As one of the founders and CEO at Labforge Inc., Yassir Rizwan plays an integral part in the direction of Labforge, a company that is still in its infancy but is making a significant impact in UAVs and situational awareness systems.
Q: How did you start out in this industry and how has it brought you to where you are today?
I started out in the industry with an internship at Raytheon Canada in 2008. I worked in Project Engineering with the FAA Long Range Radar program and got to take 2 courses in radar technology from the best minds at Raytheon. A few months after, at the University of Waterloo, we designed a VTOL UAV capable of lifting vertically, but flying forward in an efficient fixed wing configuration. Our target application was a fast delivery of medical aid for troops on the front line. Today, some 8 years later, Labforge is one of the premiere providers of high-end UAV avionics as well as smart optical situational awareness systems for ground applications.
Q: What was your A-HA moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader?
It has been a stream of a-ha moments! There is a real need for the high-tech world of start-ups to enter the physical security market. Our lives are filled with tangible pain points that can be addressed with innovative and lean security solutions. Realizing that was one of the best ones.
Q: Step back and analyze your journey, what is the takeaway you want to give to our audience?
When you introduce disruptive ideas and technology, it’s sometimes very easy to listen to advice that will point you in the wrong direction. We were certain about our vision and we knew that the general way of doing controls and computer vision could be changed. We stuck to our guns and now Labforge holds a significant advantage in real-time controls and super low-power computer vision.
Q: What is the one thing that has you most fired up today?
Machine learning and situational awareness. This combination is poised to disrupt not only the security market, but also other markets like advertising, retail, real-estate, finance, and insurance.
Q: What is the best advice you received?
For everything risky, but worth pursuing, we follow Sir Richard Branson’s advice: “Screw it, let’s do it!”
Q: What is a habit that contributes to your success?
Persistence. I always try to battle it out before giving in. There is a fine line between persistence and stubbornness though, and it’s always good to listen to good advice. I try my best to achieve a good balance.
Q: How is your organization changing the game within your industry sector?
We are building smart sensors with machine learning and computer vision taking place at the edge, on an ultra-low power budget. Edge computing is disrupting current cloud-centric compute methods which require high-bandwidth networks, dedicated facilities, and massive infrastructure. We are processing 90% of the data next to the image sensors, which lets us power them with solar panels and makes the system inherently secure and scalable. Advanced computer vision on hardware that can be run by tiny solar panels! Imagine the possibilities if you could put them everywhere.
Q: What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your company or industry sector?
Shortage of highly qualified people. We think the Government of Canada and organizations like CMC Microsystems are doing a tremendous job getting Canadians trained on the best technology. We need to accelerate this and do even more.
Q: What are the biggest impediments to innovation in today’s enterprise?
Not lean enough. We need to be more accepting of new technologies and adapt fast.
Q: How has innovation become engrained in your organization’s culture and how is it being optimized?
Everyone at Labforge is working towards technology that hasn’t seen mainstream yet. We are constantly innovating.
Q: What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years?
Innovations in computer vision, machine learning, embedded systems, and long-range networking. Research in these fields has ramped up significantly over the past few years. We will see tremendous growth, as every industry from retail to defence is being affected.
Q: What is your parting piece of advice?
Some advice is meant to be taken and some meant to be ignored. Don’t listen to everyone, but also know whose advice to accept.