GuRu Wireless Appoints Defense Veteran to Advisory Board, Deepens Pasadena Tech Ties

GuRu Wireless Inc., a developer of advanced wireless power systems headquartered in Pasadena, announced on July 31 that Douglas C. Blake has joined its Advisory Board, strengthening the company’s strategic push into national defense applications. The appointment was disclosed via a company press release.

Blake is currently senior vice president at Reliance Test and Technology, where he leads operations supporting the U.S. Air Force’s Eglin Test and Training Range. He oversees a team of roughly 900 personnel delivering engineering and technical services. With more than 40 years of experience across military, civilian and executive roles, Blake’s background spans aerospace engineering, systems integration, military intelligence, and defense acquisition. He has also managed organizations of more than 2,000 staff and overseen budgets exceeding $3 billion annually.

“We’re honored to welcome Doug to our Advisory Board,” said Narbeh Derhacobian, CEO of GuRu Wireless, in a company statement. “His leadership at the Office of Naval Research and extensive background in defense innovation make him a tremendous asset as we expand the reach of our wireless power technology into operational environments where resilience, autonomy, and continuous performance are essential.”

“Persistent ISR is a mission-critical capability that’s often limited by energy constraints,” Blake said. “GuRu’s wireless power technology directly addresses this challenge by enabling untethered, continuous drone operations, unlocking new levels of endurance and responsiveness. I’m excited to support the company as it brings this transformational capability into the hands of the warfighter.”

Blake joins an Advisory Board composed of senior defense and technology experts including retired Air Force Major General Thomas E. Kunkel; Matt Grob, chief technology officer of satellite provider Globalstar and former chief technology officer of Qualcomm; and retired Army Colonel Vance L. Cryer, director of enterprise strategy at Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control.

Founded in 2017 by a team of scientists and engineers from Caltech, GuRu Wireless has developed a proprietary 24GHz phased array platform for precise, long-range energy delivery to mobile and static systems. The company collaborates with government and commercial partners to scale its wireless power technology for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems and other mission-critical uses.

Blake holds degrees in aerospace and aeronautical engineering, as well as engineering management. His awards include the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award and multiple commendations from the Department of Defense. More information: www.guru.inc.