What happens when Professor Erik Proper of the Technical University of Vienna teams up with the ever-inquisitive ‘Dr. Bob’ Robert Engels – modestly supported by co-hosts Weiwei Feng and Ron Tolido - to discuss AI, models, semantics, ontologies, and context? A true PhD Fest? Or a practical exploration of the synergies between the academic and business words? Well, how about a bit of both.

Our latest episode ‘Models on the Dancefloor’ dives deep into core topics around models and their renewed urgency and importance in a world that rapidly seems to hand over control to breakthrough, yet often poorly understood AI technologies. Models provide context and a common language between AI and humans, maybe not in a perfect or unambiguous way, but certainly paving the way for more reliable and trustworthy outcomes. It’s about collaborating engineering, enabled by a variety of ‘thinklets’ that urge to think about what type of intelligence is need at what step of decision-making. 

Other key issues are addressed as well, as you would expect from this podcast, such as could ChatGPT have come up with Einstein’s relativity theory, will LLMs invent time travel and how did Robert make money while pogoing on punk rock, back in the days? Talking about a dancefloor filler: you don’t want to miss this one.

Hit play. You’ll never look at AI models – or dancefloors – the same way again.

Timestamps:

06:29 – Erik delves into the major conversations shaping academia today

11:05 – How AI is transforming the craft of architecture, modeling—and nearly everything else

15:25 – Why semantics matter: modeling, meaning, and the roots of bias

21:07 – Unpacking the dynamic between academia and industry

28:25 – The crucial role of high-complexity work in an AI-driven landscape

34:57 – Myth busted! Weiwei challenges a widely held belief in the data world

Connect with our guest Henderik Proper and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.

Much like a hammer sees every problem as a nail, data experts tend to see opportunity in every single data field. Collaboration on data is still one of the best ways to bring data to life and build business value on top of it.

Sharing data across organizations is one of the most powerful ways to spark innovation. But when data needs to stay private, sovereign, and secure—from competitors, unauthorized users, or cyber threats—the challenge multiplies.

Enter Roseman Labs: a deep-tech startup turning heads with its encrypted data collaboration platform. Built for speed, usability, and zero trust, and endorsed by the Dutch National Cyber Security Centre, they bring quite some credentials to the data & AI table, backed up by no less than 8 cryptography PhDs in their team, all focused on making secure data collaboration not just possible, but practical.

In this episode of Data-powered Innovation Jam, hosts Weiwei, Robert, and Ron are joined by Ian Wachter, Senior Commercial Advisor at Roseman Labs and an advisory board member of several other startups, to unpack how secure collaboration is reshaping the data landscape. From platform design to real-world use cases, they explore what’s next for organizations that need to collaborate—without compromise.

And because no innovation jam is complete without a big-picture take, the exec perspective is on the table too.

All of this, and more, in our brand-new podcast episode named “You Can’t Touch This (Data)”. Tune in, if only to find out why MC Hammer is an Internet mogul and an early adapter of social media. 

Stop, Hammer Time: you don’t want to miss this one!

Timestamps:

05:23 – Ian shares the origin story of Roseman Labs and how it’s redefining secure data collaboration

13:35 – The hurdles deep learning still faces—especially when data privacy enters the picture

16:43 – Gaia-X data spaces vs. Roseman Labs: where they align, and where they diverge

20:23 – Why data collaboration isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset shift

30:31 – Myth busted! Weiwei takes down a common misconception in the data world
 

Connect with our guest Ian Wachters and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.

Ever thought AI practitioners could win a Noble prize? Well, they already have. Not for predicting your next favourite movie or generating poetry, but for groundbreaking advancements in Life Sciences. And it won’t be the last time.

In this episode, hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng find themselves venturing into unexpected territory with Dael Williamson, EMEA CTO at Databricks—and let’s just say, this isn’t your typical podcast episode about data platforms.

After a quick dive into Databricks’ open-source roots and some game-changing use cases, Dael takes us into his world. And rightfully so, given his master’s degree in biotechnology, molecular modelling, structural biochemistry/bioinformatics and predictive drug design, he unpacks how AI is already compressing R&D timelines in Life Sciences at an unprecedented pace. The secret? Applying multiple AI components, each with a specific purpose, rather than relying on one generic biological ‘foundry’ model.

And that’s just the beginning. When the ‘telemetry’ data between inputs and outputs of R&D clinical trials can be captured and turned into increasingly smart models, big steps can be made forward – including towards the ‘unknown unknowns’ of not only Life Science, but also towards areas such as software engineering.

Truly sounds like an AI Nirvana, right? And come to think of that, it’s no longer surprising that some favourite grunge bands are discussed, and the title of the podcast – ‘Smells like gene spirit’ suddenly makes a lot of sense.

Timestamps:

08:08 - Dael shares the origins of Databricks and its future direction
 11:43 - Exploring the intersection of Biotechnology, Data, and Analytics
 23:14 - The role of Quantum Computing in the Pharma Industry
 29:34 - Process knowledge meets Large Language Models
 39:15 - Weiwei debunks a myth
 

Connect with our guest Dael Williamson and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.

In for a new venture? This episode of the Data-powered Innovation Jam has you covered. Our hosts Weiwei, Robert, and Ron welcome Brett Clark, Director, Global Business Development at blackshark.ai—a company with the modest mission of creating a digital twin of the entire planet using satellite data. It all started with Microsoft Flight Simulator, but that was only the beginning. Now, as part of Capgemini Ventures’ investment portfolio, blackshark.ai is making waves with its new no-code platform, allowing anyone to identify objects on the Earth’s surface with unprecedented ease and precision—no data science degree required.

But wait—why stop at the Earth’s surface? Oceans, forests, or even Lego constructions? Four words: Bring your own Pixels. And that’s just scratching the surface. The conversation dives into synthetic data, minimized models, and the fascinating world of ‘geo-typical’ insights.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a jam without music. Ever wondered how surf rock and rockabilly are making a comeback? Or where that unmistakable podcast tune comes from? Tune in and find out!

Timestamps:

08:12 – Introducing blackshark.ai
 19:32 – blackshark.ai’s partnership with Capgemini Ventures
 28:35 – Digital Twin, virtual twins, and the role of historic & synthetic data
 37:09 – The landscape of (world) AI models & innovation
 39:57 – Myth-busting with Weiwei
 

Connect with our guest Brett Clark and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.

It’s the ultimate new hit album for generative AI: intelligent automation, autonomous systems, and—of course—agents. But while ServiceNow has been a pioneering force in this space for a long time, it still seems to fly under the radar for many data and AI experts. Time to change that. Time to bridge the worlds of Planet Process and Planet Data!

For this, our hosts Weiwei, Robert, and Ron couldn’t have wished for a better guest than Toby Isaacson. As a Senior Advisory Solution Architect at ServiceNow, Toby brings sharp insights into automation platforms, AI guardrails, supervised and unsupervised autonomous systems, data fabrics for central and decentral data and – naturally – agents. Who would have thought that IT ticketing would provide the ticket to ride for enterprise process automation?

But that’s not all. Toby is also a stand-up comedian, and his sense of humour shines through in unexpected moments. And despite his British roots, he lays claim to some Viking heritage—fitting for an episode that turns into a true ‘ScandiDutch’ happening. Expect deep dives into world-class DJs from the Netherlands and Scandinavia, all balanced by a tribute to UK legend Fatboy Slim.

Eat, Sleep, Automate, Repeat: this podcast episode has an irresistible beat!

Timestamps:

07:18 – Discover ServiceNow.
 16:06 – Unpacking the NOW platform.
 22:49 – AI agents, data accessibility, and guardrails.
 30:05 – The biggest AI advantage in digital processes.
 35:23 – Are industry-specific processes the next frontier?
 38:34 – Myth-busting with Weiwei.

Connect with our guest Toby Isaacson and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn 

"It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing"—Duke Ellington’s immortal words composed almost a century ago resonate deeply in the latest episode of the Data-powered Innovation Jam. Hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng explore TechnoVision 2025, Capgemini’s annual technology trend analysis, where ‘The Pendulum Swing’ captures the rapidly oscillating, intwined worlds of technology, business, and society.

For this special edition, they’re joined by an insider: Michiel Boreel, Global CTO of Sogeti and a key TechnoVision author, adding decades of experience to the mix. Together, they go through the essentials and break down the top trends—dominated by data and AI—before diving into the balancing acts that architects, strategists, and innovators must navigate. There’s a spotlight on augmentation by AI, as it explores the edges of value, trust and explainability versus what defines us as humans.

And with swing as the theme, the musical discussions naturally find their rhythm. So, pluck that double bass, strum that guitar, and hit those drums—this episode is all jazzed up with insight, innovation, and improvisation.

🎧 Tune in now!

Timestamps:

07:13 – Exploring TechnoVision
 11:59 – The pendulum swing to data and AI.
 19:26 – Finding equilibrium through Balance by Design
 29:55 – The era of augmentation
 37:29 – Navigating chaos: AI in the real world
 38:12 – Be like water.

Connect with our guest Michiel Boreel and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.

Cloud computing has long been a familiar fixture in the digital sky, but that doesn’t mean innovation has stopped soaring. In this episode, hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng discuss all things cloud with Carolin Eggers, Director, Data & AI, EMEA North, Google Cloud.

The first kind of cloud? There’s nothing UFO about it. That’s well understood—flexible access to powerful infrastructure services. The second kind? Software as a service, is far from alien too. But how about the third kind: industry data clouds, enabling businesses to collaborate securely on data and AI models within trusted ecosystems? Of course, it’s 2025 after all, the evolution of AI agents in the cloud is discussed. Could a fourth kind of cloud be emerging?

And what if the cloud isn’t just the next frontier—but the gateway to quantum computing for the masses? A fifth kind, perhaps? One thing is certain: the cloud is anything but static.

Naturally, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without music. From the British hard rock band UFO to the Scorpions from Hannover Germany, and even a nod to a legendary 5-note musical language—somehow, it all makes perfect sense in the latest episode of the Data-powered Innovation Jam: Cloud encounters of the third kind.

Timestamps:

11:15 – Discussion on Industry Cloud.

16:56 – AI’s role in industry.

22:24 – Quantum as the fifth kind of cloud?

26:11 – Exploring Agent Space in Cloud.

35:07 – The pendulum swing.

40:20 – Myth-busting with Weiwei.

Connect with our guest Carolin Eggers and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.

Is quantum computing an early ‘70s thing? Well, certainly if you compare it to the new, experimental music that was released then. To many, quantum computing feels like listening to an early Pink Floyd record for the very first time: alien, incomparable, confusing, but above all: intriguing. Quite different from the more mainstream band the Floyd later would become.

With all this in mind, choosing a musical theme for this episode was an easy decision. Joining us is Dr. Marvin Erdmann, Quantum Computing Engineer at BMW, alongside co-hosts Dr. Robert Engels and Dr. Weiwei Feng. As host Ron Tolido aptly predicts at the outset, this discussion is set to be a true ‘PhDfest.’

And indeed, the quicksand of the deep workings of quantum doesn’t keep the hosts and their guest from discussing real-world applications, transformative possibilities in automotive and beyond, and how quantum computing might just revolutionize the field of AI. 

If the concept of Q Day—when quantum computing changes the game entirely—feels a bit distant, think again. Frameworks like QUARK already allow industries to orchestrate benchmarks and explore quantum-powered solutions. Curious? Excited? Ready to dive in?

Tune in to Quantum heart mother for a mind-expanding journey into the future of computation and innovation.

Timestamps:

05:57 – Marvin delves into the basics of quantum computing.

10:55 – Exploring the advantages of quantum computing and its applications.

