Sensatek Heats Up
While pursuing a degree at Florida A&M University, Soto discovered a problem. When engines overheat, they can break down. This becomes a major dilemma in energy and avionics, where system failures can be costly. Gas-powered turbines account for approximately 38.4 percent of the energy produced in the United States. For example, Shell uses an aircraft engine on liquified natural gas platforms, generating $10 million a day in revenue. Recently, a blade failure led to an engine being offline for more than 30 days, costing Shell more than $300 million. Soto’s technology is designed to prevent these BY DAVID EKRUT, PH.D. costly failures. And though most of the initial financial support for Sensatek came from outside Tallahassee, he believes the capital city is ripe for Reamonn Soto is the founder and CEO of Sensatek, aspiring entrepreneurs. a producer of wireless gas turbine sensors, which “Tallahassee is a hidden gem for new business,” Soto said, noting its various resources for startups. measure temperatures on stationary and rotating The Small Business Development Center at blades. The business today serves clients around the FAMU has advisors who help entrepreneurs start world in scientific fields including energy, aviation and a business and who lead workshops that address aeronautics, but Soto got his start in Tallahassee. customer service skills, government contracting and the writing of business plans. Innovation Park and Domi Station provide an affordable work environment with influencers capable of navigating many facets of new business. Soto also found resources at the Leon County Research Development Authority Tallahassee is a and the Greater Tallahassee Area hidden gem for Chamber of Commerce and new business. received one-on-one advice from … [It’s a] really good place where ideas are leads groups and the Office of incubated. It’s a ‘small’ Economic Vitality, which does place but has a lot of a lot of matchmaking, bringing giants who live there.” — Reamonn Soto, innovators and investors together. founder and CEO “Half of gaining knowledge of Sensatek is knowing where to find it, and oftentimes when opportunities come up, these groups can help connect the dots,” Soto said. Tallahassee isn’t Silicon Valley, but Soto rates it a “really good place where ideas are incubated. It’s a ‘small’ place but has a lot of giants who live there.” He praised his mentors, including Chris Eldred, founder and CEO of TeligentEMS; Larry Lynch in the Entrepreneurial Excellence Program; Keith Bowers at SBDC; and Ron Miller from the Leon County Research Development Authority. 44
| 2021 Tallahassee Innovation & Technology
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SENSATEK
Born in Tallahassee, sensor producer attracts global clientele
