DIB Innovators

EP 30 — Atomos Space’s William Kowalski on Effective Communication in Complex Space Missions

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with William Kowalski, Co-founder & COO at Atomos Space, to explore the intricacies of launching a startup in the space industry. William shares his insights on navigating the challenges of raising capital, highlighting the importance of storytelling when pitching to investors. 
He also discusses the critical role of team dynamics in fostering innovation and maintaining morale in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, William offers his perspective on the significance of effective communication during complex space missions, providing valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to thrive in this competitive field.
Topics discussed:
Securing funding and the importance of storytelling and effectively positioning a company to investors.
How strong team dynamics contribute to innovation and success, highlighting the importance of open communication and collaboration among team members.
The challenges of hiring for a startup, stressing the need to focus on cultural fit rather than just impressive resumes.
The lessons learned from vendor management during their first mission, emphasizing the importance of vetting and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers.
The critical role of effective communication during complex space missions, particularly during rendezvous and proximity operations.
The challenges of obtaining necessary licenses, such as communications licenses from the FCC, and how they impact mission timelines.
The importance of engaging with clients to understand their requirements and how this shapes the development of their technology.
The importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming obstacles, providing insights for aspiring entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.

EP 29 — Capella Space’s Frank Backes on Transforming Global Transparency with Satellite Imaging

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, Frank Backes, CEO of Capella Space, shares his extensive experience in the satellite imaging industry and the innovative capabilities of his company, in particular how they fit into the DIB. He discusses the importance of providing real-time data for global transparency, even in challenging conditions such as nighttime and adverse weather. 
 
Frank highlights how artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the analysis of satellite data, making it more accessible for various sectors, including national security and disaster response. He also emphasizes the significance of building trust with government agencies to effectively meet mission needs.
 
Topics discussed:
 
The benefits of a vertically integrated approach, which encompasses satellite design, manufacturing, operation, and data processing for enhanced efficiency.
The importance of real-time data collection, allowing organizations and even countries to respond quickly to global events, even in adverse conditions.
The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning such as how these technologies improve data analysis and accessibility for customers.
The importance of building trust with government agencies, emphasizing the need for close relationships to effectively meet mission requirements.
The growing demand for satellite imaging in various sectors, particularly in national security, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.
The importance of cybersecurity for satellite architectures, detailing efforts to protect commercial access to space and safeguard data integrity.
The current challenges in the supply chain, including quality and availability, and the need for sustainable practices in satellite production.
The significance of engaging directly with customers to understand their needs and tailor satellite capabilities to meet specific mission requirements.
The future of satellite imaging, such as increased automation and accessibility through advancements in technology and data distribution networks.

EP 28 — Canopy Aerospace’s Matt Shieh on Accelerator Programs for Propelling Growth in the Aerospace Industry

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matt Shieh, Co-founder and CEO of Canopy Aerospace, to explore his journey to leading an innovative aerospace startup. Matt discusses the critical role of startup accelerators like UChicago's Polsky Center, Starburst, and Techstars in providing networking opportunities, investor introductions, and business model guidance. 
 
He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer problems to develop effective solutions. Matt also shares strategies for balancing fundraising with company growth and highlights the innovative work Canopy Aerospace is doing in advanced manufacturing, offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
How accelerator programs can help expand networks and refine business models.
The importance of leveraging accelerators to meet investors, partners, and potential customers to build a strong foundation for the startup.
The need to deeply understand customer issues to ensure the company is solving the right problems.
Strategies for managing fundraising efforts while ensuring sustainable company growth in a competitive market.
Using the lean startup approach to test and validate business ideas with minimal resources.
The unique hurdles faced by startups in the aerospace industry, including regulatory requirements and high capital needs.
The critical role of building a talented and cohesive team to drive the startup's success and navigate early-stage challenges.
Developing a robust capital stack to fund the company's operations and growth initiatives effectively.

EP 27 — ThinkOrbital’s Lee Rosen on Innovating the Future of Space Exploration

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Lee Rosen, Co-founder, President, and CEO of ThinkOrbital. Lee shares his journey from military service to leading innovative projects in the aerospace industry. He discusses the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving in overcoming challenges in space exploration. 
 
