Thu, Aug 27, 12:30 PM CDT – Thu, Aug 27, 1:30 PM CDT
Meet the dual-use startups that are bringing deep tech to reality. This showcase spotlights MassChallenge founders with momentum - ready to deliver impact in both defense and commercial markets. Please note: Adding this session to your agenda does not guarantee admission. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first serve basis until room capacity is reached.
Bryton Praslicka is the founder and CEO of FluxWorks, pioneering intelligent magnetic gears for mechatronics in space, defense, and robotics. He earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and leads innovations that make machinery safer, more reliable, and more capable.
Ty Audronis, CEO & Principal Investigator, is a Navy veteran and a recognized pioneer in the UAS sector with over 25 years in software development, real-time visualization, and drone control. He has authored two books on drone design and holds three pending patents related to MOSA-based C2, sensor fusion, and MRV. Ty is a subject matter expert in counter-UAS technologies and has advised government and commercial organizations on UAS threats and applications. He leads the technical vision for Harbinger and drives execution of all development milestones.
Dr. Veronika Stelmakh is the CEO and cofounder of Mesodyne, an MIT spin out commercializing a new class of power generator that converts fuel to electricity via light. Mesodyne’s LightCell generator has no moving parts, thus quiet and reliable, operates on any hydrocarbon fuel, and offers more than 10x the energy density of lithium ion batteries. Dr. Stelmakh holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a MS and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from MIT. The focus of her PhD work and post doc at MIT's Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies was the development of a practical photonic crystal selective emitter for thermophotovoltaic applications which resulted in a world record benchtop demonstration and is at the core of Mesodyne's technology.
USArmy, White House, Anduril, US Embassy - Iraq, UAS/cUAS SME, First UAS Commercial Part 107 x-country
Lead business development efforts for VICTUS across commercial and government customers. Career strategy consultant with experience across industries as well as time at a large strategy house. Joined VICTUS in January 2025 to work to build customer base and support a great team of engineers and our CEO, LT COL (retired) Jesse Hamel.