Finding and cultivating early adopter customers (28:15) Funding strategies without heavy VC involvement (46:32) Leadership styles and growth over time (50:15) Preparing for acquisition and knowing when to sell More about the episode Turning cutting-edge research into a viable, market-ready product is never easy—especially in hard tech, where the path from prototype to profitability is often long and capital-intensive. But Paul Webster, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager at IPG Photonics Canada, managed to do just that with Laser Depth Dynamics, the company he co-founded while finishing his PhD at Queen’s University. In this episode of Pioneers, host Peng-Sang Cau dives deep into Paul’s journey from academic research to successful acquisition. You’ll hear how he pivoted from medical imaging to manufacturing to shorten time-to-market, leveraged the resources of the university ecosystem to refine his prototype, and built strategic relationships—most notably with IPG Photonics—that fast-tracked his path to customers and growth. Paul also reveals how empathy, overbuilt hardware, and smart pricing decisions helped him win early adopters, how he avoided the common pitfalls of hard tech fundraising, and why preparing for acquisition starts on day one. For founders, investors, and innovators in deep tech, this episode offers a masterclass in turning research into a thriving business. Connect with us Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Paul Webster LinkedIn

What you’ll discover… How to build trust with customers before you’ve even built a product Lessons on raising $150M and convincing top-tier VCs like Sequoia and General Catalyst The emotional story that sparked Cobot’s mission inside a hospital hallway Why humanoid robots might not be the future and what should replace them Why swappable batteries, high-mounted sensors, and swerve drives make all the difference The founder’s journey: anxiety, ambition, and the power of embracing the Odyssey Where to find it… (02:35) Why Brad left a high-flying career to start something from scratch (06:10) Timing the AI and robotics wave (08:45) From Scale AI to Cobot: building the product he truly believed in (11:45) Identifying Real-world problems to be solved by your new start-up (19:45) Why top investors believed in him before a prototype even existed (27:00) Selling the vision before building the robot (32:45) MVP success, user feedback, and building trust with early adopters (40:00) What “everyday work” means for Brad and how Cobot improves lives (44:00) The next 10 years of robotics and physical AI (52:00) Brad’s proudest moment and how it ties back to a promise to his father More about the episode Before founding Cobot, Brad Porter held senior roles at Amazon, Scale AI, and even helped pioneer voice applications at Tellme and Netscape. But it was a walk with his father through the halls of Mayo Clinic that planted the seed for something radically new. In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Brad shares how a personal loss became a professional mission to build collaborative robots that enhance human work instead of replacing it. With over $150M raised in just three years and clients like the Mayo Clinic, Maersk, and the US Department of Defense, Brad has done what few in hard tech manage to do: build, fund, and deploy a real solution in record time. You’ll hear how digital twin technology and fast iteration allowed Cobot to deliver results before having a fully built prototype, and why design decisions like swappable batteries and swerve drives matter more than buzzwords. If you’re a founder, investor, or just fascinated by where robotics is headed, this episode delivers hard-won insights and inspiration in equal measure. Connect with us: Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Brad Porter LinkedIn

What does it take to build a company from nothing—and then start again to help others do the same? How do resilience, innovation, and leadership shape not just a business, but an entire life? In this unforgettable episode of Pioneers: The Siemens Startup Podcast, hosts Paul Musto and Jim Gernatt welcome Peng Cau, the newest member of the Siemens startup team. From surviving Cambodia’s killing fields to building and selling one of Canada’s premier automation companies, Peng’s journey is a masterclass in overcoming adversity, grit, leading with integrity, bold vision and execution. She shares powerful personal stories—escaping war, learning business from her parents, and launching Transformix from a basement with a $1,000 loan. Peng opens up about navigating racism, sexism, and strategic pivots, including the bold decisions that led to an eight-figure exit without venture capital. Listeners will hear why Peng never says "I've made it," and the leadership philosophy that drove her company's culture. Now, as part of Siemens, Peng brings her passion, startup experience, and bold energy to help new founders reach their dreams—and she's officially joining the podcast as a future host! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Surviving the Khmer Rouge: How Peng’s early life taught her resilience and adaptability (2:20), the same skills needed to build deeptech company. Entrepreneurship Lessons: Building a company with nothing but grit and loyalty (6:15) Starting Transformix: From a basement and cold-calling manufacturers to landing their first big contract (11:45) Facing Business Collapse: How Peng pivoted after losing 90% of her revenue (15:30) Never "Making It":  An entrepreneur’s mindset of constant growth (18:10) Leadership Philosophy: Integrity, Respect, Passion, and Innovation (19:35) The Bittersweet Reality of Acquisition: Letting go of her “first child” (24:20) The Investment Ecosystem in Canada vs. the U.S.: Challenges raising capital (26:55) Overcoming Sexism and Racism: Advice for underrepresented founders (30:20) Why Peng saw the Siemens Startup Program as a perfect next step (34:00) Connect with us: Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Peng Cau LinkedIn X

