360 Pulse

This explores how Circle Optics and Deepnight are combining panoramic imaging and artificial intelligence to deliver continuous situational awareness across daylight, dusk, and nighttime conditions. Host Jennifer Sertl speaks with Circle Optics Engineering Manager Steve Feller and Deepnight Founder and CEO Lucas Young about the evolution of AI-enhanced low-light imaging, computational photography, and the future of autonomous perception. The conversation highlights how this partnership is helping defense, security, robotics, and critical infrastructure customers see more clearly, make faster decisions, and operate more effectively in challenging environments Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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, and act on visual data in real-world conditions. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 more than twenty five years of experience in media and events, Doug has held senior roles at Bloomberg BNA, Kennedy Information, AOL, and New River Media, and earlier produced national public television programs including Think Tank and Follow the Money. Circle Optics is part of the DC innovation ecosystem and is actively engaged in the region’s venture community, including participation in Doug Anderson’s Capital Capital program.  Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 guiding startups such as CivRobotics, Cambrian Robotics, and Paraspot, Oliver has witnessed firsthand how founders navigate the high-stakes terrain of deep tech. Known as The Robot Rabbi through his blog and teaching at the Syms School of Business, he’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs align purpose with profitability in the era of intelligent machines. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 in real time. In this final installment of Stitchless: Circle Optics in Focus, Senior Software Engineer Steve Feller and Software Engineer Grace Annese explore what situational intelligence means in practice, and why it represents a competitive advantage for mission-critical imaging. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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: Circle Optics in Focus, Software Engineer Grace Annese and Computer Engineer David Krauthamer share how the interplay of science, art, and computation brings panoramic vision to life. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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. Their collaboration highlights how trust, both in technology and in teamwork, drives Circle Optics’ innovation. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 accuracy.  Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 the future of panoramic imaging. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 private sector innovation. The conversation explores how dual-use startups can successfully navigate the transition from seed funding to Series A, particularly when serving both commercial and defense markets. Jacqueline discusses the importance of engaging transition partners early and building credibility that lasts. She offers perspective on the role of venture capital in accelerating defense-relevant technologies and how startups can better communicate their dual-use value proposition. The episode also highlights overlooked forms of support that are essential for scaling in the national security ecosystem. Looking ahead, Jacqueline points to emerging defense innovation trends and ways to strengthen the pipeline between startups and defense adoption. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 behind our hardware. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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. From his roots in A/V production to his work with underwater submersibles and aerial search and rescue, his story is one of continuous service, education, and commitment to community. This conversation is a tribute to the leadership sustaining the uncrewed systems movement in New York and beyond. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 Innovation Center, he’s helped NFL athletes, executives, and students alike craft compelling narratives that drive personal and professional growth. Tune in to explore how storytelling fuels strategic insight, strengthens communication, and shapes how we lead in a complex world. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 discusses how this integration enhances user experience, making advanced imaging more intuitive and impactful. Together, they break down the technical and strategic innovations that set Circle Optics apart. The episode concludes with Ian’s forward-looking perspective on the future of hardware-software synergy and how Circle Optics is poised to lead the next wave of imaging transformation. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 of experience across Capitol Hill, trade associations, and as a Navy Reservist, his leadership bridges national defense, aviation safety, and emerging technology. He has successfully launched strategic initiatives like the Trusted Cyber Program and Green UAS to accelerate industry innovation. Robbins is passionate about aligning policy with the pace of technology to ensure U.S. leadership in autonomy and aerospace. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 Ian explores the leadership qualities essential for balancing technical breakthroughs with operational execution. This conversation humanizes the brand, showcasing the resilience, adaptability, and vision that drive Circle Optics forward. The episode concludes with personal reflections from Niazi and Gauger on what leadership means to them and what makes the Circle Optics team truly special. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 shares insights into the complex challenges the team overcame to bring them to life. Together, they discuss how Pegasus and Hydra are meeting critical market needs in defense, AI, and GIS applications. The episode closes with a powerful call to action, inviting industry leaders to explore how these innovations can transform their operations. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 reactive to predictive maintenance. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

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 Ian delves into Circle Optics’ strategy for leading this shift. They address key challenges in adoption, technical innovation, and market positioning, offering insights into how the company’s roadmap is shaping the future. The episode closes with a call to action, inviting viewers to engage, follow, and be part of the journey as Circle Optics redefines high-fidelity panoramic imaging. Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com