Robert S. Katz
Robert S. Katz is the CEO and Executive Director of the World Innovation Network (WIN), a nonprofit technology innovation acceleration think tank, and a Space SOLUTIONneer™ and ASTROpreneur™ with nearly 40 years of experience in space strategy, cybersecurity, and national security innovation.
He is located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and has dedicated his career to advancing space exploration, protecting critical infrastructure, and fostering technological innovation across the intersecting domains of outer-space, cyber-space, and neuro-space.
Robert is known for pioneering many of the early connectivity capabilities now considered commonplace, including the world’s first systems for Internet of Things (IoT), GPS tracking, wireless messaging, Internet email, connected cars, and drone-based sensor deployment. As a decorated firefighter-paramedic and Certified Emergency Manager, he uniquely combines high-level strategic space and cybersecurity expertise with hands-on emergency response experience, serving his community for over 41 years while simultaneously shaping America’s most critical space and defense initiatives. Read Robert S. Katz Profile.
Robert founded the World Innovation Network in 1989 as a premier innovation think tank and recently secured both nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in the United States and NGO status internationally. Under his leadership, WIN focuses on heightening innovation to strengthen national security through initiatives spanning space technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
He established the National Spaceport Simulation Center (SPACE-SIM) near NASA Kennedy Space Center in January 2025, creating a community focal point where industry, academia, researchers, and government collaborate to solve challenges relating to spaceport operations. This initiative aims to transform spaceport functions to resemble airport operations while simultaneously inspiring the next generation of space explorers. Read National Spaceport Simulation Center launches.
Through WIN, Robert developed SPACE-BASE (Space ASTROpreneurial Accelerator), a comprehensive ecosystem that interconnects industry, academia, government, and researchers with cohorts, capital, and catalysts. This initiative supports NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and commercial space enterprises through cooperative innovation, ensuring economic security, health security, climate security, and ultimately homeland security for the United States and its allies.
Robert hosted hundreds of college students at NASA Kennedy Space Center in February 2024 to witness the historic U.S. return to the Moon launch, partnering with the National Space Society (NSS), 4Space, and Media.com. He has organized and led the Space Tank Pitch Competition, providing early-stage space startups with a platform to showcase their ideas before industry experts and investors. This “Shark Tank” style competition for space technology startups at events like the 2024 Space Tech Expo and New Worlds Space Cowboy Ball has helped numerous space entrepreneurs gain connections, leads, and access to competitive accelerators. Listen to S7 Ep. 314 Robert Katz – Exploring the Frontiers of Innovation and Space.
Robert’s space career began professionally during his first year of college, working with NASA, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Johns Hopkins University. He pioneered pivotal programs including the world’s first email messaging systems, personnel location tracking, geospatial search-and-rescue capabilities, climate change mapping, Hubble Space Telescope imaging systems, and automobile auto-navigation technologies. As a young scientist, he conceived, designed, and deployed many of America’s most game-changing space connectivity capabilities.
Between 1987 and 1989, Robert served as a Missile Defense Architecture Scientist at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he conducted research on missile defense systems. His leadership in President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) Star Wars Missile Defense Program helped force the Soviet Union to dismantle the Iron Curtain and end the Cold War without firing a shot. His early work on SDI unknowingly laid the groundwork for modern cybersecurity concepts, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and the Patriot Missile system. As the lead MIT Pentagon detailee, he designed security infrastructure for the United States Air Force to thwart network attacks.
Between 1986 and 1988, Robert was a Research Assistant in the Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Automation Laboratory at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he conducted post-graduate research toward a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering. During this time, he pioneered AI and neural networks for autonomous vehicle navigation, applying his research to the Mars Rover project.
In 1986, he served as a Hubble Space Telescope Intern at NIST, where he calibrated instruments for the space telescope. He also served as a Submarine Surveillance Intern at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in 1986, working on submarine sonar detection systems.
From 1991 to 1997, Robert served as Global Mobile Data Operations and Strategy Director at Comsat, where he led the integration of mobile satellite data communications for government, military, and commercial clients. His work at Comsat involved deploying global mobile data systems for the FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Border Patrol, and all branches of the U.S. military. He worked with international telecommunications carriers including AT&T, British Telecom, France Telecom, Cable & Wireless, and Hong Kong Telecom to establish worldwide connectivity networks.
Between 2002 and 2007, Robert served as International Homeland Defense Director at Lockheed Martin, leading security and intelligence programs valued at over $10 billion. He directed teams creating winning proposals for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Coast Guard, Intelligence Community, and U.S. Northern Command.
Major programs under his direction included GeoScout GIS, Pathfinder GIS, Secure Border Initiative (SBInet), Maritime Domain Awareness, and the Strategic Airport Security Rollout. He also supported the Government of Qatar Ministry of Defense and the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
From 2010 to 2020, Robert served as a Disaster and Terrorism Strategic Consultant for FEMA, DHS, the Department of Defense, Department of State, and the Intelligence Community. Major projects included research, development, revision, and outreach for the Presidential Preparedness Directive-8 (PPD-8), the National Response Framework (NRF), the National Response Goal, the National Response System, the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and the Incident Command System (ICS). He served as Program Manager for Technical Editing of the NIMS Training Manual, Typing Guides, and Job Aids.
