The Innovators

Tom Dioro

From the campus of Stanford University this is The Innovators Radio Show + Podcast featuring in-depth, one-on-one interviews with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, renowned thought-leaders and game changers committed to ideas, innovation, and better lives. Our radio show and podcast will illuminate the struggle, breakthroughs and exceptional outcomes game-changers bring to industries, organizations and lives. Hosted by Tom Dioro, executive producer of Stanford Athletics and KZSU's, Beyond the Champions Show, and principal of Podfather Media.

  1. 05/06/2024

    Jorge & Ethan Muniz | Founders of Ascender Systems

    Innovators Podcast: From Holiday Lights to Emergency Services – The Journey of Ascender Systems In this episode of the Innovators Podcast, host Tom Dioro interviews Jorge and Ethan Muniz, the dynamic father-son duo behind Ascender Systems. Beginning with the inventive solution to putting up Christmas lights, their journey led to the creation of a prototype robotic climber. The discussion covers overcoming the challenges of customer pushback, the evolution of their prototype, and their aspirations to aid emergency services with cutting-edge technology. Jorge and Ethan share insights into their product's journey, its potential impact, and the personal growth they experienced through pitching their innovation at competitions worldwide. Ascender Systems has designed a patented lightweight robotic solution for climbing up various vertical structures (e.g. poles, pipes, columns). Each "climber" robot can carry and install a "leave-behind" with a personalized customer-selected payload that best meets their needs. Our "climber" can optionally return to the ground to be reused. Customizable "leave-behind" systems can include communications relay, lighting, thermal detections, cameras, and/or satellite uplink. For more information about Ascender Systems, visit the website https://ascendersystems.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Ascender Systems 00:59 Meet the Founders: Jorge and Ethan Muniz 02:08 The Mantra: There Has to Be a Better Way 03:14 From Christmas Lights to Emergency Services 04:21 Challenges and Customer Discovery 08:08 Prototyping and Iterations 12:02 Competitions and Funding 13:31 Future Prospects and Personal Growth 21:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    26 min

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From the campus of Stanford University this is The Innovators Radio Show + Podcast featuring in-depth, one-on-one interviews with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, renowned thought-leaders and game changers committed to ideas, innovation, and better lives. Our radio show and podcast will illuminate the struggle, breakthroughs and exceptional outcomes game-changers bring to industries, organizations and lives. Hosted by Tom Dioro, executive producer of Stanford Athletics and KZSU's, Beyond the Champions Show, and principal of Podfather Media.