Alumni Named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 Class

Two Northern Michigan University alumni who co-founded Kall Morris Inc. (KMI), a Marquette-based company focused on keeping space clear of orbital debris, were selected from more than 10,000 nominees to join the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the category of Transportation & Mobility. An innovative technology prototype developed by KMI arrived at the International Space Station for testing in early November, and the company is a two-time winner of a Michigan Best Small Business Award.

The two named to the Forbes list were: Adam Kall, KMI director of science and 2018 NMU math and computer science graduate with a master's in data science; and Austin Morris, director of engineering and 2018 mechanical engineering technology alumnus. They co-founded the company along with Troy Morris, director of operations and a 2016 psychology/behavior analysis graduate.

Established in 2019, KMI has emerged as a pioneer in space logistics and sustainable orbital operations, securing more than $5 million in funding and partnering with leading space organizations worldwide.

With its prototype being tested on the International Space Station, KMI advances its goal of developing a full-scale debris removal spacecraft known as Laelaps. It also reinforces the company's commitment to "keeping space clear for all," enhancing safety for future space exploration, and advancing in-space servicing and manufacturing.

The company's story actually traces back five years earlier than its founding, to when the co-founders were students at NMU. While they established a strong interconnected relationship in those years of study and forays into business experience, it wouldn't be until after their respective graduations that the trio would later reunite. Read a past NMU alumni magazine feature on them here.