Winning hackathons at 16 and launching satellites by 26—meet the founder revolutionizing Australia's space tech.
Join us as we chat with Shoaib Iqbal, the dynamic founder behind Esper Satellites, a groundbreaking Australian startup that leverages hyperspectral imaging technology to monitor Earth’s resources and environmental conditions from space.
🛰️ Shoaib’s entrepreneurial journey began as a teenager winning hackathons in Saudi Arabia, eventually propelling him to build a pioneering space tech company in Australia.
🌍Discover how Shoaib transitioned from simple DIY electronics to sophisticated hyperspectral sensors, the critical lessons learned from pivoting use-cases, and how his company is on track to deploy a constellation of satellites designed to significantly impact mining, agriculture, and global climate monitoring.
🌱 This episode offers deep insights into space entrepreneurship, innovation at the cutting edge of Earth observation, and the powerful role young innovators play in shaping the future of technology.
🛰️ Launching a Space Tech Startup
🌍 Revolutionizing Earth Observation
🔬 Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
🚀 Lessons from DIY to Deep Tech
🔥 Climate Monitoring Innovations
🌱 AgTech and Environmental Solutions🪨 Transforming Mineral Exploration
🎯 Achieving Product-Market Fit
🤖 Future of AI in Earth Observation
📡 Scaling Global Satellite Networks
🤝 Connect with Shoaib Iqbal:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoaib-esper/
Website (Esper Satellites): https://www.espersatellites.co
🔗 Learn more about NZVC:
Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz
Mark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/
Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction & Shoaib’s Background
01:40 - Growing Up in Saudi Arabia
03:39 - Early Entrepreneurial Experiences
05:25 - Shoaib’s First Hackathon Win
08:03 - Moving to Australia and Exploring Tech
10:19 - Building Innovative Solutions from DIY Tech
13:01 - Choosing Australia and Adjusting to a New Life
16:55 - Developing the Idea Behind Esper Satellites
20:12 - Understanding CubeSats
23:03 - Transitioning from Gaming to Satellite Tech
28:25 - The Genesis of Hyperspectral Imaging
31:17 - Initial Customer Discovery and Early Traction
36:49 - Challenges and Lessons in Building Tech for Space
40:06 - Future Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging
42:57 - Finding Initial Customers and Early Investors
48:46 - Australia’s Advantage for Space Tech Startups
50:31 - Esper’s Vision for Global Satellite Coverage
52:19 - Regulations and Challenges in Space Tech
54:02 - The Process of Launching a Satellite
55:28 - Use Cases in Mining, Agriculture, and Defense
58:49 - Shoaib’s Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
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