The Connect Current

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Trevor Laudate, Co-Founder of Ecodrive, to explore how businesses can turn everyday customer actions into measurable environmental impact.

Trevor shares how Ecodrive helps companies connect purchases, bookings, signups, and other customer interactions to verified sustainability initiatives, making it easier to create meaningful impact while building trust and engagement. The conversation explores why transparency matters in sustainability, how businesses can avoid vague environmental claims, and why verification is becoming increasingly important to customers.

As one of Connect's 2026 Cool Companies, Ecodrive represents a growing wave of startups using technology to align business growth with measurable positive impact. This episode offers a practical look at the intersection of sustainability, customer experience, and mission-driven innovation.

In this episode of The Connect Current, host James Zanewicz sits down with Ivana Mikić, PhD, CEO of Sarpeda Inc., to explore how AI is helping researchers unlock more value from the biological imaging tools they already use.

Ivana shares how Sarpeda is using AI-powered software to improve fluorescence microscopy, reduce imaging challenges, and extract more biological information from existing research workflows. The conversation explores why better imaging matters for scientific discovery, what practical AI looks like in life sciences, and how researchers can gain deeper insights without costly infrastructure changes.

As one of Connect's 2026 Cool Companies, Sarpeda represents a new generation of startups applying advanced technology to real-world scientific challenges. This episode offers a look at the intersection of AI, biology, commercialization, and the future of research innovation.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Aadeel Akhtar, Founder and CEO of Psyonic, to explore how advanced robotics and human-centered technology are reshaping the future of prosthetics and mobility. The conversation dives into Aadeel’s journey from research and engineering into company building, the mission behind Psyonic’s work, and how innovation can create more accessible, responsive, and life-changing solutions for people around the world. This episode also explores the intersection of AI, hardware, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, along with what it takes to build breakthrough technology with real human impact.

In this special episode of The Connect Current, Tre Braquet flips the script and interviews Connect CEO James Zanewicz about the vision behind Connect 3.0 and the future of San Diego’s innovation ecosystem. The conversation explores how Connect is evolving beyond events to become a front door, connective platform, and amplification engine for founders, investors, universities, companies, and civic leaders across the region. James breaks down the organization’s Pathways, Proof, and Platform framework, why ecosystem access matters more than ever, and how partners can think differently about visibility, relationships, and long-term innovation impact in San Diego.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Mike Krenn, Managing Director of Prebys Ventures, to explore what investors are really looking for in founders and early-stage companies. The conversation dives into how Prebys Ventures is approaching investment in San Diego’s innovation economy, what makes a company truly investable, and where founders most often struggle when raising capital. Mike also shares practical insight on how entrepreneurs can present themselves more effectively, build stronger investor conversations, and better position their companies for long-term growth and impact.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Hala Madanat, Vice President for Research and Innovation at San Diego State University, to explore how universities can play a larger role in helping founders build and scale companies. The conversation dives into SDSU’s growing strengths across AI, National Security, technology, workforce development, and applied research, along with how startups can better engage with university talent, research, and partnerships. Hala also shares her perspective on connecting innovation to real-world impact and why stronger collaboration between academia, startups, and industry is critical to San Diego’s future innovation economy.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Will Bright, Founder and CEO of Saferide.ai, to explore how personal experience can shape meaningful innovation. Will shares the journey that led to building a company focused on safety and mobility, and how lived insight can translate into real world solutions. The conversation highlights what it takes to turn an idea into action, the challenges of building with purpose, and the role of technology in creating safer, more connected communities. This episode offers a grounded look at how founders can transform personal perspective into lasting impact.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Holly Smithson, CEO of Athena, to explore how leaders are navigating one of the largest workforce transformations in decades. As AI rapidly reshapes how work gets done, Holly shares what it takes to upskill teams, stay competitive, and lead responsibly through change. The conversation dives into where organizations are falling behind, what effective AI adoption actually looks like, and the growing responsibility leaders have to develop talent while protecting long term value. This episode offers a clear, practical lens on leadership in an AI driven world.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Dr. Garrett Smith and Dr. Nick Mourlas of Reef Haven Ventures to unpack what it really takes to move from strong science to a scalable, investable company. The conversation is built for founders, offering a clear look into how early-stage investors evaluate opportunities, what separates compelling research from a real business, and how teams can position themselves for meaningful conversations with capital. From first impressions to pitch strategy, this episode provides practical insight into how venture firms think, what stands out, and where founders most often miss the mark.

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Rachel Costello to explore the intersection of innovation, execution, and real-world impact. Rachel shares her journey into company building, the insights that shaped her perspective, and what it takes to move from idea to meaningful traction. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities founders face today, along with a candid look at how experience, adaptability, and ecosystem support all play a role in building something that lasts.