DAYTONA BEACH, FL — On November 21, 2025, Space Florida executives Dale Ketcham, Vice President of Business Development, and Mike Miller, Senior Director of Aerospace Partnerships, visited the main office of Phemotron Systems and its manufacturing partner, AO Precision Manufacturing, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Florida’s aerospace innovation ecosystem.

AO Precision Manufacturing—a 40-year-old, private-equity-owned aerospace and Department of Defense manufacturing facility—operates a 120,000 sq. ft. facility in Daytona Beach, Florida. The visit underscores the strategic importance of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AO Precision and Phemotron Systems.

This partnership expands manufacturing capacity to support Phemotron Systems’ small satellite business model, enabling scalable production and accelerating the company’s mission to deliver innovative, cost-effective space technologies. Additionally, the collaboration is expected to drive job creation, enhance workforce development, and support retention of engineering talent within Volusia County, reinforcing the region’s growing reputation as a hub for aerospace advancement.

Earlier this year, Phemotron Systems achieved national recognition when Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, led the company as Florida’s only aerospace startup and made history by becoming the first African American–led aerospace startup to win the Space Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, noted as the most competitive year in the competition’s nine-year history.

“Meeting with Dr. Ishola, Mr. Giscombe, and Mr. Jim Cameron earlier this year, and watching them represent Florida on a national stage, made it clear that Phemotron Systems is a company with both vision and capability,” said Dale Ketcham, Vice President of Business Development at Space Florida. “Their success at Satellite2025 was groundbreaking and reflects the kind of innovation Florida is proud to support. Today’s visit reinforces our commitment to helping emerging aerospace leaders scale, build, and thrive right here in the state.”

Photo (L-R): Rick Irwin, Engineer Manager, AO Precision; Mike Loiacono, Director of
Sales, AO Precision; Leslie F. Giscombe, Chief Business Officer (CBO), Phemotron
Systems; Dale Ketcham, VP of Business Development, Space Florida; Mike Miller,
Senior Director of Aerospace Partnerships, Space Florida; Tyrone Walker, HR Director,
AO Precision; Steven Koch, President, AO Precision; Patrick Edwards, Quality
Manager, AO Precision; Jim Cameron, Director of External Relations, Phemotron
Systems

Joining the meeting virtually from Nigeria, Africa, Dr. Femi Ishola, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Phemotron Systems, stated, “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with AO Precision Manufacturing and collaborate with Space Florida to advance aerospace innovation in the region. This milestone highlights the global nature of the space economy and reflects our commitment to delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions while fostering talent and economic growth in Florida and beyond.”

“This partnership reflects our commitment to building strong, strategic relationships that expand Florida’s role in the global space economy,” added Leslie F. Giscombe, Chief Business Officer of Phemotron Systems. “The support and engagement from Space Florida leadership underscore the value of our mission. Together with AO Precision, we are creating new pathways for innovation, manufacturing capability, and economic opportunity right here in Volusia County.”

Phemotron Systems’ main office is located at:
601 Innovation Way, Suite 116–117, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

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