In this episode of The Techne Connect, we hear from Chad McCoy, co-founder and strategy officer of Firestorm, a rapidly growing defense technology startup. Chad shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, reflecting on how his early entrepreneurial mindset and military experience shaped his approach to leadership and innovation. He discusses the challenges of scaling in the defense sector, the importance of timing, and why listening to end users is critical for success. Chad also highlights the need for manufacturing sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and strong team culture to drive future growth in defense technology.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind the Mission, Alex Clark takes us inside his career spanning optical engineering, defense technology, and advanced R&D. From growing up in his father’s optical engineering company to leading innovation at Allen Control Systems, Alex shares insights on career development, multidisciplinary problem-solving, and the evolution of defense technology. He reflects on key milestones at Siemens, Raytheon, and Blue Halo, and offers advice for engineers on embracing continuous learning, leadership, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving defense sector. This episode is packed with lessons on innovation, AI, UAS, machine learning, and the future of small companies shaping the defense industry.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Tom Einar Jensen, Co-Founder at Edge

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, host Adam Ewing interviews Tom Einar Jensen, a tech entrepreneur at the forefront of sustainability, renewable energy, and AI. Tom shares his journey through the battery industry, the challenges of scaling clean energy solutions, and the future of electric vehicles.

He explores the intersection of science and entrepreneurship, the role of human capital in startups, and how AI is reshaping the energy landscape.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Talent: Isabella Oksama, Head of People GIM Robotics

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we sit down with Isabella Oksama, Head of People at GIM Robotics, to explore the critical role of talent leadership in shaping the future of robotics. Isabella shares her approach to strategic hiring, internal mobility, and building inclusive, mission-driven cultures.

From navigating competitive skill sets like AI and embedded systems to fostering autonomy and innovation, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how people operations drive technical excellence and company growth.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Robot: Firas Abi-Farraj, CTO pf Robotic Manipulation at Enchanted Tools

In this episode of The Techne Connect: Behind the Robot, host Adam Ewing interviews Firas Abi-Farraj, CTO of Enchanted Tools, to explore the challenges and opportunities in building humanoid robots. With 15 years of experience in robotics, Firas shares his journey from engineering student to tech leader, offering insights into manipulation, low-level software, and the importance of human-centered design.

He discusses the interdisciplinary nature of robotics, the future of AI integration, and the company’s mission to scale up production of socially interactive robots.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Robot: Dr. Guglielmo Gemignani, Head of Robotic Integration at Magazino

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, host Adam Ewing interviews Dr. Guglielmo Gemignani, Head of Robotic Integration at Magazino, a company pioneering autonomous robotics for warehousing and logistics. Gu shares his journey into robotics, the challenges of leading multi-disciplinary teams, and the exciting projects underway at Magazino.

The conversation explores the ethical dimensions of robotics, the role of AI in automation, and the skills needed for future engineers. Gu also addresses common misconceptions about robotics and emphasizes the passion and problem-solving mindset required for success in this dynamic industry.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Orbit: James Roach, VP of Mission Engineering at Turion Space

In this episode of Techne Connect: Behind the Orbit, we sit down with James Roach, VP of Mission Engineering at Turion Space, to explore his journey from high school programmer to aerospace innovator.

James shares insights into building embedded systems for satellites, working at NASA, and leading projects that tackle one of the space industry’s biggest challenges; space debris. He discusses the evolution of satellite technology, the agility of startup environments, and the importance of passion, collaboration, and innovation in engineering.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Robot: Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio

In this episode of The Techne Connect: Behind the Robot, host Adam Ewing interviews Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Hylio, a company revolutionizing agriculture through drone automation. Arthur shares his journey from aerospace engineering student to tech entrepreneur, the evolution of Hylio’s business model, and the challenges of leading a robotics company in a fast-moving industry.

He discusses the future of engineering skills, the importance of communication and collaboration, and Hylio’s mission-driven approach to product development and innovation. A must-listen for anyone interested in robotics, entrepreneurship, and the future of agriculture.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Wheel: Ahsan Qamar, Software Defined Vehicle Expert, Senior Manager Systems Engineering Integration and Test

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we sit down with Ahsan Qamar, a seasoned engineering leader with a background in mechatronics, robotics, and automotive technology.

Ahsan shares his journey through the evolving landscape of software-defined vehicles, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and human-machine collaboration. He offers insights into building high-performance engineering teams, tackling ethical challenges in robotics, and the growing role of AI in engineering.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.