Flight of the Voyager

Silicon Valley startup enterprises collectively comprise a fundamental innovation source. However, there often are many surprising twists and turns along their usually-harrowing journeys. Within that context, this presentation examines a specific startup enterprise, namely the aircraft industry's Voyager Aircraft Inc. and Rutan Aircraft Factory Inc. partnership. Triumphantly circling the world in 9 days, 4 minutes, and 33 seconds without refueling, the Voyager initiative was indisputably successful in achieving its engineering design goals, though its existence and deliverables perpetually contended with mortal peril and constant surprise.

Voyager Aircraft Inc.'s lessons extend to any general entrepreneurial arena where innovation counts and success has many definitions. Buckle up for a Silicon Valley perspective on this historic airplane flight that changed the world. Gear up!

Speaker: W. David Schwaderer is a Silicon Valley and 30-year computer industry veteran. He has authored ten technical books and six commercial software programs. His eleventh book titled Degree in Applied Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He regularly lectures at Stanford, Google, Intel, Symantec, and other Silicon Valley companies on the subject of innovation.