In this episode of The Curious Minds Podcast, we’re joined by Luka Lamaj—founder, innovator, and community catalyst. Luka takes us through his journey from leading grassroots innovation efforts with NATO and serving on the board of NSIEA, to hosting Microsoft Reactor’s Tech Odyssey podcast and building his own stealth startup. We dive into his work at the intersection of AI, decentralized systems, and community, and explore why empowering others through dialogue, education, and collaboration is central to his mission as a builder and leader.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jeevan Perera, a Senior Engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, whose career has spanned over three decades of pioneering work in aerospace and mission management. Dr. Perera shares the personal journey that led him to NASA, the pivotal moments and challenges he faced along the way, and the groundbreaking projects he’s contributed to — from the Space Shuttle program to risk management systems for the International Space Station. He also offers advice for students and young professionals interested in STEM, insights into the collaborative culture at NASA, and his thoughts on where the future of aerospace is headed.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Zellner, Founder/CEO of InspireIP and a Team Lead at PQAI who's passionate about helping organizations turn ideas into action. Sam shares his insights on what it takes to move an idea from concept to reality, emphasizing the importance of clear processes and strong collaboration across teams. We discuss the common challenges that organizations face in managing their intellectual property and how modern tools can simplify and enhance the invention process. From creating systems that encourage idea-sharing to leveraging technology for smarter decision-making, Sam offers valuable strategies for unlocking the inventive potential of any workplace. Whether you’re an inventor, an IP professional, or just curious about how to cultivate better ideas, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical advice.

InspireIP: https://inspireip.com/

PQAI: https://projectpq.ai/