Company: RS21, Albuquerque, NM
Company Description: RS21 is a data science company that uses artificial intelligence, data engineering, user experience design, and modern software development methods to empower organizations to make data-driven decisions that positively impact the world. With teams in New Mexico, Washington, D.C, and distributed throughout the U.S., RS21 creates data-driven platforms that provoke faster, smarter, better decisions.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Computer Software - Small
 Nomination Title: RS21
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2021, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 198 words used.
RS21’s data science and technology experts help companies achieve broader impact, better performance, and mission-critical goals through artificial intelligence and analytic solutions.
Founded through Sandia National Laboratories Entrepreneurial Separation to Transfer Technology program in 2015 by Charles Rath, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Mountain Desert Region award honoree, RS21 was born from the idea that there’s a smarter way to use data to make decisions. RS21 was an early adopter of the concept of resilience and supporting communities and businesses through 21st century shocks and stresses.
Rath’s work in resilience attracted renowned AI, software, and design experts, and RS21 matured from a one-person consultancy to a data science company with nearly $10M in revenue. Today, RS21 combines a commitment to ethical AI and using data for good to develop platforms that harness the power of data to support human decision-making in healthcare, defense, community safety, energy, disaster preparedness, space, social equity, and more.
RS21 is a three-time Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, with 146% revenue growth from 2018 to 2021, and was named a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators for its Urban Health Vulnerability Index, a free tool to help identify populations at highest risk for COVID-19.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
RS21 has developed over 100 big data solutions for government, healthcare, private, and non-profit clients. The following examples demonstrate how RS21 improves insights for decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence for Satellite Fault Prediction: Satellites support important services, but nearly 60% become space junk. RS21’s AI solution for satellite fault detection and prediction (“SPAICE”) won the AFRL Hyperspace Challenge for its ability to predict a lead time before failure, inform preventive actions, and keep satellites operational. SPAICE received funding through a 2021 AFRL SBIR Phase II and 2022 Space Force SBIR Phase III contract, totaling $1.5M for R&D and operationalization. In 2023, the software will be deployed to the DOD Space Test Program watch floor at the Johnson Space Center.
COVID-19 Response: RS21 funded and developed the open-source Urban Health Vulnerability Index to combine CDC, Census, and COVID-19 data to identify neighborhoods most vulnerable to outbreaks. This work led to additional projects, including the Urban Pandemic Preparedness Dashboard, developed in 2021 to help governments recover from negative health events, and partnering with the Wellness & Equity Alliance in 2022 to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for the most marginalized communities in Laredo, TX. Over 1,000 vaccinations were delivered using data to optimize reach of mobile vaccination sites.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 222 words used.
Blending science and design, RS21 creates software that makes data accessible to support decision-making; employs ethical practices in explainable, human-in-the-loop AI, rather than “black box” models that obscure the technology; and provides value to high-impact industries that align with RS21’s mission and values.
RS21’s COVID response, for example, included pandemic preparedness pilot projects launched in Amsterdam, Bristol, Chicago, and Los Angeles. RS21 also partnered with the Wellness & Equity Alliance to deploy “pop-up” mobile vaccination clinics to reach vulnerable populations along the U.S.-Mexico border, resulting in over 1,000 targeted COVID-19 vaccinations administered. This work was recognized by the 2022 White House COVID-19 Equity Summit. Furthermore, RS21 is productizing its solutions, such as SPAICE, an AI-powered satellite monitoring system for fault prediction funded by the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, to support new capabilities in rapidly advancing domains, like space.
RS21’s mission attracts top talent: even in data science, one of the most competitive labor markets, with demand expected to grow 27.9% by 2026. Employees are empowered to innovate—with the AI satellite solution proposed and pursued by employees—and consistently express over 80% workplace satisfaction in quarterly surveys. RS21’s values also influence corporate giving, resulting in annual campaigns (beginning in 2019) that have contributed $28,000 to non-profits and highlighted organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 191 words used.
RS21’s focus on using data to make a positive impact has enabled the company to benefit its people, communities, and products, as evidenced by the following recognitions and honors from 2021 to present.
Videos Highlighting RS21's Work
- Demo Reel
- AI for Space
- Supporting Health Equity
Media Clippings
- Supporting Health Equity with SDOH Data, PRWeb, 2022
- Space Force funds experiment on use of AI to predict satellite failures, SpaceNews, 2022
- Data Science Company RS21 Looks to Bring AI/ML Tech to Space, Via Satellite, 2022
- NM Startup Builds Tech to Monitor Satellites with AI, Government Technology, 2021
- Ethical AI can change the world – if we act now, Fast Company, 2021
- Using Data to Evaluate COVID-19, World Economic Forum, 2021
- RS21 partners with Canadian company for rollout of data platform, Albuquerque Business Journal, 2021
- ABQ data analytics firm to build new cancer informatics system, Albuquerque Journal, 2021
- UNM Cancer Center to launch Integrated Informatics System, PRweb, 2021
Awards
- Inc. 5000, 2022
- New Mexico Flying 40, 2022
- Family Friendly Business Awards - Gold, 2022
- Stevie Award - Gold, 2022
- Deloitte 500, 2021
- NM Fastest Growing Companies, 2021
More On RS21
- Our Values
- Our Website
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