Tough Tech Vets

From the Battlefield to the Supply Chain: A Marine’s Mission to Secure Critical Minerals with Ian Killough, President of Ridgeline Elements

In this episode of Tough Tech Vets, Chris Ricks sits down with Marine veteran Ian Killough, President of Ridgeline Elements, to discuss his journey from military service to tackling one of the most pressing challenges in global supply chains- securing critical minerals. Ian shares how his curiosity about infrastructure funding led to an unexpected opportunity in cobalt mining, his efforts to build an ethical and resilient supply chain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the innovative technology his team is developing to revolutionize mineral processing. Learn more about Ridgeline Elements at ridgeline-elements.com [https://www.ridgeline-elements.com/] Learn more about Starcube and our efforts to build microreactors for critical infrastructure at www.starcube.tech [https://starcube.tech/] Sponsored by The MisFits, a branding & design agency for the Moguls and Misfits www.wearethemisfits.com [https://www.wearethemisfits.com/]

Rethinking Contested Logistics with Austin Gray, Co-Founder of Blue Water Autonomy

In this episode of Tough Tech Vets, Chris sits down with Austin Gray, Co-Founder of Blue Water Autonomy and former Navy Intelligence Officer. Austin shares the inspiration behind his company and lessons from Ukraine that are shaping modern maritime fleet composition. They also discuss how improving the government feedback loop can better equip warfighters and why defense tech is a rewarding path for Veterans and innovators alike.    Learn more about Blue Water Autonomy at blw.ai [https://blw.ai/] Learn more about Starcube and our efforts to build microreactors for critical infrastructure at www.starcube.tech [https://starcube.tech/] Sponsored by The MisFits, a branding & design agency for the Moguls and Misfits www.wearethemisfits.com [https://www.wearethemisfits.com/]

The Unique Challenges of Global Power with Mike Gallagher, CEO of AMPS Advanced Modular Power Systems

On today's episode of Tough Tech Vets, Chris sits down with Mike Gallagher, CEO of AMPS Advanced Modular Power Systems, and Navy Veteran. Mike takes us deep into the current challenges of AMPS, what him and his team are working on, and the lessons he's learned from working in tough tech on a global scale. Learn more about AMPS at www.amp-sys.com [https://amp-sys.com/] Learn more about Starcube and our efforts to build microreactors for critical infrastructure at www.starcube.tech [https://starcube.tech/] Sponsored by The MisFits, a branding & design agency for the Moguls and Misfits www.wearethemisfits.com [https://www.wearethemisfits.com/]

Reimagining The Future of Aviation Training with Ted Slusher, founder & CEO of Silent Crown

On the first episode of Tough Tech Vets, Chris sits down with Ted Slusher, Founder & CEO, Silent Crown and former Pilot in the Air Force. Ted discusses his journey to founding Silent Crown, their unique value due to Ted's experience as a pilot, and how the future of military flight training is being reshaped today. Learn more about Silent Crown at www.silent-crown.com [http://www.silent-crown.com/] Learn more about Starcube and our efforts to build microreactors for critical infrastructure at www.starcube.tech [https://starcube.tech/] Sponsored by The MisFits, a branding & design agency for the Moguls and Misfits www.wearethemisfits.com [https://www.wearethemisfits.com/]

Tough Tech Vets Trailer

Welcome to “Tough Tech Vets,” a podcast series focused on veteran entrepreneurs solving hard problems at the intersection of hardware and software. I’m your host Chris Ricks. I'm a former Naval Submarine Officer and Founder of Starcube, a small modular reactor company that’s focused on building microreactors for critical infrastructure.  Tough Tech refers to transformational technology that solves the world's most pressing challenges through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. Think of critical technology domains such as biotechnology, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and the list goes on.  Be sure to subscribe to Tough Tech Vets on your favorite podcast hosting platform, and learn more about Starcube and our efforts to build microreactors for critical infrastructure at www.starcube.tech. Sponsored by The MisFits, a branding & design agency for the Moguls and Misfits www.wearethemisfits.com