Épisodes

  • 40% of New Products Fail. Ada IQ's AI Might Just Change That.

    40% of New Products Fail. Ada IQ's AI Might Just Change That.
    Jan 31 2025
    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 Ada IQ. Liz discusses her journey from corporate law to startup leadership, her experience with hyper-growth companies like HubSpot and Wayfair, and her vision for Ada IQ—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 Ada IQ aims to change that (11:30) What does ADA IQ do? (12:30) What drives the business model of ADA IQ (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
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    25 min
  • 32 Engines, Zero Emissions: What Startup Innovators Can Learn from Cosmic Aerospace’s Skylark

    32 Engines, Zero Emissions: What Startup Innovators Can Learn from Cosmic Aerospace’s Skylark
    Jan 23 2025
    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
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    42 min
  • First Flight Venture Center: Launching Startups Successfully

    First Flight Venture Center: Launching Startups Successfully
    Nov 29 2024
    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
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    45 min
  • Transforming Startup Potential into Success with Siemens and Big Red Jelly’s Strategic Approach

    Transforming Startup Potential into Success with Siemens and Big Red Jelly’s Strategic Approach
    Oct 31 2024
    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
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    44 min
  • Affordable Space Tourism

    Affordable Space Tourism
    Aug 20 2024
    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
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    47 min
  • A Deep Dive into Berkeley SkyDeck

    A Deep Dive into Berkeley SkyDeck
    Jul 30 2024
    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: Berkeley SkyDeck and UC Berkeley. (15:46) SkyDeck's role in accelerating startups at UC Berkeley. (18:19) Berkeley SkyDeck's global presence, investor network, and successful alumni. (23:59) Entrepreneurship, incubators, and partnerships between Berkeley Skydeck and Siemens. (34:47) Connect with Caroline Winnett: LinkedIn Website Connect with Craig Conlee: LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    39 min
  • Revolutionizing Drug Development in Space

    Revolutionizing Drug Development in Space
    Jun 28 2024
    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: Will Bruey's background and journey to founding Varda Space Industries (01:29) How Varda manufactures drugs in orbit for unique formulations. (06:20) Space manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and entrepreneurship. (16:35) The future of space manufacturing and its potential impact on various industries (19:22) The importance of clear communication and team building for startup success (21:44) Why Varda Space Industries chose Siemens for their aerospace manufacturing (22:31) Connect with Will Bruey: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    28 min
  • MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation (Part 2)

    MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation (Part 2)
    May 29 2024
    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: Challenges faced by MedTech startups, including lack of guidance and funding. (04:16) MedTech Innovation ecosystem, including peers, key opinion leaders, investors, strategic partners, and payers. (07:02) The value of working with a partner like Siemens. (14:05) The importance of getting out of echo chambers and seeing different perspectives. (20:20) The importance of fixing investment and payment systems in the medical technology industry. (31:49) Connect with Paul Grand: LinkedIn Website  Connect with Jim Gernatt: LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    34 min