Winning hackathons at 16 and launching satellites by 26—meet the founder revolutionizing Australia's space tech.

Join us as we chat with Shoaib Iqbal, the dynamic founder behind Esper Satellites, a groundbreaking Australian startup that leverages hyperspectral imaging technology to monitor Earth’s resources and environmental conditions from space.

🛰️ Shoaib’s entrepreneurial journey began as a teenager winning hackathons in Saudi Arabia, eventually propelling him to build a pioneering space tech company in Australia.

🌍Discover how Shoaib transitioned from simple DIY electronics to sophisticated hyperspectral sensors, the critical lessons learned from pivoting use-cases, and how his company is on track to deploy a constellation of satellites designed to significantly impact mining, agriculture, and global climate monitoring.

🌱 This episode offers deep insights into space entrepreneurship, innovation at the cutting edge of Earth observation, and the powerful role young innovators play in shaping the future of technology.

🛰️ Launching a Space Tech Startup

🌍 Revolutionizing Earth Observation

🔬 Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

🚀 Lessons from DIY to Deep Tech

🔥 Climate Monitoring Innovations

🌱 AgTech and Environmental Solutions🪨 Transforming Mineral Exploration

🎯 Achieving Product-Market Fit

🤖 Future of AI in Earth Observation

📡 Scaling Global Satellite Networks

🤝 Connect with Shoaib Iqbal:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoaib-esper/

Website (Esper Satellites): https://www.espersatellites.co

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Shoaib’s Background

01:40 - Growing Up in Saudi Arabia

03:39 - Early Entrepreneurial Experiences

05:25 - Shoaib’s First Hackathon Win

08:03 - Moving to Australia and Exploring Tech

10:19 - Building Innovative Solutions from DIY Tech

13:01 - Choosing Australia and Adjusting to a New Life

16:55 - Developing the Idea Behind Esper Satellites

20:12 - Understanding CubeSats

23:03 - Transitioning from Gaming to Satellite Tech

28:25 - The Genesis of Hyperspectral Imaging

31:17 - Initial Customer Discovery and Early Traction

36:49 - Challenges and Lessons in Building Tech for Space

40:06 - Future Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging

42:57 - Finding Initial Customers and Early Investors

48:46 - Australia’s Advantage for Space Tech Startups

50:31 - Esper’s Vision for Global Satellite Coverage

52:19 - Regulations and Challenges in Space Tech

54:02 - The Process of Launching a Satellite

55:28 - Use Cases in Mining, Agriculture, and Defense

58:49 - Shoaib’s Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

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