Akim Niyonzima

What does it really take to scale an idea into a venture-backed company, especially in one of the most complex industries in the world? Nimbus Aerospace CEO Adrian Groos and CTO Akim Niyonzima share how a single LinkedIn connection evolved into a funded aerospace company at the intersection of AI, sustainable aviation, and advanced engineering. As one of the few Black-owned aerospace companies globally, the Nimbus Aerospace journey offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at building credibility, capital, and cutting-edge technology in a highly regulated, capital-intensive industry. This session breaks down the path from idea to prototype, securing over $1M in funding, and developing hybrid-electric aircraft models - while showing how innovation, representation, and community impact can scale together.