Zak Kassas

Zak Kassas (BE Electrical Engineering ’01), aka “Mr. GPS,” joins us to share how he changed the way the world views navigation, and why he’s now building what comes next. In this episode, he introduces alternative navigation systems powered by signals from Starlink and other opportunistic sources, turning almost any signal into a positioning system and democratizing navigation worldwide. He tackles big questions about privacy and global security, asking whether this technology makes the world safer or more dangerous, and predicts that within 5 to 10 years we will see deeper integration between humans and robotics. He also reflects on his moving reunion with former LAU professor Dr. Samer Saab, the mentor who shaped his path, and shares why he proudly mentors LAU interns and PhD students, confident in their ability to compete globally. From GPS to “Alternative GPS,” this is a conversation about innovation, impact, and the future of navigation. This episode was published on February 17, 2026.