Startups: Digitalization to Realization

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Building a home is a process that is expensive in terms of cost and time. You face challenges such as cost overruns, variations from the approved design, and low-quality materials, among others. This is why companies are working to transform the currently expensive and inefficient construction process completely.

Today, the host Kevin Blevins talks to Craig Derian, VP of Engineering at Cover Technologies Inc. A US-based startup company designing and manufacturing Custom Homes. It develops homes that are well-integrated, modern, automated, efficient, and developed as a product.

In this episode, you’ll learn how Cover is transforming the home construction industry and the progress they’ve made so far. You’ll also hear about their experience with Siemens' sets of tools. Additionally, Craig will share some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way and what we can expect from Cover in the future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Cover Technologies sells its solution to potential customers (05:55)
The difference between tiny homes and Cover’s custom backyard homes (10:53)
One of the most difficult installations that Cover has undertaken (18:27)
Cover’s experience with Siemens tools (31:14)
Cover’s future goals (32:23)
Lessons to entrepreneurs who are just getting started (38:37)

Connect with Craig:

Website

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Robots are here to stay! They are not a hyped trend that will fade away after a few years of excitement. That’s because they improve our quality of life by doing time-consuming and redundant tasks efficiently and reliably. They are tools that enable us to build better lives.

Today, the host Kevin Blevins talks to Amir Emacha, Co-Founder and CEO of Earth Robotics Inc. He’ll help us understand what their robot Lu does and its capabilities. He’ll also share with us why they choose the name Earth Robotics.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the progress that Earth Robotics has made so far and what its future aspirations are. You’ll also hear about the different levels of autonomy involved within the robotics world. Additionally, Amir shares some of the challenges they’ve faced and what they’ve done to overcome them.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Differences between software startups and software-hardware startups (06:02)
The story behind the name Earth Robotics (07:41)
How Lu robot is different from other delivery robots (11:18)
How Lu robot communicates with the residents (23:25)
How the Siemens Startup program has helped Earth Robotics (25:36)
Lessons to entrepreneurs who are just getting started (30:51)

Connect with Amir:

Website

Connect with Kevin:

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The space industry has grown tremendously over the last few decades and is expected to keep growing in the coming decades. Analysts are projecting that we’ll have thousands of launches in the year 2030 at an approximate cost of $10 million per launch. While capital seems to be flowing seamlessly into this industry, it has also opened up an important debate about the sustainability of those launches.

Today, the host Kevin Blevins talks to Brent Willis, CEO of Vaya Space, and Jack Blood, the Chief Revenue Officer of Vaya Space. Vaya is a US-based venture capital-backed startup company working on hybrid rocket propulsion technology. They’ll share with us how they got started and what inspires them.

In this episode, you’ll find out about the innovative technology developed by Vaya Space and the impact it's having on the industry. You’ll also learn about the progress they’ve made so far and the benefits of using recycled plastic. Additionally, you’ll hear about how the company uses Siemens NX to reduce the time to market.

Some Questions I Ask:

Can you tell us about your background, and what has brought you to where you are today? (01:35)
What does hybrid technology in rocket engines entail? (10:31)
Are you moving towards mass production of rockets yet? (17:28)
Can you tell us about your products? (21:03)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The determinants of success for startups (03:49)
How Vaya Space got started (07:36)
The approximate number of satellites that will be launched in 2030 (15:00)
Advice to other entrepreneurs (28:59)

Connect with Brent:

Website

Connect with Jack:

Connect with Kevin:

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Carbon emission is one of the biggest challenges that we are facing in this century. Governments, as well as the private sector, are all working to create sustainable solutions to replace the existing pollutants. One of the ways to create an impact is to electrify transportation using the existing battery technology.

Today, the host Kevin Blevins talks to Porter Harris, founder, and CEO of Power Global – a start-up seeking to improve global access to safe, reliable, and modern clean energy technology through innovative electrification products and services. He’ll share with us the progress that the company has made so far and what we should expect from them in the future.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the impact that the company is seeking to create. You’ll also hear about the lessons that Porter has learned along the way on his entrepreneurial journey. Lastly, you’ll hear about how the Siemens Startup program has been helping his company.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What it takes to get a patent (02:27)
The objective of Power Global (03:44)
The challenges Porter faced when developing his battery products (20:36)
How Siemens Startup Program is helping Power Global (22:28)
The biggest lesson he has learned on his entrepreneurial journey (24:30)

Connect with Porter:

Website

Connect with Kevin:

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Carbon emission from transport is a challenge that needs to be tackled from sea, land, and air. While a lot of progress has been made in tackling land-based emissions, boats and airplanes are still lagging behind. However, most of the technology that has made electric vehicles reliable is now being adopted in building electric boats.