Lee reflects on his experiences at SpaceX, emphasizing the value of collaboration and building a talented team that embraces forward-thinking. He also explores the exciting prospects of human habitation in space and how emerging technologies are shaping the future of the industry. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The importance of fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within teams is emphasized as essential for success in the aerospace industry.
How collaboration among diverse teams can drive advancements and solve complex problems in space exploration and technology development.
The future of human habitation in space, discussing the necessary technologies and strategies to make it a reality.
The numerous challenges faced in the aerospace sector, including technical, regulatory, and logistical hurdles that require innovative solutions.
Valuable leadership lessons, including adaptability, vision, and the ability to inspire teams in high-pressure environments.
How new technologies are revolutionizing the aerospace industry, enabling more efficient and effective approaches to space missions.
 

EP 26 — Peak InfoSec’s Matthew Titcombe on the Ins and Outs of Achieving CMMC Certification Success

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Matthew Titcombe, CEO and Sr. Information Security Consultant of Peak InfoSec, to explore the intricacies of cybersecurity compliance. Matt emphasizes the critical role of conducting thorough gap assessments as the first step toward achieving CMMC certification. 
He discusses the common challenges organizations face, including a lack of understanding of requirements and cultural resistance to change. Additionally, Matt shares strategies for fostering a culture of security awareness and developing tailored compliance plans. He also provides valuable guidance for businesses looking to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity and enhance their security posture. 
 
Topics discussed:
The importance of conducting thorough gap assessments to identify compliance weaknesses and establish a roadmap for achieving cybersecurity certification.
The complexities of the CMMC and what organizations need to know to succeed.
The frequent hurdles businesses face, including misunderstandings of compliance requirements and insufficient preparation for audits.
How cultural resistance within organizations can impede progress toward achieving cybersecurity compliance and how to address it.
Developing customized compliance strategies that align with an organization’s specific needs and risk profile.
The importance of fostering a culture of security awareness through training and education for all employees.
How organizations can create effective remediation plans based on the findings from their gap assessments to address identified vulnerabilities.
The need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of cybersecurity practices to keep pace with evolving threats.
How organizations should seek collaboration with cybersecurity experts to navigate the complexities of compliance and enhance their security posture.

EP 25 — goTenna’s Ari Schuler on Overcoming Challenges in Educating Customers About New Technologies

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Ari Schuler, CEO of goTenna, to explore the transformative journey of his company. Ari discusses goTenna's strategic pivot from a consumer-focused business to serving government needs, highlighting the critical decisions and innovations that drove this shift. 
 
He shares his expertise on the power of mesh networks for reliable off-grid communication, emphasizing their importance in military and emergency scenarios. Ari also offers insights on the challenges of educating customers about new technologies and overcoming traditional biases. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
Strategic shifts from consumer markets to focusing on government and defense needs, emphasizing key decisions and innovations.
The role of mesh networks in enabling reliable off-grid communication, particularly in remote and contested environments.
The difficulties in educating customers about new technologies and overcoming traditional biases and resistance to change.
The importance of mission-driven culture, along with its impact on attracting and retaining the right talent.
The challenges of developing and implementing innovative defense technologies while navigating complex governmental requirements.
The significance of strategic hiring in ensuring the right expertise and experience for goTenna’s growth in the defense sector.
How demonstrating real-world applications of goTenna’s technology helps build trust and acceptance among government users.
Insights into the future of communication technology, particularly in off-grid and contested environments.
The importance of having clear metrics and a common language to measure the success and impact of new technologies. 

EP 24 — RMCI’s Kenneth Speaks on Revolutionizing Rotorcraft Maintenance with Real-Time Data

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David chats with Kenneth Speaks, Founder and CEO of RMCI. Kenneth shares his insights on how technology is revolutionizing the aviation industry, in particular the importance of real-time data analysis for rotorcraft, highlighting how advanced sensor technology and condition-based maintenance are reducing downtime and enhancing safety. 
 