What if the shape of an aircraft could unlock 50% fuel savings and drastically cut carbon emissions? How can innovative startups challenge decades-old aviation designs to create a more sustainable, cost-efficient future? In this episode of the Siemens Startup Podcast, hosts Paul Musto (Siemens Digital Industries) and Tucker Marion (Northeastern University) sit down with Tim Berry, Head of Manufacturing, Quality & Integration at JetZero. With a background at SpaceX, VAST, and other aerospace pioneers, Tim shares how JetZero is breaking through 60 years of aviation stagnation with its blended wing body (BWB) aircraft—a revolutionary design that promises game-changing efficiency, sustainability, and improved passenger experience. This episode is perfect for startup founders, aerospace engineers, investors, and sustainability advocates looking to understand how game-changing innovation can disrupt a legacy industry. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge aircraft design, sustainable aviation, or the role of digital tools in manufacturing, you'll gain insights into how JetZero is tackling these challenges—from securing major partnerships with NASA and the U.S. Air Force to reimagining the future of air travel. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: JetZero’s goals and achievements and target market (2:00) Key technical challenges that JetZero is facing (9:15) How JetZero aims to improve the passenger experience (12:05) JetZero’s low-risk approach to producing revolutionary aircraft (18:20) How Siemens helps to accelerate JetZero’s development and manufacturing processes (24:30) JetZero and NASA’s partnership (27:25) Words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs (29:40) The future of aviation and aircraft manufacturing (35:21) Connect with Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Connect with Tim Berry LinkedIn  Website Connect with Tucker Marion Website LinkedIn

In this second part of our Pioneers Podcast special on Ada IQ, host Paul Musto, co-host Tucker Marion, and CEO Liz Graham dive deep into how Ada IQ is changing the game for product design. With a focus on breaking down data silos and integrating insights from various sources, they explore how AI can help product teams design smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Liz discusses the importance of combining fragmented data from different departments—sales, marketing, and product management—to inform design decisions from the beginning. Ada IQ’s AI technology acts as a co-pilot, helping designers navigate constraints, enhance creativity, and improve the marketability of products. The conversation also explores how AI can democratize complex tools like CAD and simulation, giving more team members the ability to innovate and solve problems without needing specialized knowledge. Liz shares insights into how AI can help make the design process more intuitive and accessible for all types of engineers. With advice for young entrepreneurs and reflections on the evolution of technology, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for founders and innovators looking to stay ahead of the curve. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Ada IQ connects fragmented data to inform early-stage product design (0:40) The role of AI in augmenting the work of product designers (3:00) How AI helps bridge the gap between product conception and CAD design (9:30) Key advice for young entrepreneurs navigating the ups and downs of startup life (11:50) How the intersection of academic research and industry drives innovation at Ada IQ (18:00) Golden advice for young entrepreneurs of startup companies (21:50) Connect with Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Connect with Tucker Marion LinkedIn Website Connect with Elizabeth Graham LinkedIn Website

What if AI could transform product design by seamlessly integrating consumer insights and predictive analytics? How can startups and established companies alike harness AI to bridge the gap between creativity and data-driven innovation? In this episode of Pioneers: The Siemens Startup Podcast, host Paul Musto is joined by co-host Tucker Marion from Northeastern University and special guest Liz Graham, CEO of AdaIQ. Liz discusses her journey from corporate law to startup leadership, her experience with hyper-growth companies like HubSpot and Wayfair, and her vision for AdaIQ—a company using AI to revolutionize product design. The trio dives into the challenges of creating a culture of innovation, the opportunities AI offers in enhancing the product development process, and how startups can build resilient teams to weather the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.  From tackling inefficiencies in product design to fostering a trust-centered company culture, this episode offers invaluable insights for founders, product managers, and innovators alike. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How do companies keep the innovative spirit alive? (7:50) Practical strategies for founders to navigate the rollercoaster of startup life (9:00) Why 40% of new products fail or underperform and how AdaIQ aims to change that (11:30) What does AdaIQ do? (12:30) What drives the business model of AdaIQ (19:20) How AI and design technology will evolve over the next few years ( 20:40 ) Connect with Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Connect with Tucker Marion LinkedIn Website Connect with Elizabeth Graham LinkedIn Website