Today, the host Kevin Blevins talks to Ryan Cook, co-founder, and CTO of Arc Boats – a start-up focused on building electric sports boats that will help avert climate change. He is an experienced engineer who also worked at Space X for many years.

In this episode, you’ll learn why the co-founders chose to start an electric sports boat company. You’ll also learn about the challenges that they have faced in building the boat as well as the opportunities they see in that market segment. Additionally, you’ll hear about why the company chose to use Siemens NX and what their experience has been so far.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The difference between a water sports boat and a pleasure boat (03:29)
How an Arc Boat compares to a typical gasoline boat (07:11)
The different charging options and how long each takes (10:14)
The challenges they faced in the development of an Arc Boat (14:25)
Why they choose to use Siemens NX (15:59)

Connect with Ryan:

Website

Connect with Kevin:

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Eating healthy was much easier and more affordable just a few decades ago because most people lived on fertile farms where they could grow some of their food. However, all that has changed thanks to climate change, increased demand, high cost of inputs, among others. One of the solutions to this problem is using indoor vertical farms to increase the production of healthy food ingredients.

Today, the host Kevin Blevins talks to Vilij co-founders, Terry Carr and Brandon Smith. Terry is an experienced designer and Brandon is a mechanical engineer. Their company is creating a technology-embedded aeroponic system that allows you to grow food indoors. They’ll share with us the impact that they expect their product to have and the progress they made so far.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the innovative strategies that the company employs to monitor the plants’ growth process. You’ll also hear about the challenges that they’ve faced along the way and how they were able to overcome them. Additionally, they’ll share some of the lessons that they have learned on their entrepreneurial journey.

Some Questions I Ask:

Can you share a little bit more about the product that you're developing? (07:04)
Where did the idea for the product and company come from? (10:08)
Is the idea of customization and personalization, a part of the longer-term strategy for the company? (13:15)
How did you hear about Siemens and our particular startup program? (23:11)
What challenges do you anticipate, from a technical and business perspective? (26:20)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What their company does (05:04)
Where the name of their product came from (12:06)
The technology embedded in their planters (14:52)
The challenges they faced while creating the company as well as the product (20:05)
Their experience using Siemens products (24:34)

Connect with Terry:

Website

Connect with Brandon:

Connect with Kevin:

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A few decades back, climate change and carbon emissions were rarely considered when designing buildings. Instead, a lot of focus was put on designing pretty buildings that were comfortable and affordable. This usually resulted in poor performance buildings that consumed too much energy and didn’t last long without requiring major renovations.

Evoke Buildings Engineering is seeking to change that by utilizing building science to design buildings that are both energy efficient and durable.

Today, I’m talking to two guests, Patrick Roppel, Building Science Specialist at Evoke, and Nicolas Proulx-Jones, Building Science Engineer, also from Evoke. They’ll help us understand the process of designing high-performance buildings and the science behind it.

In this episode, you’ll learn what the field of building science involves and what it takes to be designated as a building scientist. You’ll also learn what the term building envelope thermal bridging means. Additionally, you’ll hear why Evoke chose Siemens NX and how their experience with the solution has been so far.

Some Questions I Ask:

What does it take to be designated as a building science specialist? (04:10)
What is the meaning of Building Envelope Thermal Bridging? (07:28)
How do you quantify the benefits of Building Envelope Thermal Bridging? (11:26)
What’s the mission of Evoke Building (14:32)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What a building scientist does (01:47)
The main focus of building science (03:20)
How Evoke Building’s research is contributing towards the development of new building regulations (13:10)
What made the company choose a Siemens NX (21:11)

Connect with Patrick Roppel:

EVOKE

Connect with Nicolas Proulx-Jones:

Connect with Paul Musto:

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Most innovations in the recent past, within the transport industry, have been focused on carbon emission reduction and improving the users’ experience. These innovations have addressed critical needs and moved the needle further ahead in terms of safety and environmental impact. Now, the industry is about to undergo another disruptive innovation with the introduction of the Hyperloop.