Between 2001 and 2014, Robert served as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University, where he taught courses in emergency management, homeland security, and disaster response. He also taught at Montgomery College, University of Maryland, Maryland Fire Rescue Institute, the Adventist HealthCare Education Institute, DHS training facilities, and for the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).
In 2010, he served as Adjunct Faculty in Homeland Security at the Naval Postgraduate School. He taught courses at various venues, including Fort George G. Meade, Anniston Army Depot, the National Security Agency, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Lakehurst Naval Air Station, and multiple fire rescue academies throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
From 1979 to 2020, Robert served for 41 years as a Firefighter-Paramedic Instructor-Trainer and Rescue-Diver Team Leader with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. He was a member of the Montgomery County Swiftwater Rescue Team, Montgomery County Paramedic Field Preceptor, and Montgomery County Dive Team, where he previously served as Team Leader.
He served as Chairman of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association EMS Committee and as Lead Instructor for the MCVFRA Volunteer Basic Orientation Crew. As a representative on the Maryland State Firemen’s Association EMS Committee, Robert contributed to the development of statewide emergency medical services policy and training standards.
He served as Assistant Task Force Leader on the National Medical Response Team (NMRT), supporting the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police in protective details during major national events. His affiliations included Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services, the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, and the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association.
Following the catastrophic 2010 Haiti earthquake, Robert organized the first U.S. rescue mission to Haiti, building upon his similar experiences during Hurricane Katrina. This sparked a collaborative rescue relationship with Israeli counterparts, leading to cross-training programs in both the United States and Israel. When the 2014 Gaza Missile Attacks occurred, Robert organized and deployed a twelve-member U.S. firefighting team to Israel, where they integrated with Israeli firefighters in cities near the Gaza border for three weeks, providing ground protection while the Iron Dome system he helped create decades earlier protected from aerial threats.
As a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) HAZMAT Operator and Paramedic, Robert holds certifications including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS), Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS), International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS). He is certified in National Disaster Life Support (NDLS), Emergency Response to Terrorism, and Chemical, Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive Countermeasures.
Robert is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers and a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) through ASIS International. He holds multiple certifications as a Fire Officer and EMS Officer and is qualified in NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 levels. His specialized rescue certifications include swift water rescue, dive rescue operations, CERT/Teen CERT instruction, and practical rescue techniques. Dive deployments included aiding the FBI’s anthrax investigation by searching frozen lake bottoms for the Evidence Response Team and Hostage Rescue Team.
Robert is deeply engaged in global space diplomacy and sustainability initiatives. He co-chairs events for the Space 18th SDG Coalition, advocating for the addition of an 18th Sustainable Development Goal focused on Civilian Space Development to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He has organized events at the United Nations Plaza in New York City and hosted discussions with space leaders, including Frank White, Bob Zubrin, Paul Werbos, Rick Tumlinson, Gary Barnhard, and commercial astronaut Sian Proctor. His work with the UN emphasizes how space technology underpins all 16 DHS Critical Infrastructure Sectors, all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, all 14 DoD Critical Technology Areas, and all 14 White House Critical and Emerging Technologies.
Robert has served over 234 global organizations throughout his career, including NASA, the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
His consulting clients included Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, General Dynamics, and SAIC. He has captured commercial, intelligence, and military cyber C5ISR programs totaling over $10 billion, including the USCYBERCOM $500 million program and the DHS Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program, valued at $6 billion.
As a thought leader and keynote speaker, Robert has presented at conferences across five continents on innovation, cybersecurity, smart cities, autonomous systems, space technology, and disaster management.
Robert is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS). He volunteers as a parent supporting girls’ education and empowerment through his work with the United Nations Foundation as Parent of Girl Up Teen Advisor and with Girls Incorporated, focusing on human rights initiatives.
Robert earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986 from Frostburg State University, with a triple major in Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science, as well as double minors in Chemistry and Spanish. During his undergraduate years, he was inducted into the Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society and Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society.
Between 1988 and 1990, he conducted Post-Graduate Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks for Autonomous Vehicle Navigation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). From 1986 to 1988, he pursued Post-Graduate Research toward a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Between 2008 and 2009, he completed Research and Professional Education in the Cyber Project at Harvard University.
Robert’s forthcoming book series includes SPARK: Igniting Innovation In Your Organization, HYPER-CONNECT: Internet of Things -> The Next Big Thing, SHIELD: Creating Cyber-Secure Cities, and SOLVE: SOLUTIONeering with Sophisticated Rigor.
Robert has two children and divides his time between Cape Canaveral, Florida, and the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. His WIN Living Lab™ facilities extend to New York City’s World Trade Center, Tampa Bay, Kennedy Space Center, Dubai, and Israel, creating a global ecosystem for innovation and collaboration.
Visit his LinkedIn profile, Google Scholar page, Muck Rack, and World Innovation Network Homepage. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X.