Kenneth discusses RMCI's innovative solutions for predictive maintenance and their vision for the future of aviation technology over the next 5-10 years. He also touches on how RMCI is setting new standards and leading the charge in aviation maintenance innovation. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
The importance of real-time data analysis in rotorcraft maintenance and how it transforms raw data into actionable knowledge.
How condition-based maintenance is reducing downtime and increasing safety by predicting and preventing failures before they occur.
The impact of advanced sensors on monitoring rotorcraft performance and identifying early signs of mechanical issues.
Innovative solutions for predictive maintenance that RMCI is developing to set new standards in the aviation industry.
Kenneth's vision for the next 5-10 years in aviation technology and how RMCI plans to stay ahead of industry demands.
Key challenges faced by the aviation industry and how RMCI aims to address them with cutting-edge technology.
Strategies for securing government contracts within the defense industrial base and responding to governmental requirements.
Real-world examples of how RMCI's technology has prevented failures and improved the maintenance processes for their clients.
Kenneth's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the defense industrial base and innovate with new technologies.

EP 23 — American Lithium Energy’s William Hadala on Scaling Lithium Battery Production in the US

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with William Hadala Jr, VP of Strategy at American Lithium Energy. William shares his remarkable journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a key leader in the lithium battery industry. 
 
He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling battery cell manufacturing in the US, emphasizing the importance of optimizing processes and efficiency. William also addresses the need for honesty and transparency within the industry and the critical role of environmental considerations in energy production. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
Responsibilities of a VP of Strategy, including overseeing manufacturing processes and expansion into mega- and gigafactories.
Strategies for enhancing efficiency, yield, and overall optimization in lithium battery production.
The challenges and importance of bringing battery cell manufacturing back to the United States.
Addressing the environmental impact of lithium battery production and the industry's responsibility towards sustainability.
The importance of integrity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in leadership roles.
Securing close to $30 million in government programs tied to the Department of Defense.
Navigating the divide between technological innovation and environmental sustainability within the energy sector.
Insights into the future of lithium battery technology and its applications in various industries, including military and civilian sectors. 
 

EP 22 — Benchmark Space Systems’ Ryan McDevitt on the Future of Satellite Mobility

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Ryan McDevitt, CEO and Co-Founder of Benchmark Space Systems, about the future of space mobility. Ryan shares his journey from academic research to co-founding a cutting-edge space technology company. 
 
Ryan emphasizes the importance of satellite mobility for collision avoidance and mission success, as well as the innovative propulsion solutions Benchmark provides to navigate increasingly congested orbits. Ryan also highlights the challenges of balancing commercial and government timelines in the space industry. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
Why satellite maneuverability is crucial for avoiding collisions and ensuring mission success in increasingly crowded orbits.
Insights into the hurdles faced by tech startups, including the importance of having the right execution plan, team, and capital.
The complexities of managing different timelines and expectations when working with both commercial and government sectors.
How Benchmark aims to make customers' lives easier by providing comprehensive support, from ground fueling to in-space mobility.
Educating the industry through conferences, papers, and outreach activities to promote safe and effective propulsion technologies.
The broader implications for managing space congestion and the evolving strategies required to maintain order in orbit.
Tips and lessons learned from Ryan's journey, including the value of persistence and thorough preparation when entering the space industry.
The importance of building strong relationships and networks within the industry to drive innovation and growth. 

EP 21 — AWS’s Travis Goldbach on Future Trends in Cloud Security and Zero Trust

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Travis Goldbach, Global Head of CMMC Go-To-Market at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Travis is an expert in DFARS, NIST, and CMMC compliance and uses his knowledge to dive into the challenges small and medium-sized businesses face in navigating complex defense compliance requirements and offers practical advice on how to meet these standards. 
 
Travis highlights the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures for reducing exposure to threats. Additionally, he discusses exciting future trends in cloud security, including zero trust strategies and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. 
 
Topics discussed:
 
How small and medium-sized businesses can understand and meet DFARS, NIST, and CMMC compliance requirements in the defense sector.
How AWS supports businesses in achieving and maintaining compliance with stringent defense industry standards.
The importance of educating businesses on specific compliance requirements and providing resources for better understanding and implementation.
Insights into the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against nation-state-level threats and secure controlled unclassified information.
Adopting a risk management approach tailored to each organization's needs for protecting sensitive data.
Strategies for strengthening supply chain security to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance overall defense readiness.
Exploration of upcoming trends in cloud security, including the adoption of zero trust strategies and their impact on the defense sector.
How advancements in AI and ML are shaping the future of cybersecurity in the defense industry.
The role of independent assessments, such as those by C3PAOs, in verifying compliance with all required standards.
Importance of leveraging partnerships to enhance compliance efforts and cybersecurity measures, ensuring a more secure defense industrial base.