Today, I’m talking to Rob Miller, the Chief Marketing Officer at Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. He’ll help us understand the technology behind this disruptive innovation as well as how far along they are in development. He’ll also share some of the entrepreneurial lessons he has learned along the way.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the origin of the Hyperloop concept and the people who played an important role in getting it started. You’ll also learn about the underlying technology and the benefits that come with it. Additionally, you’ll hear about the progress that the company has made so far and the cities that they are partnering with.

Some Questions I Ask:

Where did the Hyperloop concept originate? (02:12)
What are some of the cities that you've been talking to? (14:52)
Have there been test tracks put together as, as their proof of concept? (16:35)
When can we expect to have the first commercial travel? (19:50)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

An explanation of what Hyperloop entails (04:31)
Innovations built from the project so far (08:58)
How the company differentiates itself from its competitors (17:04)
Advice for entrepreneurs trying to get their companies off the ground (23:56)

Connect with Rob:

Website

Connect with Paul Musto:

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Most innovations in the jet engine industry are focused on major parts such as the combustor and the turbine. However, there are other critical parts that play a major role in managing its performance, efficiency, and cost. One of those critical parts that have been a focus of innovation for a vibrant startup is the engine lubrication system.

Today, I’m talking to the two co-founders of Zulu Pods, Inc - Robert Sladen, the company’s Chairman and CEO, and Daniella Sladen, the company’s CTO. They’ll help us understand how their innovative product works and the progress that they have made so far.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Zulu Pods and the impact that they expect to make in the jet engine industry. We’ll discuss how they came up with the idea for their product as well as how Siemens NX has helped them in their project so far. Lastly, you’ll hear more about the company’s future goals and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Some Questions I Ask:

How are engines lubricated today? (05:12)
How did you come up with the Zulu Pods design concept? (08:36)
How did you determine the roles that you were each going to take? (10:05)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How a Zulu Pod lubricates a jet engine (06:51)
Why Zulu Pods chose Siemens NX (11:17)
Lessons learned along the way and advice to other startups (18:29)
The company’s future goals (22:32)

Connect with Daniella Sladen:

Website

Connect with Robert Sladen:

Website

Connect with Paul Musto:

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The dream of going to space and experiencing zero gravity has only been realized by a handful of people. Commercial space flights are seeking to change this by creating a space tourism industry that will make it possible for more people to go past the edge of the earth. Currently, companies that are heavily invested in the industry compete on how far you can go, the quality of the experience, and the cost of getting there.

Today, I’m talking to Taber MacCallum, co-founder, and co-CEO of Space Perspective, a human spaceflight company planning to take people and payloads to the edge of space by balloon. He was also a founding member of the Biosphere 2 design, development, test, and operations team as well as a crew member in the first two-year mission.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the goals of Space Perspective and the achievements that they’ve had so far. You’ll also learn about the spacecraft Neptune and what it’ll take to be on the initial commercial trips to space. We also discuss the role that Siemens plays in helping companies create digital designs and perform well-rounded simulations.

Some Questions I Ask:

What does Commercial Spaceflight Federation do? (05:57)
Why is the sea the preferred landing place for the spaceship? (17:58)
Will there be any navigation aids on the capsule itself? (19:51)
Do you and your wife still have the aspirations of going to Mars? (25:28)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The fundamental idea behind Space Perspective (08:20)
The price of going to space on Spaceship Neptune and the expected departure year (13:34)
What the Stratis project entailed and the record that was set (16:42)
How Space Perspective uses Siemens software for digital design and simulation (29:29)

Connect with Taber MacCallum:

Space Perspective

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Being dominant in a market full of alternatives requires entrepreneurs who’ll go above and beyond to meet their customers’ needs. Companies that thrive in such environments leverage their passion to understand and solve problems faced by their products’ end users.

Today, I’m speaking to Kelly McGee, the co-founder and current engineering and design VP of Elevate Dynamics, a healthcare product company that builds ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to help people suffering from foot drop.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about their AFO product and the problem it solves for its users. We’ll dive into the challenges that are faced by startups and how to overcome some of them. You’ll also hear more about the importance of market research and the role that data plays in product development.

Join us as we discuss how Elevate Dynamics successfully combined hard work and passion to build a successful product.

