Midwest Momentum

Ever wonder how a tech visionary turns innovative ideas into practical tools used by the military? Join us on this exciting episode of Midwest Momentum as we sit down with Eric Wagner, a key figure in the Midwest Ohio tech community. Eric shares his journey from the early days of computer science to today when he is helping to create an ecosystem for AI startups in Hilliard, Ohio, called Hilliard City Lab. This episode contains valuable insights about seizing opportunities and taking decisive action.
Eric shares about the birth of the Center for Design Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) at Ohio State, co-founded by Eric and his partner, John Baer. The CDME became a hub for bringing brilliant minds together to work on commercialization and applied engineering. Hear how this venture paved the way for Converge Technologies, an engineering design and development firm, and Converge Ventures, a startup incubator. Despite facing venture capital funding challenges, Eric and John’s persistence and adaptability fueled their success, providing a supportive ecosystem for nurturing startups until they are ready for investment.
Finally, we plunge into the future of AI and its transformative impact across various sectors. Eric elaborates on his current work with UbiHere, focusing on geospatial analytics and environmental tracking and how these innovations revolutionize industries from fast food safety to employee performance. Additionally, get a sneak peek into his involvement with Lighthouse, an aerospace management company for drones and air taxis, and the obstacles faced in Ohio's drone delivery logistics. Entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for collaboration opportunities will also find valuable information on connecting through Hilliard City Lab. This is an episode brimming with inspiration, practical advice, and forward thinking.

Discover the innovative collision of technology and tradition as we sit down with Doug Gerber, the visionary behind AeroVantage, whose leap from IT to agriculture is changing the way we farm in Central Ohio. Prepare to be captivated as Doug enlightens us on how drones are not just flying cameras but critical tools in precision farming, enabling farmers to monitor and enhance crop health with an accuracy that was once a distant dream. Our conversation takes you behind the scenes of this tech transformation, revealing the meticulous FAA certification process that ensures these high-flying innovations coexist with the regulations designed to protect our skies.
The agricultural landscape is ripe for disruption, and drones are at the forefront, offering a bounty of benefits over traditional methods. They're not just buzzworthy gadgets; they're reshaping environmental stewardship and operational efficiency in farming. We peer into the complexities and triumphs of incorporating drones into daily agricultural practices, discussing how they can fly lower to minimize chemical drift and leverage AI for unprecedented precision. Yet, with innovation comes challenge, and Doug doesn't shy from discussing the intricacies of certification and the investment needed to take to the skies legally and effectively.
3As we wrap up our journey through the skies of agriculture, safety remains our North Star. Doug shares how AeroVantage prioritizes the well-being of both crops and people, utilizing cutting-edge technology and strict adherence to guidelines such as those from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The future of farming is ascending to new heights, and we're here to guide you through the ascent. For anyone curious about the field or looking to navigate the burgeoning world of agricultural drones, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, sown from the seeds of expertise and vision that Doug brings to the table.

Dan Rockwell and Michelle Gatchell talk to Rear Admiral of the Navy , Tracy Hines about the state of Cyber Security in the Nation. Then they talk about what paths young people could take to enter a career in the Navy doing Cyber Security. Hear what keeps her up at night, and why she loves serving our country.

Dan Rockwell and Michelle Gatchell talk to one of Dan's heroes, the writer of a TV series from the 1990s called Wild Palms, Bruce Wagner. Dan says this series that was ahead of its time with concepts of holograms and life with artificial intelligence started him on a journey into the future and becoming a futurist himself.
So if you want a glimpse into what makes Dan tick you can watch the series on YouTube. Wagner was ahead of the times with concepts in the series. Bruce was amazing to talk to and hear how the series came into play, it actually started as a comic strip for Details Magazine and then was optioned by Oliver Stone to do as a TV series.