360 Pulse

Stitchless: Circle Optics Team in Focus explores how perception systems are being built for AI, robotics, and autonomous environments. This episode draws on insights from NVIDIA GTC, featuring Software Manager Steve Feller and Senior Computer Vision Engineer Mitchell Baller discussing system constraints, simulation, and edge processing. The conversation focuses on how machines capture, prioritize,...

Doug Anderson is the founder and president of DCA Live, a Washington DC platform spotlighting the region’s most innovative companies and leaders through curated events and a widely read daily newsletter. Since launching DCA Live in 2014, he has elevated conversations around growth, technology, venture investing, cybersecurity, government contracting, and the broader DC business community. With mor...

In this episode, Circle Optics sat down with Oliver Mitchell, Partner at ff Venture Capital, entrepreneur, and author of A Startup Field Guide in the Age of Robots and AI. Mitchell brings decades of experience in robotics, automation, and investment strategy—bridging the worlds of technology and capital. From building and exiting ventures like Holmes Protection, AmeriCash, and RobotGalaxy to guidi...

Seeing What Matters: Situational Intelligence in Action Circle Optics has built its reputation on hardware that eliminates stitching. Yet the true power of the company’s technology comes from software—the algorithms and systems that transform raw optical data into meaningful awareness. This awareness is more than vision; it is situational intelligence: the ability to detect, interpret, and respond...

Circle Optics is known for hardware that eliminates stitching. But hardware alone cannot deliver situational intelligence. For immersive systems to be useful, they must not only capture reality but render it faithfully and responsively. This means translating photons into data, and data into experiences—with color accuracy, clarity, and computational speed. In this installment of Stitchless: Circl...

In this Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus segment, we highlight the work of two engineers whose expertise makes this possible: Dr. Anjali Jogeshwar, Senior Computer Engineer, and Mitchell Baller, Imaging Software Engineer. Their insights reveal the intersection of mathematics, computer vision, and human-centered design that powers our Pegasus and Hydra imaging systems. Recorded at ROC Vox Recordi...

This conversation with Principle Imaging Scientist Peter Stubler and Senior Software Engineer Steve Feller explores how two distinct career paths—one rooted in imaging science, the other in low-level computer systems—converge to shape Circle Optics’ groundbreaking platforms. Their work transforms multiple camera inputs into one seamless field of vision, trusted in mission-critical environments. Th...

Meet Matthew Brophy, the hands-on expert who brings Circle Optics’ designs into the real world. In this focused segment, we explore the critical role of the opto-mechanical technician—where build quality, test setup, and assembly precision directly impact imaging performance. Matthew shares insights from the lab bench, lessons in problem-solving, and why adaptability is just as important as accura...

What does it take to build a camera system that eliminates the need for stitching? In this episode, the Circle Optics mechanical team breaks down the innovations behind Pegasus and Hydra, revealing how they solved the invisible challenges of alignment, vibration, and thermal drift. From early prototypes to field-deployable systems, this is a deep dive into the engineering breakthroughs that define...

Jacqueline Blackburn, leader of the acceleration portfolio at Decisive Point, brings a wealth of experience from the U.S. Naval Academy, forward-deployed service in the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Community, venture investing at Scout Ventures, and scaling early-stage technology at J.P. Morgan. In this episode, she shares leadership lessons gained from working across both government and priv...

Segment 1: Go behind the scenes with the mechanical team at Circle Optics as they share what drives their passion for precision engineering. In this candid conversation, the team reflects on their career paths, lessons learned from failure, and the craftsmanship required to build stitch-free panoramic imaging systems. You'll hear how culture, curiosity, and collaboration fuel the breakthroughs beh...

In this episode of 360° Pulse Podcast, we sit down with John Cohan—longtime drone advocate, Civil Air Patrol instructor, and former President of the AUVSI Empire State Chapter—to honor his legacy and amplify his voice as the chapter welcomes new leadership. John reflects on years of navigating public skepticism, fostering local business networks, and building a culture of FAA compliance and safety...