Some Questions I Ask:

What is AFO and what’s its history? (5:59)
How did Elevate end up working on AFO? (11:07)
What led to Elevate’s partnership with SPS? (17:51)
How did COVID impact Elevate? (21:44)
Why did Elevate choose Siemens CAD software? (22:49)
What are Elevate’s future plans? (24:17)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The purpose of an AFO (5:59)
The prevalence and causes of drop foot (7:56)
How to conduct meaningful market research (15:24)
The importance of trust while building a brand (19:31)
The benefits that Siemens CAD offers to startups (22:49)
The importance of focus for startups (26:46)

Resources:

ElevateMovement

Siemens Startups Software

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Connect with Paul Musto:

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Big sweeping changes are hard to come by when it comes to environmental preservation. They also take a long time to settle into place. So, perhaps the real sustainability changes we’re seeking are those that come in smaller packages. It’s the less disruptive and more easily implemented solutions that are filling in the gaps, and those small efforts can add up quickly.

Today, I’m talking to Spencer Maynes, a Kansas City based inventor and data scientist working to reduce energy consumption in the transportation industry. He’s the CEO of Deflect, LLC, a company that’s introduced a system called RoofRider, a unique product that significantly improves the aerodynamics for transportation and passenger trains. We’ll also hear from the company CTO, Adrian Villar.

In this episode, you’ll learn how this deflector technology helps reduce drag in the inter-car gap, and how Deflect, LLC came up with such a unique solution to a long-known fuel efficiency problem in the rail industry. We’ll discuss the importance of testing and simulation, and how Siemens NX is helping throughout the design process. Finally, you’ll hear about the challenges they experienced and the support they benefited from as they launched the company, and the process of bringing their technology closer to market.

Some Questions I Ask:

How does the product concept work? (3:38)
Are there other companies creating similar products? (6:12)
What's happening between the train cars as they're moving down the track? (12:06)
What challenges do you anticipate from both a technical and a business perspective? (16:08)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How the RoofRyder reduces fuel consumption on freight trains (2:36)
A unique mission statement (4:46)
Differences and similarities between the aerodynamics of race cars and trains (10:13)
Risk management in the rail industry (18:08)

Resources:

RoofRider

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When it comes to getting an aircraft off the ground, it’s no longer a question of “if” it will fly. We’ve moved into the era of “how”- and the emphasis today is on efficiency. This encompasses energy consumption, endurance, speed, and overall performance. Today, we’re looking into the future of turbine engines and exploring what lies just beyond the horizon of existing technology. We’re looking towards what’s next.

Today, I’m talking to Roger Smith and David Laudermilch of Sierra Turbines. Roger started as a software engineer for Apple nearly 20 years ago, and today, he’s the CEO of this innovative California company. David is a Design Engineer with previous experience working with companies like Saab and Rolls Royce. Together, they’ve taken their experience working for industry leaders in software and transportation and turned towards the production of gas microturbines.

In this episode, you’ll hear how each of their rather unique career trajectories eventually led them to this Silicon Valley startup. We’ll talk about the early challenges of getting a microturbine company off the ground, the technologies that merge in order to create their products, and the interesting work they're doing in collaboration with NASA.

Some Questions I Ask:

What makes your turbines unique? (4:07)
What are the advantages of using additive for your microturbines? (5:16)
What challenges did you face in the early stages of developing Sierra Turbines? (8:40)
What drew you to Siemens and why do you prefer NX? (15:22)
What's the first commercial application that you see? (21:17)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Sierra Turbines began (2:59)
The link between microturbines and outer space (6:06)
Preparing for the validation process (13:45)
What’s on the horizon Sierra Turbines (19:21)
Preparing for a zero-emissions future (23:50)

Resources:

Sierra Turbines

Connect with Roger Smith:

Connect with David Laudermilch:

Connect with Paul Musto:

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The satellite business is growing rapidly as space technology and technology here on Earth advances. Whether it’s for navigation purposes or wifi accessibility, more and more satellites of all sizes and purposes are being launched into the great beyond. But, before they can fulfill their purpose, they have to hitch a ride to space.

My guest today is Dean Massey, Director of Research at Apollo Fusion, Inc. This California-based company is developing exciting new forms of propulsion for space satellites. In this rapidly growing industry, Apollo stands out because of their unique focus on the smaller satellite market. Their journey into space began in 2016 with fusion, and soon after transformed into propulsion as the market began to develop and show promise.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the early days of this space-age startup, and more about the overall history of space satellites. We’ll talk about how the propulsion system functions as it simultaneously launches hundreds of small satellites, and the simulation aspects of recreating a space-like environment. You’ll also learn about the challenges they’ve faced as a startup in the space industry, and how they’ve surpassed them as they gear up for their first launch.

