Rob Verger

Rob Verger is a Senior Editor at Inc. Magazine specializing in the intersection of advanced technology and business innovation. Based in New York City, his reporting spans military tech commercialization, electric vehicle infrastructure, and AI applications with real-world impact.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Aviation & Defense: From F-16 cockpit experiences to analysis of quiet electric propulsion systems
  • Transportation Tech: Focused on grid integration for EVs and smart city infrastructure
  • Materials Science: Chronicling innovations in everything from artificial joints to bulletproof composites

Pitching Insights

  • Preferred Story Angles: Seek startups translating military-grade tech to consumer markets, particularly those reducing environmental footprints. Recent example: Whisper Aero’s dual-use electric fans.
  • Avoid: Consumer gadget launches or speculative tech without commercialization pathways.
“The best innovations aren’t just clever—they’re quiet. Whisper Aero’s tech shows how eliminating noise pollution could unlock markets we’ve not yet imagined.” [Inc., 2025]

Get Media Pitching Contact Details for your press release!

More About Rob Verger

Bio

Career Trajectory: From Storytelling to Tech Authority

Rob Verger’s career embodies the evolution of a journalist who transformed niche technical expertise into authoritative coverage of cutting-edge technologies. Beginning as a freelance writer for outlets like The Boston Globe and Columbia Journalism Review, Verger honed his ability to demystify complex subjects. His 2017 appointment as Technology Editor at Popular Science marked a turning point, where he spearheaded coverage of aviation, military tech, and transportation innovations. Today, as Senior Editor at Inc. Magazine, he bridges the gap between technological possibility and entrepreneurial execution.

Key Career Milestones

  • Embedded Reporting: Verger’s firsthand accounts from military aircraft (F-16, B-52 bombers) and Coast Guard helicopters established his reputation for immersive tech journalism.
  • Pivot to Business Tech: Transitioning to Inc. in the early 2020s allowed Verger to analyze how startups commercialize breakthroughs in AI, EVs, and aerospace.
  • Multimedia Expansion: Regular appearances on Fox Business, the Today Show, and academic panels demonstrate his ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.

Defining Works: Three Articles That Shape His Beat

Whisper Aero’s Air-Moving System (Inc., 2025)

This deep dive into Whisper Aero’s ultra-quiet electric fan technology exemplifies Verger’s knack for identifying cross-industry applications. The piece meticulously traces how a propulsion system designed for aircraft could revolutionize HVAC systems and consumer electronics. Verger balances startup founder interviews with analysis of noise pollution reduction metrics, positioning Whisper’s innovation within broader sustainability trends. His conclusion—that “quietness creates market opportunities”—reflects his focus on practical business implications of technical breakthroughs.

F-16 Flight Experience (Popular Science, 2021)

Verger’s visceral account of a failed F-16 training mission combines technical analysis with narrative flair. By detailing the physiological effects of 9G forces alongside cockpit instrument readings, he makes aeronautical engineering accessible. The article’s lasting impact lies in its humanization of military technology—readers understand jet performance through the lens of pilot endurance and mechanical limitations.

Early Hip Replacement Case Study (Popular Science, 2022)

This personal narrative showcases Verger’s ability to connect medical tech to societal trends. By interweaving his own surgery experience with data on younger patients opting for joint replacements, he highlights material science advancements in artificial joints. The piece established Verger as a journalist who can make materials engineering relatable to general audiences.

Beat Analysis & Pitching Recommendations

1. Pitch Startups Commercializing Military-Adjacent Tech

Verger frequently explores how defense technologies migrate to civilian markets. A 2023 Inc. piece on Kevlar manufacturing innovations exemplifies this interest. Successful pitches should emphasize dual-use applications—e.g., a new composite material developed for tanks that could improve EV battery casings. Include verifiable performance metrics and founder backgrounds with defense sector experience.

2. Focus on EV Infrastructure Over Vehicle Specs

While Verger covers electric vehicles, his articles prioritize charging networks and grid integration over individual car models. His 2024 analysis of wireless charging road systems demonstrates this preference. Pitches should highlight technologies enabling widespread EV adoption, particularly those addressing energy storage or urban planning challenges.

3. Propose AI Applications With Physical World Impact

Verger’s AI coverage centers on tangible implementations rather than theoretical models. A 2025 Inc. article on AI-optimized wind farms illustrates this trend. Ideal pitches might involve machine learning applications in aviation safety systems or AI-driven maintenance for aging infrastructure.

Awards & Industry Recognition

  • Robert Wood Johnson Fellowship: Awarded during his Columbia Journalism School tenure, this honor underscores Verger’s commitment to reporting that bridges technical and societal issues. The selection committee noted his early work on public health implications of transportation systems.
  • Amelia Earhart Summit Moderator: His 2021 role guiding aerospace career discussions at Purdue University reflects industry respect for his ability to contextualize complex tech fields for emerging professionals.

Pitching Checklist

  • Lead with data visualization opportunities: Verger often uses infographics to explain technical concepts (e.g., F-16 G-force diagrams).
  • Highlight veteran founders: His Whisper Aero profile emphasized co-founders’ NASA and Uber Elevate backgrounds.
  • Connect to Northeast tech hubs: While covering global trends, Verger frequently spotlights NYC-area startups.
  • Avoid consumer gadget pitches: Focus on enterprise or infrastructure technologies.
  • Emphasize sustainability angles: Even military tech pitches should address environmental impact reduction.

Top Articles

Discover other Tech journalists

At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Tech, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:

No items found.