Sebastian Fischmeister

No cap, here’s what’s up with Sebastian Fischmeister, this guy’s the real deal in the tech world. So, he’s the CEO and co-founder of Palitronica, a company that’s basically crushing it in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Think power plants, water systems, anything that keeps the lights on and the world running, they’re using some advanced tech, like side-channel info and power monitoring, to spot cyber attacks before shit hits the fan. And no cap, they got awards, the SVB/In-q-tel for ‘Most Original Security Company of 2022.’ That’s serious recognition.

But here’s the kicker, Sebastian’s not just some startup guy. He’s also a legit professor at the University of Waterloo, where he teaches electrical and computer engineering. The dude’s been in the game for over 20 years doing R&D on embedded systems, safety-critical tech, cybersecurity, you name it. His research is all about making sure complex systems are safe and secure in real-time, stuff like embedded networking, infrastructure integrity, operational security. Basically, he’s trying to prevent disasters before they happen, which is kinda badass.

His background? Super international, got his PhD from the University of Salzburg in Austria, did his Master’s at Vienna University of Technology, and had stints in Germany, Austria, the US… the guy’s seen the world and brought that global edge to his work. Before all this, he was deep in academia, probably thinking about how to make tech safer, better, smarter. That drive to improve and protect is what’s clearly pushed him into founding Palitronica back in 2019.

Joining Y Combinator in Winter 2022? That’s the cherry on top. It shows he’s got that hustle, that ambition to scale, and the confidence that his tech is the real deal. So, what does all this say about him? I’d say Sebastian’s a true innovator, someone who’s not just dreaming about fixing problems but actually building the tools to do it. His process’s all about blending hardcore research with real-world impact. That’s what motivated him from the start: making sure our infrastructure isn’t just fancy tech but actually safe from attacks, from disasters, from bullshit that could take down society.

Bottom line, Sebastian Fischmeister is one of those guys who’s not just in it for the fame or cash. He’s genuinely out here trying to keep the world safe, using his smarts, his global experience, and his passion for security and tech. That’s why he’s important, because he’s not just talking, he’s building the future.