Some Questions I Ask:

What’s the mission that you and your team have embarked on? (1:30)
What is a Hall Thruster? (6:47)
How does the propulsion system function on the satellite? (11:40)
What makes Apollo thrusters unique (17:55)
What are the future goals for the company? (22:28)
What drew you to Siemens and the products that you use? (26:35)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why the Apollo focus is on the smaller satellite market (2:28)
How the company shifted from fusion to propulsion (5:19)
A short history of space satellites (7:53)
How long it takes satellites to get to space (14:08)
Why manufacturability makes Apollo different (20:01)

Resources:

Apollo Fusion

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How many times have you ordered something online, and received a box 4x the size of the product inside? Aside from the confusion as to why, we’re all left with the sentiment of how wasteful it is. Well, there’s one company out there working to change that.

Throughout the pandemic, e-commerce has taken off astronomically. That means the demand for smart and efficient air cargo solutions is on the rise.

My guest today is Aleksey Matyushev from Natilus Corporation, a California based startup working on creating autonomous drone aircraft. Their goal is to reduce the cost of airfreight by 50% through thoughtful design and a smarter use of space.

In this episode, Aleksey talks about how he pivoted from industrial design to entrepreneurship and shares details about the autonomous aircraft being produced by Natilus. He also shares valuable insight about the inner workings of Silicon Valley, and why aspiring entrepreneurs don’t necessarily need to flock there in order to find success.

Some Questions I Ask:

How did you come up with the idea for Natilus? (3:28)
Do you ever see this evolving into human transportation? (6:50)
What was the process that you went through to validate the effectiveness of the designs? (10:39)
How do you save money by flying at lower altitudes? (12:56)
What can you share with other entrepreneurs about your startup experience? (15:25)
What kinds of simulations is Natilus doing? (25:38)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why the F22 never went into major production (4:55)
What makes Natilus stand out from the competition (7:58)
Why making an electric aircraft is different from making an electric car (9:18)
The creative strategy they used to help build the business (10:58)
Why e-commerce was an important consideration in their design process (14:09)
Lessons in product development (19:02)
A message for aspiring entrepreneurs and engineers (27:26)

Resources:

Natilus

Siemens Startups Program: from idea to market leader with the right tools

Connect with Aleksey Matyushev:

Connect with Paul Musto:

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If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to jump off of a mountain and glide uninhibited across the sky, today’s guest is bringing you one step closer to that reality. He believes that the current transportation options available limit our movement by confining us to land. Why drive when we could be flying?

My guest today is Ephi Blanshey. He’s the younger half of the father and son duo behind Blanshey Aviation. They’re currently designing an electric propulsion system to improve the experience of lightweight flying for hang gliding machines.

In today’s episode, we’ll learn about the origins of these design ideas that originated with Ephi’s father, Vladimir. We’ll also talk about the reasons they’ve moved away from a combustion engine model, and how the newer electric engines benefit the design.

Ephi tells us about their CAD design and 3D printing tools, and names some of the helpful forums he’s found for anyone out there interested in using Solid Edge. Are you ready to take to the skies and enter the next generation of mobility?

Some Questions I Ask:

What’s the origin of Blanshey Aviation? (1:24)
When did the trike first appear as a recreational vehicle? (4:02)
How was design approached in the early days? (7:47)
How did you move into electric aviation? (10:31)
What do the next 3-5 years look like for your company? (16:26)
What online communities have you found to be the most useful? (20:41)
How are you assembling the products you make? (23:42)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The complex logistics of hang gliding (2:24)
The problems associated with using a combustion engine to fly (6:27)
How Blanshey uses Solid Edge (13:09)
The unique challenges for this type of aviation (18:33)
The 3D printer they use and how it’s modified as needed (21:57)
How & where testing takes place (25:09)
Advice to other entrepreneurs (26:28)

Resources:

Hacker News
Facebook Groups
Solid Edge Community Forum
Siemens Blog

Connect with Ephi Blanshey:

Email/ Twitter
Instagram

Connect with John Fox:

LinkedIn
Twitter

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The difference between starting a company 20+ years ago and starting one today is the accessibility of resources. When resources become more available, the competition grows. Great innovation needs professional nurturing in order to gain the competitive edge needed to survive in today’s startup environment.

Startup incubator spaces have answered this call for countless companies. They provide resources and professional expertise related to scaling a small business to companies at various stages of growth.

