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.

Behind the Vision:

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we sit down with Vesna Casalotti, co-founder of Proxima Consulting, to explore her extraordinary journey from Olympic-level chess to leading global automotive innovation.

Vesna shares insights on building multicultural teams, navigating ethical dilemmas in autonomous driving, and the future of software-defined vehicles. With decades of experience at companies like Bosch and Continental, she offers a masterclass in resilience, strategic thinking, and purpose-driven leadership. A must-listen for engineers, leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of mobility.

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.

Future Mobility: Julian Fletcher, Technological Development Manager at Great Western Railway

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we sit down with Julian Fletcher, Technological Development Manager at Great Western Railway, to explore the electrification of rail and the future of battery-powered trains.

Julian shares his journey from Rolls-Royce Aerospace to pioneering fast-charging rail systems, the challenges of transitioning from combustion to clean tech, and the real-world impact of sustainable transport innovation. From startup resilience to national infrastructure transformation, this episode is packed with engineering insight, career advice, and a vision for the future of mobility.

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: Rafael Hostettler, Founder & CEO at Devanthro - the Robody Company

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we sit down with Rafael Hostettler, CEO and founder of Devanthro, to explore the future of humanoid robotics in home care.

Rafael shares his journey from computational science to building musculoskeletal robots, his passion for integrating robotics into real-world environments, and the groundbreaking moment when Devanthro became the first company to place humanoid robots in private homes.

We dive into the challenges of robotics deployment, the misconceptions around AI, and the emotional and societal impact of care-focused innovation. A must-listen for engineers, founders, and anyone curious about the intersection of technology and humanity.

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: Kevin Smith, Chief Engineer at Orbit Fab

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we go behind the orbit with Kevin Smith, Chief Engineer at Orbit Fab.

Kevin shares his journey from Buffalo to the cutting edge of in-orbit refueling, discussing the challenges of building sustainable space infrastructure, the lessons learned from spacecraft failures, and the importance of humility and collaboration in engineering. From working on life-support systems to leading teams at Astrobotic and Orbit Fab, Kevin’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose. A must-listen for aspiring engineers, space enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of space mobility.

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: Nicolas Rabault, CTO & Co-Founder at General Robotics

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Nicolas Rabault, CTO and co-founder of General Robotics, shares his 20-year journey in the robotics industry, from childhood inspiration to leading cutting-edge AI-integrated robotics projects.

With a passion for modular systems and a clear-eyed view of the challenges ahead, Nicolas offers practical advice and visionary insights for anyone curious about the future of automation.

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 Vision: Bernat Carreras: Founder & CEO of BOLD

From research labs in Barcelona to leading advanced battery projects at BOLD, Bernat Carreras has built a career at the cutting edge of clean tech.

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 mission: Sebastian Clauss, VP Software at STARK

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Sebastian Clauss shares his journey from Air Force officer to leading software development for unmanned systems at Stark. With deep roots in aerospace and military technology, Sebastian reflects on the lessons learned from his service, the evolving defense market, and the importance of building purpose-driven teams in defense innovation.

Listeners will gain insight into:

✈️ Transitioning from military service to tech leadership

🧠 Decision-making under pressure and limited information

🤝 The power of teamwork and collaboration in defense

💻 Software development for unmanned systems

🚀 How innovation is reshaping the defense industry

🎯 Why purpose and ethics matter in defense technology

📈 Hiring principles and building resilient tech teams

🌍 The mission to strengthen European defense capabilities

Whether you're in tech, defense, or leadership, this episode offers a compelling look at how military experience translates into innovation—and why purpose must drive progress.

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: Jens Groot, Chief Engineer Battery System at Polestar

In this electrifying episode of The Techne Connect, Jens Groot, Chief Engineer for Battery Systems at Polestar, takes us on a journey from academia to the cutting edge of clean tech. With a rich background in electrical engineering and a passion for hands-on innovation, Jens shares insights into the interdisciplinary nature of battery technology and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.

Listeners will discover:

🔋 How battery systems blend chemistry, mechanics, and electrical engineering

🎓 The value of academic research and pursuing a PhD

🔧 Why hands-on experience is essential for engineers

🌱 Polestar’s commitment to sustainability and performance

🧠 The importance of asking the right questions in complex fields

📈 Career advice for aspiring clean tech professionals

🔄 Flexibility vs. specialization in engineering careers

🚗 Innovations shaping the future of EVs and battery systems

Whether you're a student, engineer, or clean tech enthusiast, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in battery innovation.

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: Salimzhan Gafurov, Director of Advanced Research & Technology at Verne

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Salimzhan Gafurov shares his inspiring journey from aviation to robotics and autonomous driving. With two PhDs and a passion for innovation, Salimzhan reflects on the importance of education, networking, and embracing competition to drive personal and industry-wide growth. He offers practical advice for aspiring professionals and explores how software is reshaping the future of mobility.

Listeners will gain insight into:

✈️ Transitioning from aviation to robotics and autonomous vehicles

🎓 The value of education and lifelong learning

🤝 Why networking and team building matter in tech careers

⚙️ The evolution of software in the automotive industry

🚗 How autonomous driving is shaping the future of mobility

💡 The “fail fast” mindset and competing with yourself

📈 Career advice for engineers and innovators

👨‍👧 Balancing professional ambition with family life

Whether you're an engineer, student, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers a thoughtful look at the intersection of robotics, software, and career development.

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.