Daytona Beach, Fla. — On May 28, Phemotron Systems welcomed a distinguished group of aerospace leaders, economic development officials, and policymakers to a private executive breakfast and technology showcase at its Daytona Beach headquarters. The gathering focused on the company’s flagship mission, AI-MOTHERBOX-1, and underscored Volusia County’s rising role in shaping the future of autonomous satellite and space innovation.

The event was hosted by Leslie Giscombe, President and Chief Business Officer, and Valerie Uy, Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications at Phemotron Systems. Guests were welcomed with a guided office tour, a drone showcase, and technical briefings on the company’s advanced CubeSat architecture and AI-integrated systems. Leslie also addressed the broader economic impact of Phemotron’s innovations, sharing projections for job creation, regional investment, and the company’s role in positioning Volusia County as a hub for space technology and talent development.

Leaders listen as Dr. Femi Ishola, Ph.D, R.Engr , Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Phemotron Systems, led a dynamic conversation on the future of satellite engineering and autonomous systems.

Florida Senator Tom Wright, Chairman of the State Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and Space, joined the executive briefing to reinforce the state’s strong commitment to advancing high-tech entrepreneurship and aerospace innovation. A longtime advocate for Florida’s space economy, Senator Wright continues to champion forward-thinking, innovation-driven initiatives across the region.

Also in attendance were:

  • Rollan Roberts II, former U.S. presidential candidate, entrepreneur, global peace ambassador, and Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board, Phemotron Systems

  • Charlene Gagner, Office of State Senator Tom Wright, District 8

  • Mike Ferro, State and Local Government Operations, The Boeing Company

  • Phil Zeman, Senior Vice President and Florida VP, SouthState Bank

  • Ugochi Nwoga, CFO, Tlay Healthcare Services & Gallery Owner

  • Tywan Arrington, Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation

  • Jim Cameron, Principal, Jim Cameron Consulting, and longtime government relations advisor in Volusia County

Front Row (L–R): Senator Tom Wright (Chairman, State Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and
Space); Ms. Charlene Gagner (Office of State Senator Tom Wright, District 8); Mike Ferro (State and
Local Government Operations, The Boeing Company); Mr. Phil Zeman (Senior Vice President and Florida VP, SouthState Bank); Mr. Tywan Arrington (Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation)
Second Row: Dr. Femi Ishola (Founder, Chairman & CEO, Phemotron Systems)

Dr. Femi Ishola, Ph.D, R.Engr , Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Phemotron Systems, led a dynamic conversation on the future of satellite engineering and autonomous systems, offering a preview of the company’s proprietary drone platform and its flagship CubeSat—AI-MOTHERBOX-1—designed to deliver real-time environmental intelligence, disaster response support, and airspace situational awareness.

“Startups like Phemotron are not only advancing breakthrough technology—they are creating realworld opportunities to keep exceptional talent right here in Volusia County,” said Dr. Rollan Roberts II. “This kind of innovation ecosystem is exactly what Florida needs to remain competitive on the global stage.”

The company also spotlighted its internship program, featuring four Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University aerospace engineering students majoring in Astronautics:

  • ShiKai Hee, U.S. Navy

  • Matthew Logan

  • Kylie Nager

  • Andrew Schultz, lead intern

Each student emphasized how Phemotron’s hands-on learning environment distinguished it from other opportunities at larger firms, offering meaningful engineering experience and mentorship.

“We’re not just observing—we’re building, testing, and solving real problems. That’s what makes this opportunity so unique,” shared Andrew Schultz.

As the 2025 SATSHOW Startup Space Grand Prize Winner, Phemotron continues to innovate at the intersection of AI, aerospace, and real-world applications—positioning Volusia County as a rising hub for space technology development.

Drone Showcase
L–R: Mr. Tywan Arrington (Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation); Mr. Phil Zeman
(Senior Vice President and Florida VP, SouthState Bank); Ms. Charlene Gagner (Office of State
Senator Tom Wright, District 8); Dr. Femi Ishola (Founder, Chairman & CEO, Phemotron Systems); Senator Tom Wright (Chairman, State Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and Space)