In today’s episode, we're talking to Osh Momoh and Jesika Briones from the leadership team at MaRS. This Toronto-based incubator provides support and services to over 1,200 startup companies. They provide Canadian science and tech companies with tailored resources through the startup stages, focusing on health, cleantech, FinTech, financial, and enterprise.

MaRS has been helping startups get off the ground for 15 years, and they’re only seeing interest grow. They also offer a dedicated Autonomous program for startups in that realm, so we’ll dive into how that works as well.

Some Questions I Ask:

Could you provide us with some background on MaRS and the overall mission that you have there? (1:57)
What types of day to day services do you provide for startups? (4:12)
How do you see that startup world changing? (8:23)
Can you give us an example of a company that you've worked with at MaRS that have gone through that evolution and are now on their path to becoming a commercially successful company? (11:07)
What is a level 5 autonomous vehicle, and when might that be commercially available? (21:27)
What are some of the challenges autonomous vehicles face? (24:19)
How do you see the infrastructure that’s required to support autonomous vehicles progressing? (27:58)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The types of startups MaRS works with (2:44)
How they’ve broadened their industry focus beyond the health sector (6:00)
How MaRS has grown with the popularity of startup culture (9:23)
The role of the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network within MaRS (13:56)
What autonomous vehicle really means (7:10)
Considerations for an autonomous future (22:13)

Resources:

MaRS

Ecopia AI

Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing Initiative

Siemens Startups Program: from idea to market leader with the right tools

Connect with Osh Momoh:

Connect with Jesika Briones:

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We’re living in a time when space is becoming more accessible every day. Satellite technology is growing, and savvy entrepreneurs are leading the way forward.

My guest today is Jakub Kapuš, Founder and CTO of Spacemanic. Headquartered in Slovakia, they are a small satellite mission integrator focused on delivering flight proven innovative and reliable nanosatellite solutions, platforms, components and services to customers. Their capabilities span from the design phase, through development, testing, and licensing, and go all the way through to launch.

In this episode, Jakub shares the story of building his first satellite from the confines of a small bathroom, eventually reaching the infinite orbit of space. We’ll discuss how nanosatellites have changed the industry, making the possibilities more affordable. We’ll also talk about the unique challenges of the startup in terms of hardware, software, government regulations, and learn how he ultimately launched this satellite concept into the world.

If you’re an early-stage startup in business for less than three years, you can now apply to get Solid Edge product development software for free, with no application fee. The Solid Edge for Startups program provides eligible startups with free access to a complete product development solution, including CAD, CAM, and CAE software. Go to www.siemens.com/startups

Some Questions I Ask:

How much of your business consists of nanosatellites? (3:18)
What got the media excited about your project? (9:07)
What were some of the challenges you faced as a startup? (12:10)
What technology challenges did you come up against? (16:37)
What are you using in your business to differentiate yourself from your competitors? (18:33)
Where do you see the company in the next 5 years? (21:22)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How customers are using these satellites (3:54)
The origins of Spacemanic (5:12)
How Jakub built his first satellite (7:25)
How the university environment helps fuel their growth (14:19)
The software and engineering tools they use (20:10)
The particular challenges of being a trailblazer for space technology (23:17)

Connect with Jakub Kapuš:

LinkedIn
Twitter

Connect with John Fox:

LinkedIn
Twitter

Resources:

Spacemanic

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Manufacturing processes are a constant area of innovation. Companies are always looking for ways to make production more efficient, more cost-effective, and more quality-driven. But there’s one really important process that is often overlooked when it comes to innovation in manufacturing.

The inspection phase has kind of been stuck in the dark ages. As production methods continue to modernize, isn’t it time we turn our eyes to more cutting-edge methods of inspection? Current approaches involve physically destructive processes that rely heavily on statistics. But inaccuracies due to statistical faults can be costly. There’s also the environmental aspects, like the safe disposal of contaminated magnetized water, for example.

My guest today is Ibon Iribarren, Managing Director at LINQcase, a startup based in San Sebastian, Spain. As someone who has always placed a high value on the customer side of the manufacturing industry, he employed his astute listening skills to guide him towards a business venture that ultimately solves problems that, while relatively rare, are nearly always costly.

Today we’ll learn about their unique non-destructive manufacturing inspection process. We’ll explore the path that led Ibon in this direction, and we’ll talk about the current applications of the technology, as well as the potential to reshape the inspection process on a larger scale.

