From the Startup Battlefield Stage to the International Space Station: geCKo Materials Built a Sticky Product
In the latest episode of TechCrunch's Build Mode podcast, host Isabelle Johannessen sits down with Capella Kerst, the founder and CEO of geCKo Materials, to discuss the remarkable journey of a company that has taken its innovative adhesive technology from a competitive startup stage all the way to the International Space Station.
geCKo Materials has carved out a unique niche in the advanced materials space, developing specialized adhesive solutions that have captured the attention of some of the most demanding environments imaginable. The company's trajectory from early-stage startup to a player in the space industry represents a significant milestone in the world of materials science and engineering.
The name geCKo is a nod to the natural world, drawing inspiration from the gecko lizard, which is famously known for its extraordinary ability to cling to surfaces using microscopic structures on its feet. This biomimetic approach to adhesive technology has long fascinated scientists and engineers seeking to replicate nature's most impressive engineering feats.
Kerst's appearance on the Build Mode podcast highlights a growing trend of deep-tech startups that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in materials science. The journey from a startup battlefield competition, where early-stage companies pitch to investors and industry experts, to securing a presence aboard the International Space Station underscores the real-world potential of the technology geCKo Materials has developed.
The International Space Station serves as a unique testing ground for experimental technologies, where materials must perform under extreme conditions including microgravity, dramatic temperature swings, and intense radiation exposure. Companies that successfully deploy technology aboard the station often gain significant credibility and validation for their products.
The Build Mode podcast, which regularly features founders navigating the challenges of building innovative companies, continues to spotlight ventures that are transforming industries from the ground up, or in this case, from the ground all the way into orbit.
