Congratulations to RITIN member and RI textile manufacturing leader Jim Owens, recognized as a "Modern Maker" by Manufacturing USA! Jim's commitment to our industry and to engaging the next generation of textile innovators is unparalleled. Nautilus Defense Polaris MEP #textiles #textilemanufacturing #manufacturingexcellence
Congratulations Jim Owens on being named a Modern Maker by Manufacturing USA! Read the Q&A: https://lnkd.in/eWUeaJFt Technologist, Entrepreneur, STEAM advocate Jim Owens is all about combining the comfort and flexibility of fabric with the functionality of electronics. Imagine a jacket that can heat itself or a shirt that can monitor your heart rate - these are all examples of textile based electronic systems Jim is dedicated to making a reality. Jim is the founder and CEO of Nautilus Defense, a global leader in advanced textile-integrated electronic systems. Nautilus is a longtime member of AFFOA, the advanced fibers and textiles institute, which champions textile-based electronic systems. He has played a key role in building textile-based systems for monitoring systems and their local environments. For example, Nautilus Defense can put a device into a warfighter’s clothing or equipment that allows real-time tracking, helping ensure their safety. These systems can detect potential threats or even environmental changes. Jim is an educator, STEAM advocate, mentor, and supporter of technology entrepreneurs who want to make an impact. His other company, SewIY, creates fun and educational projects using special threads that can conduct electricity. These projects help students, makers, teachers, and scientists learn about how technology can be woven into everyday objects. They use a special kind of thread that can be soldered and sewn, making it easy to create interactive games and other cool things. Jim’s innovative work on things as large as global satellite tracking and as tiny as electronics in a thread reveals why he is a Modern Maker.