Some Questions I Ask:

What types of customers are taking advantage of your inspection process? (3:15)
How do you and your customers quantify the cost of avoiding failure? (5:22)
How widespread is your technique of inspection? (9:19)
What types of physical products do you offer potential customers? (11:12)
What makes your company stand out from the competition? (14:20)
Once you saw the opportunity, how did you make the leap? (21:31)
What software tools are you using? (28:17)
What’s your advice for people thinking about going the startup route? (33:25)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why manufacturing inspection today is destructive and costly (1:18)
Why individual part traceability offers a more secure inspection than general process stability (4:10)
The residual problems with the current inspection process (7:13)
How the company got its start (16:30)
How the company is structured (26:04)
An example of how predictive maintenance works (31:27)
One thing you shouldn’t do when your startup is in its early stages (35:21)

Connect with Ibon Iribarren:

Connect with John Fox:

LinkedIn
Twitter

Resources:

LINQcase Website
YouTube

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Startup entrepreneurs share a lot in common. Sure, there’s a general road map for starting a business, but then there are the countless other factors that decide to show up along the way. Figuring out how and whom to hire, determining the best way to raise capital, managing a growing team, the list goes on.

Today’s guest is no exception to the entrepreneurial learning curve. He got his first patent back in 2007 for making silicon using microwave heating. When the company he was working with at the time offered him a more serious job, he recognized that what he was doing was important enough to go out on his own.

Today I’m talking with JP Mai, Founder, and CEO of JPM Silicon. His company has the admirable goal of producing carbon-neutral silicon used to power up solar cells. We’ll hear about how he first got interested in the technology, why carbon neutrality is important, and we’ll hear some sage advice based on his experiences of starting his company.

Some Questions I Ask:

Why is silicon such an important material? (1:22)
Why is carbon neutrality important? (2:08)
What was the idea behind your company when you started? (10:56)
Did you feel the need to take in outside investors? (19:32)
What's your differentiator as a silicon maker in the market? (21:33)
Which industries are showing interest in your product? (22:34)
What different types of digital software are you using? (26:22)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How the carbon footprint of silicon can be reduced (4:00)
Where the concept of carbon-neutral silicon began (6:14)
Advice for building your startup team (14:17)
JP's experience using Solid Edge (18:38)
Advice for other entrepreneurs (30:32)
How to learn from and move beyond failure (31:40)

Connect with JP Mai:

Connect with John Fox:

LinkedIn
Twitter

Resources:

JPM Silicon
Solid Edge for Startups

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A lot of people dream about “one day” starting a business, but many of these dreamers find it hard to carve out the time to actually get the wheels turning. Whether it’s a demanding job, family obligations, a lack of capital, often all of the above, taking that first step isn’t easy. Making the decision to finally move on your startup plan requires drive and dedication, and it imposes a certain amount of risk. When do you know the time has finally come to take the leap?

A common origin story theme for many startups is that the definitive decision to go for it is often made during times of transition. My guest today made the call to take his big leap after the company he was working for relocated overseas. He knew it was finally time to do something about that long-held dream.

Today, we’re talking to James Crook, the Founder and Managing Director at Forty1 Kitesurfing. Crook comes from a mechanical engineering background and spent most of his free time on the water. He was a kitesurfer based in the UK who was looking for a way to make a lighter board that allowed the rider to surf out into shallow waters, which would decrease the learning curve for those who were giving it a try for the first time. By employing his engineering background, he was able to look at the particular mechanics of kite board design and come up with something completely new and innovative.

In this episode, we’ll talk about how kitesurfing works and how Forty1 Kitesurfing got its start. We’ll also learn about the challenges that Crook faced in the early days of the business, and what he’s learned since its inception. Today’s episode will inspire anyone currently on their startup journey, and it’ll probably make you want to catch a few waves too!

Some Questions I Ask:

Where did the name Forty1 Kitesurfing come from? (1:27)
Where did the idea for the product come from? (5:53)
What was your design and validation process like? (6:44)
How can entrepreneurs start to connect with universities? (13:15)
How did you earn your award for design? (14:36)
What investments did you make into hardware and software? (15:51)
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs, based on your experiences? (25:51)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

A breakdown of how kitesurfing actually works (2:31)
The problem that Forty1 Kitesurfing is solving for customers (3:02)
Why focusing on a niche market is better than casting too wide of a net (4:26)
How Crook made the leap from engineering to founding a startup (8:14)
The biggest challenge from an engineer’s perspective (9:18)
How to start growing your business and gain traction (11:47)
Lessons learned through the experiences of customers (19:20)
How COVID-19 has affected the industry (22:39)

Connect with James Crook:

Facebook
Instagram
Website

Connect with John Fox:

LinkedIn
Twitter

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The formula for a successful business revolves around the problems it’s able to solve. Recognizing pain points for potential customers is key, but the formula for how those issues are addressed is what differentiates an average product from a great one. When it came to mountain bikes, there were a lot of brands in the world, building good bikes, but none of them were providing the highly specialized components that some avid riders were looking for.