How can aviation achieve zero-emission flight without compromising performance and range? What does it take to build the next generation of electric aircraft from the ground up? Aviation is at a crossroads, with sustainability emerging as a critical goal for the industry. But what does the future hold for electric aviation, and how can it achieve zero-emission flight while meeting commercial demands? In this episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Kevin Blevins speaks with Christopher Chahine, the co-founder and CEO of Cosmic Aerospace. Christopher shares his journey from researching fluid dynamics at the von Karman Institute and the University of Oxford to founding Cosmic Aerospace, a company dedicated to creating ultra-efficient, all-electric passenger aircraft with long flight ranges.  Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities in building sustainable aviation technology, from overcoming range limitations to navigating FAA certification. Christopher also highlights the importance of leveraging Siemens’ advanced tools, such as STAR CCM+ and Femap, in bringing Skylark’s innovative design to life. Listeners will discover how Cosmic Aerospace’s Skylark aircraft is poised to revolutionize regional aviation with its zero-emission, highly efficient design and why embracing current battery technology without betting on miracles is a cornerstone of their strategy.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The dangers associated with aviation CO2 emissions ( 06:00 ) Characteristics and capabilities of the new Skylark electric aircraft ( 10:30 ) The significance of a clean-sheet design for electric aircraft efficiency (11:00) Key milestones in Cosmic Aerospace’s journey ( 16:00 ) The design philosophy with regards to battery technology ( 25:30 )  The outcome of test flights and subscale aircrafts ( 30:00 ) Plans and strategy around production and ensuring affordability and maintainability ( 33:50 ) Why did Aerospace choose to use Siemens products? ( 35:30 ) Christopher’s advice for budding entrepreneurs in the aerospace industry ( 36:50 ) Connect with us Christopher Chahine LinkedIn Website Kevin Blevins LinkedIn Website

What does it take for deep tech startups to move from idea to impact? How can innovation hubs like First Flight Venture Center provide the tools, mentorship, and support founders need to thrive? In this episode of Siemens for Startups, host Jim Gernatt welcomes Krista Covey and Ben Provan from First Flight Venture Center, North Carolina’s leading business innovation hub. Krista, President of First Flight, and Ben, Director of Hangar 6, provide an in-depth look at how their organization fosters early-stage startups with mentorship, cutting-edge prototyping services, and a thriving ecosystem of support. Discover how First Flight bridges the gap between groundbreaking science and market-ready solutions, and learn how their collaboration with Siemens empowers deep tech entrepreneurs to accelerate their innovation cycles. Gain insights into their unique programs, such as Hangar 6’s rapid prototyping resources, and hear inspiring success stories of startups that turned ambitious ideas into real-world impact. Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways for navigating the startup journey, including strategies for overcoming funding challenges, building strong teams, and creating scalable business models. Whether you’re a startup founder, an investor looking to better understand deep tech, or an innovation enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons for transforming bold visions into sustainable success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: History and role of First Flight Venture Center and Hangar6  (01:00) Examples of company journeys in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) ecosystem (03:55) How can founders stay focused and motivated when faced with challenges or setbacks? (6:50) Why is it a good time now to start a start-up or invest in one? (25:10) How do the investment community and Siemens’ tools support deep tech?  (29:00) Vital questions that founders should ask to improve long-term success (39:35) Siemens’ special packaging and pricing for startups through First Flight Venture Center (43:40) Connect with Jim Gernatt LinkedIn Website Connect with Ben Provan Website LinkedIn Connect with Krista Covey Website LinkedIn

What are the foundational issues that often hold back growth, and how can they be resolved? How can startups achieve the brand clarity they need to scale successfully?  In this episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Jim Gernatt sits down with Josh and Zach Webber, the dynamic brother duo behind Big Red Jelly, an award-winning marketing agency. Josh and Zach share their expertise in helping startups unlock growth through a meticulously crafted process they call “Brand, Build, Grow.” They discuss their journey, their unique approach to branding, and how they assist startups in addressing foundational issues that hinder their growth. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges startups face, the importance of understanding product-market fit, and how strategic branding can be the key to unlocking accelerated growth. From deep-tech startups to scalable service businesses, this episode offers practical advice for founders looking to refine their messaging, engage their ideal customers effectively, and improve the customer journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Big Red Jelly identifies and addresses growth barriers for startups (09:10) The connection between Siemens, Keiretsu and Big Red Jelly (16:30) What are the symptoms of brand issues for start-ups? (19:45) Practical branding exercises for deep tech startup founders (30:30) How to improve self-awareness for your brand (32:35) How Siemens and Big Red Jelly help tech start-ups succeed (41:50) Connect with Jim Gernatt LinkedIn Website Connect with Josh Webber LinkedIn Website Connect with Zach Webber LinkedIn Website

Space travel is no longer reserved for astronauts only; it's on the verge of becoming an extraordinary experience within reach for everyone. As the boundaries of exploration expand, today's episode dives into innovations that are making space travel more accessible than ever. In this captivating episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Kevin Blevins sits down with Michael Savage, COO of Space Perspective.  In this episode, you'll explore the latest innovations from Space Perspective, including their unique space balloon and advanced spaceship, Neptune. You'll also discover their significant achievements with the new capsule and cutting-edge marine spaceport, Voyager. Kevin Blevins provides insights into the growing space tourism industry and how companies like Space Perspective are working to make space travel more accessible and affordable for everyone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Michael Savage’s journey from being a business owner to becoming a partner at a venture capital firm, Space Perspective. (01:54) Space travel technology with a focus on a new capsule design and upcoming launch. (14:21) Space tourism industry growth and cost reduction. (16:40) The development of a commercial spacecraft. (21:56) Partnership with Siemens for space technology development. (36:56) Space tourism and innovation with Space Perspective. (42:59) Connect with Michael Savage: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn