In this episode of The Techne Connect, Kevin Kleber, CTO and Co-Founder of Suind, explains how they are tackling crop losses through fully autonomous drones designed for complex, real-world environments like India’s rugged rubber plantations. He shares how the team’s mission-driven approach targets the most challenging agricultural conditions, bringing measurable sustainability benefits such as 60% less chemical use and up to 95% less fuel consumption.

He also reflects on his path from university robotics labs at ETH Zurich to building field-ready drones that operate beyond visual line of sight. Kevin discusses why real-world testing is vital for reliability, the need for engineers to master both AI and classical control systems, and the importance of curiosity and resilience in startup culture.

Finally, he explores how agricultural robotics can solve global labour shortages, improve safety, and create new skilled roles in rural communities, while highlighting the need for patient investment in technologies that deliver genuine impact on food production and sustainability.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

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