To really make a dent in an industry requires more than a passive interest in the product. You have to have an obsession, something that really drives you towards evolution. You have to want it even if you’re only creating for yourself. It takes vision to solve a problem, but it takes a visionary to solve it well. And if you build it, they will come.

My guest today is P.J. Tolentino, Founder and Head Engineer at Rurok Industries. Tolentino is the textbook example of someone who transformed their passion into a career. He and his team have built a successful company by dreaming up all the ways to make mountain bikes better, and then actually doing it. Their hyper-focused attention to detail has made their bikes stand out from the crowd.

In this episode, we talk about how Rurok Industries got their start and the team’s unparalleled passion for the sport. Their dedication to constant innovation continues to pedal this specialized brand of mountain bikes forward as they swiftly gain global brand recognition.

Some Questions I Ask:

How did Rurok get its name? (1:03)
What’s different about your bikes? (2:45)
What challenges did you face when you started the company? (5:00)
What is generative design and how do you use it? (9:25)
What challenges do you anticipate in the future? (16:20)
How are you scaling up from a local brand to a global brand? (17:58)
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs? (22:25)

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

How a passion for sport became an idea for a startup (1:35)
The super human concept of swarm optimization (6:46)
How Siemens' Solid Edge Software is being used in their design process (11:45)
How Rurok has found a silver lining during the pandemic (13:27)
An overview of the Rurok product line (19:32)
What working too hard might be trying to tell you (23:07)

Connect with P.J. Tolentino:

Rurok Industries
Instagram
Facebook

Connect with John Fox:

LinkedIn
Twitter

Resources:

Performance bike manufacturer Rurok uses Solid Edge to streamline prototyping and development time
Siemens Article on Rurok Industries

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Crises give birth to opportunities and there’s a handful of smart people around the world who don’t get discouraged in the face of challenges, but instead see an empty space in the market and come up with ways to fill it up - and Siemens is always there to help them achieve their goals.

As the current pandemic spread globally, one obvious issue that came up was the shortage of protection equipment, especially the worldwide need for efficient masks that could ensure the safety of all individuals. The demand rapidly outpaced the supply of N95 masks so solutions needed to be found.

Luckily, as a part of the Siemens Hardware Startup Program, Sabrina and the ‘Fix the Mask’ team have been tirelessly working to supply better masks in the fight against COVID-19. She and her business partner, Megan, came up with a way to adjust the regular surgical masks to fit the safety requirements an N95 mask did, and they ended up creating an even better product that ensures greater protection against aerosolized viruses. The best part of all of this is that their solution is so simple that can be replicated by anyone around the globe.

Listen to the first episode of The Hardware Startups: Digitalization to Realization podcast to learn more about this innovative concept, its impact on the health industry, and the role Siemens played in helping Sabrina and the Fix the Mask team to design and develop the product.

Some questions I ask:

How did you come up with this idea for Fix the Mask, and the product concept? (00:51)
Can you talk a little bit about the process that you went through to validate the actual effectiveness of the design? (06:05)
Can you tell us a bit more about what do you feel you're achieving with this mission? (11:23)
Making sure that there's a good seal on the mask, how exactly did you simulate that or assess that with your 3D models within NX? (16:06)
What other support did Siemens Digital Technologies provide to you? (22:32)

In this episode, you will learn:

The process of how Sabrina and her team adjusted a surgical mask to make it even more efficient than an N95 mask. (07:00)
The challenges they faced early on as a company, both from a business and a product development perspective & the challenges she anticipates to meet in the future. (08:21)
How Sabrina leveraged the Siemens solutions to do the design and development work of her product. (12:51)
Sabrina’s vision for Fix the Mask, for the next five years. (15:08)
How she successfully gathered people from all over the world, to work on her idea. (19:18)

Connect with Sabrina

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

Resources

Siemens Startups Program: from idea to market leader with the right tools

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