6 minute read
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
Arad Gharagozli (Beng'20)
OUT OF THIS WORLD TECHNOLOGY
ARAD GHARAGOZLI (BENG‘20)
has always been fascinated by space.
“Since I was a child I’ve been inspired by the vastness of our universe, and I’ve always wanted to have a hand in making it more accessible.”
This life-long interest led him to launch his space technology company, GALAXIA Mission Systems in 2020. GALAXIA develops efficient artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and designs and manufactures On-Board Computers (OBC) for small and nano-satellites.
“Thanks to advancements in launch technology, the cost of launching and operating spacecraft is decreasing, leading us into the second wave of the space race,” says Gharagozli. “Our mission is to represent Canada in that race on the international stage.”
Their current project, ionVortex, is an OBC for satellites that runs AI algorithms efficiently onboard spacecrafts. They also have a project called the Mobius ISR system, which is a space-borne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solution that is able to perform real-time object recognition and tracking. The Mobius system is an AI Edge Computing Platform that has the potential to disrupt the $5.8B SmallSat satellite market.
“What I envision is a generation of highly intelligent satellites that are capable of orbiting the earth, performing autonomous tasks in orbit such as earth observation, telecommunication and internet of things. These satellites will exponentially increase the connectivity of our planet in a way that will enable
— ARAD GHARAGOZLI
millions of people to have access to technologies we could only dream of a decade ago.”
In order to pursue GALAXIA, Gharagozli started working on his Masters in Mechanical Engineering (MASc‘22) in 2020 and joined the Young Innovators program at the Emera ideaHUB. The Young Innovators program was designed to support innovative students who are pursuing commercialization opportunities and has proven to be the perfect ground control to help him launch GALAXIA. According to Margaret Palmeter, the Founding Director of the Emera ideaHUB, Gharagozli has very quickly exceeded the expectations of the program.
“Arad has developed an innovative technology with tremendous market potential,” says Palmeter. “He’s already demonstrated the value of his innovation by securing a first sale that will have the Mobius system being deployed by the Canadian Space Agency in the coming months. I have no doubt that through his leadership, vision, and focus, that Arad will become an Atlantic Canadian business leader in the years to come.”
During his undergrad at Dalhousie, Gharagozli started the Dalhousie Space Systems Lab which gives students the chance to engage with challenges in the space sector. The society primarily focuses on the research and development of satellites called CubeSats which are square, miniature satellites that perform tasks in the Earth’s orbit.
“I have made it my mandate to work with local organizations to grow the aerospace sector in our region, advocating for projects, and supporting the students with their passion for space,” he says. “In my ideal world, if you love aerospace, you wouldn’t have to choose between living here or doing what you love.”
Instead of waiting for opportunities to fall in one’s lap, Gharagozli is adamant about creating them for yourself.
“It is going to be a bumpy road ahead. But when you see the first signs that your work is starting to have some impact, on the cause you care so much about, all of that is going to be worth it.” In addition to working on his Masters and GALAXIA, Gharagozli also runs an IT company and recently co-founded a medical technology company with a prominent operating room doctor in Halifax.
BUILDING A COMPANY AND COMMUNITY
Colin Ross (PhD'21) at an Emera ideaHUB event
— COLIN ROSS
NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF
entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Not only does it take skill, passion and dedication, it also requires the support and guidance of those who have walked the path before you.
Like many entrepreneurs, Colin Ross (PhD’21) felt quite alone and isolated in the early stages of starting his company, Acoubit. However, he quickly found his stride when he started engaging with the specialized programs and resources that Dalhousie has to offer, starting with joining the Emera ideaHUB headquartered in the Faculty of Engineering.
“The ideaHUB is filling an incredible gap,” says Ross. “They’re very supportive of unique companies that are focused on commercializing research out of the lab and are very in tune with the challenges that founders face.”
Ross also believes that having the support of trusted mentors was crucial for his success. In his experience, the most important part of cultivating a successful mentorship is creating a comfortable environment that allows both parties to have open and honest discussions. He explains that his relationship with ideaHUB Founding Advisory Council member Chris Huskilson (PEng’83), the former CEO of Emera Inc., works because it’s founded on mutual respect.
“Chris has done some extremely incredible things over his career and he’s very approachable,” says Ross. “Having access to a mentor who has gone through it, who can guide you and allow you to remain focused on what’s important is absolutely critical.”
With the support of his mentors, Ross made the decision to pivot away from his startup Acoubit. Instead, the skills he acquired in pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship set him up for success and opened many doors. Ross was approached by his mentor, Chris Huskilson, Advisor at ABCO, and was offered a role leading ABCO’s Research & Development (R&D) team.
“ABCO is working to bring start-up techniques to a traditional business to transform it into an innovation-driven enterprise,” says Chris Huskilson. “Colin’s experience in the start-up ecosystem is instrumental in bringing new thinking to the business and the ability to innovate in a much greater way than in the past.”
At ABCO, Ross is focused on improving existing products, supporting new product development and building the foundations of their R&D team. With many projects coming down the pipeline, and massive growth on the horizon, having a strong foundational team is paramount.
The role with ABCO also gave Ross the opportunity to continue commercializing technology in Nova Scotia.
“My goal has always been to work in an innovation-focused or technologyfocused company here in Nova Scotia and not have to move out of the province or the country.” Creating more opportunities in Nova Scotia is a driving force behind Ross’s plan for the coming years. Due to his previous roles as a university researcher and entrepreneur, he knows first-hand how important it is to support students and create jobs in Atlantic Canada
“I think there is an incredible amount of talent coming out of Nova Scotia and Dalhousie and helping [students] commercialize their research and make an impact on a global scale has ripple effects for the students, new startups, and for established businesses who want to grow and think differently.”
Looking to the future, Ross is passionate about giving back and providing mentorship to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
“If there is any way that I can help give back in that way then I very much want to do so, says Ross. “I’m very keen to work with local entrepreneurs and local graduates to really give them the same opportunity that I’ve been fortunate to have.”
