Pioneers

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

Connect with Michael Savage:

LinkedIn

Website

Connect with Kevin Blevins:

LinkedIn

Incubators and accelerators serve as vital support systems, fostering early-stage ventures by offering essential resources, mentorship, and invaluable networking opportunities.

In this insightful episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Kevin Blevins engages in a conversation with Caroline Winnett, Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck, and Craig Conlee, growth strategist at Siemens Digital Industries Software and key advisor at SkyDeck. 

Caroline shares her fascinating journey from a professional violinist to a successful entrepreneur and executive director, highlighting her experiences with startups and her pivotal role at SkyDeck. Craig discusses his transition from a political science major and a sales professional to a startup founder and advisor.

In this episode, you will gain valuable insights into the unique structure and mission of Berkeley SkyDeck, its impressive network of advisors, and its innovative partnership with Siemens. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Connect with Caroline Winnett:

LinkedIn

Website

Connect with Craig Conlee:

LinkedIn

Connect with Kevin Blevins:

LinkedIn

Manufacturing in space leverages the unique conditions of microgravity to enhance processes that are challenging or impossible on Earth. 

In this exciting episode of Pioneers, the Siemens StartUp Podcast, host Kevin Blevins sits down with Will Bruey, CEO and co-founder of Varda Space Industries. Varda is not just any space company; they are pioneering the manufacturing of products in space and bringing them back to Earth for terrestrial use.

In this episode, you will gain insights into Varda Space Industries' unique business model, including their focus on pharmaceuticals and the benefits of microgravity in drug development. You will also get to hear details about their successful first mission and the future potential of space manufacturing. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Connect with Will Bruey:

LinkedIn

Website

Connect with Kevin Blevins:

LinkedIn

As a startup venturing into the dynamic landscape of medical technology innovation, the road ahead may seem riddled with obstacles. From fierce competition to ever-evolving regulatory landscapes, the journey to success can be fraught with uncertainty.

I'm your host, Kevin Blevins. In the last episode, Jim Gernatt and I were speaking with Paul Grand founder and CEO of Med Tech Innovatory. We left off discussing Paul's background, the remarkable journey of Med Tech Innovator, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. Today, we continue this conversation with Paul diving into innovative initiatives driving this transformative organization. 

In this part, you will gain insights into the pivotal role of organizations like MedTech Innovator in guiding companies through the complexities of commercialization, including navigating investment challenges and addressing payment and coverage issues. By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the MedTech Innovator landscape and actionable advice for making a significant impact in healthcare.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Connect with Paul Grand:



Connect with Jim Gernatt:

• LinkedIn

Connect with Kevin Blevins:

• LinkedIn