In the fast-paced world of tech startups, few stories are as compelling as Bridgit Mendler’s unexpected journey from Disney Channel star to space technology entrepreneur.

Mendler, once known for her roles in popular TV shows and music, has traded Hollywood glamour for the challenging realm of satellite communications. After earning degrees from MIT and Harvard, she co-founded Northwood Space, a startup aiming to solve critical data transmission challenges in the space industry.

With her husband Griffin Cleverly, an aerospace engineer, Mendler identified a significant bottleneck in how satellites transmit data back to Earth. Traditional ground stations are slow and inefficient, often causing critical data delays that can impact real-time decision-making.

Northwood Space’s innovative approach involves developing modular phased-array antennas capable of simultaneously communicating with multiple satellites. Their prototype, affectionately named “Frankie,” successfully demonstrated the potential of this technology during challenging field tests in rural North Dakota.

What sets Mendler apart is her unique blend of creative problem-solving and technical understanding. She didn’t just pivot careers; she applied her entertainment industry adaptability to the complex world of space technology. By focusing on the operational challenges rather than just engineering complexities, she’s bringing a fresh perspective to an industry often dominated by traditional technical approaches.

The startup has already secured significant funding, including investment from Founders Fund, and aims to build a network capable of linking 500 spacecraft simultaneously within three years. This ambitious goal could dramatically improve how quickly and efficiently we receive critical data from space.

Mendler’s transformation from child star to space tech CEO represents more than a career change, it’s a testament to continuous learning, adaptability, and the belief that one can fundamentally contribute to technological progress. Her journey proves that passion and determination can lead to unexpected and impactful innovations.