Val Korman, founder of Las Vegas-based Brakesens, is on a mission to make roads safer—and smarter. Brakesens is pioneering a new generation of embedded brake sensors that continuously monitor wear, erosion, and temperature in real time. The innovation enhances safety not only for traditional vehicles, but especially for autonomous fleets and commercial trucks, where traditional indicators like squeal pins are no longer enough.
“We’re moving into a world where trucks might not have drivers, so we need a better way to understand when brakes are going to fail,” says Korman. “Current technology is outdated. It tells you that you have 20% left, but it doesn’t help you plan maintenance across a national fleet.”
The original concept stemmed from aerospace research—a NASA-style challenge to measure erosion in solid rocket motors. The breakthrough found critical applications in industrial and transportation settings.
Brakesens is building momentum, with early traction from international testing partners in Europe and Brazil. “Our partnership with Frawley gives us access to their commercial brake test platform, which saves us time and cost. It’s a real game changer.”
Korman’s work highlights the importance of public-private collaboration and government funding for innovation research. “We’ve worked with Siemens through DOD grants, and NASA through SBIR funding. These public-private partnerships are crucial to getting advanced technologies out of the lab and into the real world.”
But the policy landscape presents challenges. Data localization requirements, digital service taxes, and tariff uncertainty all complicate scaling. “Instead of national mandates, we need international standards for how data is handled—just like USB ports work worldwide, we need something similar for data,” he says.
On digital taxes: “I understand the motivation, but data should be treated like the postal system—shared fairly, not taxed punitively.”
On source code disclosure: “Startups shouldn’t be forced to hand over proprietary algorithms to governments. If they want it, they should license it like anyone else. Trust and transparency are important, but security and ownership matter too.”
Brakesens uses both in-house and cloud-based AI tools to speed up market analysis and internal data mining, though Korman remains skeptical of the hype. “AI is a time-saver, but it’s not magic. Still, it’s useful, and it’s why we need policies that define ownership and ensure accountability for AI-generated content.”
Strong intellectual property protections are essential to Brakesens’ future. “We’ve faced absurd hurdles trying to get IP recognized abroad. Some systems are antiquated; others are outright corrupt. We need international treaties and enforcement mechanisms to give innovators confidence their work will be protected.”
Tariffs and trade uncertainty are also beginning to slow Brakesens’ progress. “We’re raising capital now, and every unknown—whether tariffs on parts or taxes on digital tools—makes investors nervous. When the rules change overnight, it’s hard to build a reliable business plan.”
Despite the headwinds, Korman remains hopeful. “We’re bootstrappers at heart, but with new investment on the horizon, we’re ready to push aggressively. This year is about scaling and proving our tech at a commercial level.”
From global policy to embedded sensors, Val Korman is charting a future where safety, innovation, and international cooperation go hand in hand. Brakesens isn’t just measuring brake wear—it’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for startups navigating the complexities of global trade and digital policy.