MEET THE DEEP TECH EXPERTS
Dr. Christopher Luwanga (Speaker)
CEO, GALAMAD
Dr. Christopher Luwanga is a space engineer and physicist based in Singapore, and originally from Malawi, Africa. As founder of Galamad Aerospace, he is leading a team of designers, engineers, and builders of spacecraft for the new age of applications that are built around space technologies. One of the most exciting applications is that of broadband connectivity from and via outer space. This extension into space not only creates a powerful, resilient complement to our existing terrestrial network infrastructure but in some places, across Africa and Asia, creates a wider-reaching network at lower operational costs than traditionally seen.
GALAMAD is also specifically developing the PROSat, a programmable, reuseable, and highly maneuverable spacecraft bus that will ultimately enable smart constellations that do not unnecessarily crowd or pollute the space environment.
"Given that we’ve launched more satellites in the last 6 years than we had in the 60 years prior, the need and opportunities for space engineers, scientists and other space professionals have never been greater. GALAMAD is excited to contribute towards growing the talent pipeline through participating in Expand Space."
Mr. Joe Pong (Speaker)
Strategic Project Manager, Nanolumi
Mr. Joe Pong is the Strategic Project Manager of Nanolumi, a Singapore-based deep-tech company that specializes in advanced luminescence materials. He received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry from Nanyang Technological University Singapore, specializing in both Medicinal Chemistry and Food Chemistry. He has accumulated more than 5 years of technical product management experience at multiple start-ups, ranging from AgriTech, BioTech, MedTech, to NanoTech, with working knowledge of commercializing research innovation into real-world applications.
Mr. Randy Teo (Jury for Pitching segment)
Co-Founder and Partner, PrimeMoversEquity
Randy has more than 28 years of industry and private equity experience. He was formerly the President of Stanley Black & Decker (Engineered Fastening Division), CEO/ President of Infastech and Asia Pacific President of Acument Global Technologies and Textron Asia (Engineered Fastening Division).
Miss Shi Pei (Jury for Pitching Segment)
Tay Shi Pei, Senior Associate, iGlobe Partners
Miss Shi Pei is a pragmatic idealist who sees possibilities and practicalities at the same time. She is passionate about building products that are useful and used by people, and has spent the last 8 years doing so in startups and venture capital.
Mr. Vijay Jacob (Jury for Pitching Segment)
Venture Partner, Speciale invest
Vijay is a Venture Partner at Speciale Invest, a deep tech VC fund with operations in India and Singapore. He brings with him over 15 years of experience in making private equity and venture capital investments and has experience across the lifecycle, including deal sourcing, building networks, investing, portfolio management, and exits. His investments have spanned a variety of sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, business and technology services, and consumer.
At Speciale Invest, he leads the South East Asia business and is looking for great entrepreneurs building deep tech and engineering innovation in the region. His other investing experience includes being a founding member at TPG NewQuest, where he led new investments into India and South East Asia, as well as investing roles with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and emerging markets investor Actis.
Mr. Flyod Dcosta
Co-Founder, Space Armour
Floyd Dcosta is the co-founder of Block Armour, a pioneering cybersecurity venture that has developed a Blockchain-powered Zero Trust Cybersecurity platform and empowers organizations to effectively secure their modern enterprise-IT environments. He is also the founder of Space Armour, a SpaceTech startup that builds on the Block Armour platform and integrates advanced technologies to deliver comprehensive Zero Trust Cybersecurity tailored for space systems and satellite networks.
Floyd brings over 22 years of international professional experience in management consulting, specializing in establishing and expanding enterprise business practices, along with providing strategic advice to senior client executives on decisive topics. His extensive background includes an eleven-year tenure at Capgemini, where he served as the Global Segment Leader for Industrial Products. A regular writer and speaker at events, Floyd advises multiple public and private organizations, helping them with strategy, planning, and harnessing the potential of emerging technology for Digital Transformation.
Floyd is an alumni of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B) and also has a Masters degree in Information Systems from the Institute for Technology and Management (ITM), Mumbai. As a hobby, he takes delight in exploring new places, cultures, and cuisine. And, when he is not traveling, Floyd enjoys spending time at home surrounded by his family.