Protfolio
Patented Vertical Growing System -
With a deep understanding of global challenges in food production, we undertook a study of current methods. Recognizing the issues and misconceptions surrounding organic farming, we explored alternative approaches. Vertical farming and aquaculture emerged as promising areas for growth and innovation. We conducted studies using the latest equipment and techniques, identifying key challenges in scalability and widespread adoption.
The GrowMesh system is our solution to these challenges, addressing critical factors such as:
- Cost of Entry
- High Labor Costs
- System Performance
- Ease of Use
- Scalability
Recognition of Our Design Utility:
- 2018: Invited to China to present at the Agtech Conference.
- 2019: Attended the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in The Hague, invited by the U.S. State Department.
- 2020: Participated in an industry expert meeting on Autonomous Space Crop Production at Kennedy Space Center, FL.
- 2020: Achieved commercial customer adoption of GrowMesh over other industry products.
- 2022: Granted a U.S. utility patent.
- Summer 2022: Secured a production facility and initiated our commercialization plan.
- Winter 2022: Selected to pitch at Lowe's Into the Blue Event.
- Fall 2023: Hired team for in house product production and sales
- Spring 2024: 1000s of our consumer product in use in the market.
- Summer 2024: Sustained repeat use by commercial client
From Concept to Reality: We excel in solving real-world problems using a lean methodology to bring products to life. Our approach ensures practical, innovative solutions that meet the needs of modern agriculture and food production.
Prototyping
Process Prototyping
While collaborating with a leading aerospace design and manufacturing firm, we identified an opportunity to innovate beyond the initial straightforward request for a work proposal. Instead of following the conventional route, we suggested prototyping a new approach, which led to the adoption of a rapid product prototyping method.
By prototyping the process initially, we spread the risk and resource consumption across multiple stakeholders, keeping individual risks at an acceptable level relative to the potential benefits. Utilizing a lean methodology, we identified necessary adjustments to the process before broader implementation.
Perspective: Many companies are often unaware of cutting-edge technologies that could significantly enhance their processes or business models. Teams are typically focused on daily operations and serving existing customers, often lacking the organizational structure, time, and budgets for research, experimentation, and potential failure. Our approach helps bridge this gap, enabling companies to explore innovative solutions with acceptable risk.
Interactive training
Interactive Training Guide
To create an interactive training guide for Emergency Response Apparatus, we utilized the Prezi platform. This solution involved designing a visual application that simulates the experience of navigating through the compartments of an emergency response vehicle. The Prezi platform allowed us to visually represent each compartment and its contents, mimicking the physical process used by emergency responders. This interactive approach enhances learning by providing trainees with a virtual, hands-on experience, helping them become familiar with the layout and equipment of the apparatus in a more engaging and effective manner.
Additionally, combining this Prezi-based guide with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies offers intriguing potential for immersive training experiences. AR and VR can further enhance the realism and interactivity of the training, allowing users to virtually explore and interact with the emergency response equipment and scenarios. This integrated approach not only improves the learning experience but also prepares trainees for real-world situations by providing a more comprehensive and interactive training environment.
Industry-leading Ideas
Real-estate Ad Business (Circa 2000)
With an understanding of the implications of widespread Internet adoption, a business model was sought to connect the physical and digital advertising mediums of online ads and physical real estate.
HouseNetwork.com was developed as the manifestation of the Idea. A site with a unique number attached to the sign of a property listing provided all the commonly found information of today. At the time, the site had cutting-edge features such as Maps (MapQuest) and mobile phone access to the ads (WAP)
Rapid solution
Defense Contractor COTS Solution
Project Overview
While fulfilling an ongoing contract to provide labor and services to an aerospace defense contractor, an international incident revealed a need for expertise beyond the contractor's current capabilities. I was tasked with developing a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solution that could be rapidly deployed. This solution aimed to enhance their engineers' capabilities with remote digital video editing and communication.
Perspective: My experience has shown that corporate and governmental agencies are not always up-to-date with the latest technological advancements due to organizational constraints. Collaborating with agile third parties, who are closely connected to cutting-edge developments, can provide significant benefits. Often, there are superior technologies available that can significantly enhance operations but remain unknown to the company.
An example of this approach is the Skunk Works division of Lockheed Martin. Skunk Works operates independently from the main organization, providing autonomy and fostering unrestrained innovation. This structure has enabled them to develop groundbreaking advancements in aerospace technology.
Technology Evaluation
Solution to Overcome Video Streaming Limitations (Circa 1999)
Before the widespread availability of high-speed internet and platforms like YouTube, Zoom, or TikTok, video streaming faced significant challenges due to limited bandwidth. I was hired by an investor to assess a new streaming technology. While the technology was found to be superior in the market, my report highlighted a critical limitation: the prevalent low bandwidth would prevent the product's broader success.
Recognizing this issue, we explored a solution to overcome bandwidth limitations. We developed a test that involved placing servers on the main backbone of the Internet (T9 at the time). The idea was to create a centralized repository of videos that could be streamed from high-speed connections, addressing the choke points in video servers and streaming content. Although the project never reached the commercialization stage, it served as a proof of concept and was used by a limited number of users