20:08 – Quantum benchmarking and its role within an ecosystem.

26:22 – Quantum programming languages and addressing errors in quantum systems.

35:34 – Myth-busting session with Weiwei.

Connect with our guest Marvin Erdmann and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn 

Knock, knock, Neo. Think Agents are a thing of the future? Look again at the iconic movie, The Matrix—they've been hiding in plain sight. In the first episode of 2025, hosts Ron Tolido, Weiwei Feng, and Robert Engels venture down the digital rabbit hole of Virtual Twins with Morgan Zimmerman, CEO of NETVIBES at Dassault Systèmes.

It’s a fascinating world where physical science meets data science, a world of both red and blue pills. Virtual Twins take the concept of Digital Twins to the next level, transforming static representations of products, devices, and systems into living, breathing "Dream Theaters" of simulations, predictions, and what-if scenarios. Fueled by AI and immersive technology, they don’t just capture life—they reimagine it.

But what happens when Virtual Twins evolve to encompass entire organizations and industries? Imagine bending not just spoons, but entire realities. The Matrix has you—are you ready to see how deep the twin-powered innovation goes?

You're in The Matrix! Tune into our latest Data-powered Innovation Jam podcast episode now!               

Timestamps:

00:35 – Ron and Robert dive into the iconic world of The Matrix, drawing parallels to digital innovation.
04:55 – Morgan shares insights into Dassault Systèmes' legacy and the evolution of Virtual Twins.
10:00 – Exploring the connection between ontologies and their applications in the real world.
20:03 – How Digital Twins, Virtual Twins, and the Metaverse are transforming real-world use cases.
36:15 – Redefining interaction with the digital world in ways that feel natural yet futuristic.

Connect with our guest Morgan Zimmermann and our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, and Weiwei Feng on LinkedIn.

Do we hear sleigh bells in that surf rock soundtrack? Well, anything can happen when you tune in to the Data-powered Innovation Jam podcast—especially in the very last episode of the year! Our hosts Weiwei Feng (winning top honours for her Christmas sweater), Robert Engels, and Ron Tolido gather with their producer Arne Rossmann by a cozy fireplace to reflect on an unforgettable 2024. From groundbreaking moments in data and AI to the soundtrack of the year, it’s a heartfelt and insightful rewind.

But wait, there's more! It wouldn’t be the Innovation Jam without a bold look ahead and discussion on some predictions for 2025. Any chance of being accurate amid such unpredictable times? Well, to paraphrase the contemporary poet Zack de la Rocha, “some of those that hype new courses, are the same that ignore real causes.” Of course, this doesn’t keep our hosts from forecasting. Drawing from the visions of 7 leading innovation movers and shakers, the team pieces together a picture of a new year that promises to be transformational, and of course packed with a whole lot of data-powered magic.

Will the future hold surprises? Undoubtedly. But if one thing’s certain, it’s that this extra special holiday episode delivers inspiration, insights, and plenty of holiday cheer. Join us by the fire for data, analytics, robotics, AI, and all that data jazz!

Timestamps:

00:40 – Ron and Robert reflect on some of the most memorable musical moments shared throughout the podcast series.

12:50 – As AI continues to evolve and its misuse in criminal activities rises, conversations are shifting from abstract ideals to pressing, real-world challenges.

23:58 – A clear trend for 2025 is emerging: a strategic blend of diverse cloud solutions will be critical for effective data management.

29:07 – Synthetic data is set to take center stage, offering realistic, pattern-rich data without exposing sensitive information.

48:05 – The hosts wrap up the year with a recap of 2024's highlights in data and AI, while offering a look ahead at 2025, all by the warmth of a fireplace and a glass of Glühwein.

Curious about the latest in data and AI? Explore our newly launched thought leadership magazine, Data-powered Innovation Review Wave 9.

Connect with our hosts Ron Tolido, Robert Engels, Weiwei Feng and our producer Arne Rossmann on LinkedIn.