Professional Role and Background
Alan Besquin is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Somewear Labs, a San Francisco-based company specializing in advanced software-defined networking solutions designed to unify communications for frontline and mission-critical teams. He holds a dual degree in Manufacturing and Design Engineering from Northwestern University, where he met his co-founder James Kubik. His academic and professional background focuses heavily on product development, design thinking, and hardware entrepreneurship.
Responsibilities and Expertise
As CTO, Alan Besquin leads the technological vision and development at Somewear Labs. He has been instrumental in the development of Somewear’s proprietary networking protocol, SmartRouting, which optimizes data packet delivery across constrained multi-network environments. His expertise extends to creating resilient, secure communication platforms that link field operators with command centers in sectors requiring continuous situational awareness (SA).
Company Overview and Product Portfolio
Somewear Labs, founded in 2016 by Alan Besquin and James Kubik, delivers software-defined, multi-network communications solutions that integrate mesh radio and satellite capabilities to support critical operations in diverse, often remote environments. The company focuses on industries including:
- Wildland Fire Management
- Law Enforcement
- Defense
- Outdoor and Expeditionary sectors
Key products under Besquin's technological leadership include:
- Grid: An operator-worn or vehicle-mounted solution providing comprehensive situational awareness and real-time operational control via web, iOS, Android, and ATAK interfaces.
- Node: A hybrid mesh and satellite network device combining encrypted, resilient communications with SmartBackhaul™ technology for continuous connectivity.
- Global Hotspot: A compact, encrypted satellite communications device designed for isolated personnel and asset tracking, enabling messaging and calling via Bluetooth to smartphones globally.
Somewear’s platform extends interoperability, proven by integration with government-adopted systems such as the Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK), and supports secure, managed access environments known as Workspaces for encrypted data sharing across varied operational teams.
Industry Recognition and Influence
Alan Besquin and Somewear Labs have received attention from military communications and satellite technology forums, including interviews and analysis in notable industry publications. The company is highlighted for its innovative contributions to wearables technology in satellite communication, emphasizing low-bandwidth, resilient networking solutions tailored for the most demanding operational contexts.
Somewear’s clientele includes elite emergency responders such as helicopter paramedics, firefighters, US Special Forces operators, customs, and border patrol agents, reflecting the high trust placed in their technologies to enable life-saving communications.
Recent Activities and Public Presence
- Alan Besquin maintains an active LinkedIn presence with over 2,000 followers and regularly shares insights related to Somewear’s interoperability advancements and operational deployments as recently as August 2024.
- Through social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter), Besquin engages with the tech and defense community, providing timely commentary on current events intersecting with his domain expertise.
- Somewear Labs completed a successful Kickstarter campaign for the latest iteration of the Global Hotspot, demonstrating market validation and user demand for compact, portable satellite communications.
- MacroFab, a contract manufacturer involved with Somewear Labs’ product launch, has publicly noted Besquin’s leadership in rapid business decision-making based on detailed manufacturing cost evaluation.
Patents and Innovations
Alan Besquin is listed as an inventor on patents assigned to Somewear Labs, indicating active development in intellectual property related to satellite communications and possibly related technologies. This emphasizes a continuous focus on innovation under his leadership.
In sum, Alan Besquin embodies a strategic technical leadership role that bridges hardware design engineering with cutting-edge software-defined networking tailored for mission-critical, field-based communications. His academic foundation, entrepreneurial track record, and stewardship of Somewear’s product ecosystem make him a critical driver of innovation in satellite and mesh network-enabled communication solutions for high-stakes operational environments.
