CO-FOUNDER & COO, DIRECT KINETIC SOLUTIONS INC Joanna Patsalis, born in the US and raised in Cyprus, developed an early fascination with technology and its transformative potential. She studied Management in the UK and moved to New York in 2014, where she worked in Operations, Supply Chain, and IT while pursuing an MBA at NYU Stern. Joining FedTech, Joanna connected with the Army Research Lab, inspiring her to launch Direct Kinetic Solutions (DKS) in 2019. DKS focuses on revolutionizing the energy sector using radioisotopic power sources combining the persistence of a power plant. With the convenience and mobility of a battery. DKS has secured significant government contracts and secured their first round of private investments. The company has won awards with NASA, the National Science Foundation, the US Air Force, and more. DKS was most recently awarded the Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI), maximizing the award with $1.9 million from the AFVentures program with a match from private investments to scale manufacturing capabilities and innovate with new technologies. Joanna’s achievements include winning the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Energy and expanding DKS to include a radiation laboratory in Tennessee and an Engineering Hub in Maryland. Joanna continues to expand her impact, participating in various female organizations and events to break the barriers and promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech industry.