Meet Eget Liber - Q/A with GENIUS NY 2020 Finalist

A Q/A with Jason Dean Co-founder/CEO of Eget Liber
 
Company HQ: Syracuse, New York
Team Size: 8
Focus: A multi-vehicle response to mitigating toxic algae
Website: https://eget-liber.com/

Tell me a little about Eget Liber?
We pride ourselves as an eco-friendly company which focuses on providing new technologies for tackling environmental issues. Our belief is that the introduction of new technologies can be achieved responsibly, without adversely affecting our fragile environment. Our focus is the advancement of environmentally-based solutions powered by diverse unmanned systems.

Can you expand on what problem you're solving?
Our solution addresses the growing threat of harmful algal blooms (HABs), or commonly referred to as blue-green algae. We do so by employing a multi-vehicle response, first from the air utilizing a drone to locate the algal blooms on a waters surface, and next we share their location in real-time with a semi-submersible remotely operated vehicle (ROV), designed to mitigate the harmful algal blooms (HABs). By tying both air and surface assets together, we provide an efficient means for both identifying and mitigating the harmful effects of these toxic algal blooms.

Who are your customers?
Our customers consist of freshwater lake associations, which are often comprised of lakefront property owners, and who represent those individuals who are most impacted by the harmful effects of harmful algal blooms (HABs).

How would you describe your team in a few words?
Topic experts with a passion for change!

What phase is your company at right now?
Eget Liber is currently in the development stage and are readying to test its beta model later this summer.

What excites you about GENIUS NY?
As the local team, we are honored to be selected to represent Syracuse in this prestigious competition. As a co-founder and lifelong resident of Syracuse, I am excited to be bringing this impressive team and new technology to the region, and to have the opportunity to affect real change on harmful algal blooms.

Have things changed or pivoted with COVID-19?
Yes. Much like the other GENIUS teams, we too had to come to terms with the new reality brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I suspect much like our GENIUS cohorts, we adapted to this new norm by changing the way we did business day to day. Our development work continued despite the pandemic, although admittedly a bit slower, but nonetheless we persevered and continued to develop our new technology. It has made our team appreciate some of the simpler activities we once were able to do, but are now unable, while reminding ourselves to appreciate the things that we do have, such as our family and friends.

How are you keeping your team motivated during COVID-19?
It helps us to speak about what the summer months may bring, especially in terms of testing, and how what once was likely going to be taken for granted, will certainly have a much more profound meaning for us now. Our focus is often on what will be, not so much on what we have lost. As I mentioned earlier, at the end of the day we are much more than just engineers, we are fathers, sons, and daughters who all look to our loved ones for support during these difficult times.

How can Central New York benefit from Eget Liber?
Central New York and Eget Liber each stand to benefit from the synergy that exists between them. From the economic gains spawn from the newly created jobs here in the region, to the benefits of mitigating toxic algal blooms, this newly formed partnership will serve to preserve the financial and health benefits for all Central New Yorkers. We look forward to growing our company here in Central New York, and to bring prosperity to the region, both in terms of jobs and the preservation of its valuable water resources.

How would you use the $1M grand prize if you won it?
Winning the grand prize would represent many things to us, both in terms of growing our team and the resources to advance our technology. Hiring local talent is important to us, as we work closely with local Universities to tap into their rich talent pools. The expansion of our team allows us to grow to meet the demands of our advancing technology, and to help ensure success moving forward. 

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GENIUS NY Million Dollar Finals is Sept. 17. The event will include all five finalists pitching for the grand prize of $1M. More information coming soon!