In this episode of the 360° Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dennis Rebelo—professor, author, and creator of the Peak Storytelling™ model. A leading expert in narrative identity development, Dr. Rebelo shares how personal storytelling can unlock clarity, confidence, and authenticity in leadership and innovation. As the author of Story Like You Mean It and Chief Learning Officer at the Berkshire...

In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus shifts from vision and leadership to real-world applications, highlighting the seamless integration of hardware and software in imaging technology. COO Ian Gauger explores how Circle Optics is solving the complex challenges of bridging optics and AI, ensuring high-performance solutions for defense, GIS, and AR/VR applications. Zak Niazi discuss...

Michael Robbins is the President & CEO of AUVSI, the world’s largest association dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics across defense, civil, and commercial domains. A seasoned leader in government affairs and public policy, Michael has been instrumental in advocating for critical regulatory updates such as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. With decades...

In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger pull back the curtain on what it takes to lead a deep-tech company in an industry as complex as optics. They discuss the toughest challenges they've faced, from navigating uncertainty to making high-stakes strategic decisions. Niazi shares insights on steering innovation while staying ahead of the market, while...

In this episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger dive into the groundbreaking technology behind Pegasus and Hydra. They break down what sets these systems apart from anything else on the market, highlighting the engineering breakthroughs that make true stitchless imaging a reality. Niazi explores the competitive advantage of these technologies, while Ian shar...

This episode of 360° Pulse welcomes Gavin Snyder, CEO of Imagine Aerial, to discuss how drones and AI are transforming infrastructure assessment. With over 30 years of experience in architecture, Snyder shares his journey from design to developing technology that accelerates inspections from months to days. The conversation explores the challenges facing U.S. infrastructure and the shift from reac...

In this inaugural episode of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, CEO Zak Niazi and COO Ian Gauger set the stage for the future of panoramic imaging in 2025. They explore the company’s vision, the impact of stitchless imaging technology, and why it matters now more than ever. Niazi discusses the industries poised for transformation, from defense and aerospace to immersive training and beyond, while...

Don Golini is a visionary leader in precision optics and a champion for early-stage innovation. With over two decades of experience in developing, managing, and commercializing cutting-edge technologies, Don serves as Chairman of Luminate and a valued member of the Circle Optics Advisory Board. In this episode of the 360 Pulse Podcast, he shares invaluable insights on the importance of gaining rea...

In this episode of 360° Pulse, Circle Optics' welcomed Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather Solutions, as a guest. With over 40 years of experience in the weather and aviation industries, Don brought a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. His impressive career includes 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he played a key role in refining weather operations, leveraging emerging technologies, and ap...

In this episode of 360° Pulse, host Jennifer Sertl dives into the world of immersive technology with Ted Schilowitz, a visionary futurist and innovator in the film and entertainment industry. As a founding member of RED Digital Cinema, Schilowitz played a pivotal role in revolutionizing cinematography with the RED ONE camera. We explore his insights on the future of visual storytelling, the impact...

Jonathan Berube has built a reputation as a dynamic force in the creative world, having contributed to iconic franchises like Avatar, Star Wars, Blizzard Games, Apple, and Nike. Today, he channels a quarter-century of hands-on knowledge as a top-tier C-Suite Creative Executive. His journey spans every corner of the industry: from Feature Films and TV to Commercials, Games, and Academia. Berube’s w...

Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan is the Managing Director of the Luminate Accelerator. With over 50 patents to her name, she stands out as a distinguished senior C-Suite executive and entrepreneur. Her impressive career includes a robust background in portfolio and investment development, mentorship of tech start-ups, and the successful conception and growth of multiple tech companies and business lines. Rec...

Anna Vulaj Fitzsimmons brings 30 years of experience in government contracting and business development. As the Program Director for Monroe County Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator since 2015, she has facilitated over $629 million in government contract awards for small businesses. Anna is an active member of several prominent councils and boards, including the Department of Defense East Regional Coun...