Behind the Robot: Brennand Pierce, Founder & CEO of Kinisi Robotics

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Brennand Pierce, CEO of Kinisi Robotics, shares his lifelong passion for robotics and his journey from tinkering as a kid to leading a cutting-edge robotics startup. With candid reflections on education, leadership, and the future of AI, Bren offers a compelling look into the realities of building robots, and building a career in tech.

Listeners will gain insight into:

🤖 The satisfaction of creating physical robots

🧠 Balancing engineering with executive leadership

⚖️ Navigating work-life balance as a startup CEO

🎓 The importance of education and hands-on experience

📈 Career advice for aspiring engineers and tech professionals

🔍 Why specialization and persistence matter

🤝 The power of networking and personal branding

🔮 Future trends in robotics, AI, and machine learning

🌍 How robotics can solve real-world societal challenges

Whether you're a robotics enthusiast, future founder, or curious about the intersection of AI and engineering, this episode delivers inspiration and practical wisdom from a leader in the field.

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. Robert Mackenzie, Deep Tech Executive

In this episode of The Techne Connect, host Adam Ewing speaks with Robert McKenzie, CTO and robotics visionary, about his journey through the robotics industry and the values that drive his work. From balancing family life with leadership responsibilities to championing technology for good, Robert offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into the world of robotics.

Listeners will gain insight into:

🤖 A day in the life of a robotics CTO

💡 Groundbreaking innovations and complex challenges in robotics

❤️ The importance of personal values and work-life balance

🚀 Lessons learned from navigating product development

👥 Why building leaders, not just followers, is essential

🔮 Future trends in robotics and the human-machine relationship

🎓 Advice for aspiring engineers entering the robotics field

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, engineer, or future robotics leader, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and a clear call to action: robotics needs you.

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: Sean Ackley, VP of Energy & Infrastructure at Einride

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Sean Ackley, VP of Energy and Infrastructure at Einride, shares his journey from mechanical engineer to a key leader in the electric freight and e-mobility sector. With a passion for building and a mindset rooted in curiosity, Sean offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading in a rapidly evolving industry.

Listeners will gain insight into:

🔋 The transition from engineering to leadership

⚖️ Work-life balance and personal growth

🚚 The rise of electric freight and sustainable mobility

💡 Einride’s innovative approach to energy infrastructure

🧠 Why continuous learning and curiosity fuel career development

🤖 The role of AI and autonomy in the future of transportation

♻️ Battery recycling and sustainability strategies

📈 Career advice for those entering the e-mobility space

Whether you're an engineer, aspiring leader, or sustainability advocate, this episode delivers a thoughtful look at the intersection of energy, mobility, and 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 wheel: Ricardo Garcia, Software Manager at Continental Automotive (soon to be AUMOVIO)

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Ricardo Garcia, a seasoned engineering leader at Continental, shares his 18-year journey through the automotive industry. From starting as a technical engineer to leading software development and managing cross-functional teams, Ricardo offers a candid look into the evolution of automotive lighting, the role of AI, and the human side of engineering growth.

Listeners will gain insight into:

1. The transition from technical roles to management
2. How long-term commitment to one company fosters deep expertise
3. Innovations in lighting tech; adaptive beams, personalization & OTA updates
4. The balance between technical and managerial responsibilities
5. Embracing mistakes as part of the learning process
6. Career advice for aspiring engineers entering the automotive space
7. The future of AI in automotive development, and its limits

Whether you're an engineer, manager, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers practical wisdom and forward-looking insights from inside one of the world’s leading automotive companies.

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: Sebastian Moitzheim, CTO of Powall

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Sebastian Moitzheim, CTO of Powall, shares his journey from academic research to leading a cutting-edge battery technology startup. With a background in life sciences and nanotechnology, Sebastian reflects on the transition from theory to application, the role of AI in accelerating research, and the importance of blending technical expertise with commercial awareness.

Listeners will discover:

• How kitesurfing helped shape his mindset during COVID
• The shift from life sciences to nanotechnology and battery tech
• Powell’s mission to revolutionize energy storage with gas-phase coatings
• The growing influence of AI in battery R&D
• Startup culture and the value of wearing multiple hats
• Why understanding both science and business drives innovation
• Advice for aspiring engineers and researchers entering clean tech
• The skills needed to thrive in the fast-moving battery industry

Whether you're exploring a career in energy storage, fascinated by AI in research, or curious about startup life, this episode offers a compelling look at the future of 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 Power: Prateek Mehta, Acceleration Lead at Mitra Chem

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Prateek shares his journey from studying chemical engineering in India to leading a cutting-edge team at MitraChem, a battery materials startup in California. We dive into his path from academia to industry, exploring the leadership challenges and opportunities that come with building in the fast-moving world of clean tech.

Prateek reflects on how blending diverse ideas and tools is essential to scientific breakthroughs, and how AI is accelerating the pace of discovery in battery research. He also addresses the broader geopolitical forces shaping the battery industry, from supply chain constraints to the race for innovation.

For those considering a career in battery technology, Prateek offers practical advice on adaptability, openness to new tools, and embracing an interdisciplinary mindset.

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: Richard LeCain, CTO at UKBIC

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we sit down with Richard LeCain, CTO of the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC), to explore the dynamic world of battery technology, industrialization, and team leadership. From his early days in chemical engineering to pioneering lithium iron phosphate commercialization at A123 Systems, Richard shares a candid and insightful journey through the evolving battery landscape.

Listeners will discover:

• The human side of engineering: music, rock climbing, and startup grit
• Lessons from scaling battery innovation
• Why UKBIC is a launchpad for battery startups and industrialization
• The importance of team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and adaptability
• Trends in recycling, AI, fast charging, and material scarcity
• Advice for future battery engineers and data scientists

Whether you're a battery enthusiast, startup founder, or curious about the future of electrification, this episode offers a rich blend of technical insight and personal wisdom from one of the industry's most experienced voices.

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: Andre Gronke, Head of Global Engineering at Farasis Energy

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we sit down with André Gronke, Head of Engineering Project Management and Technical Acquisition at Farasis Energy Europe.

With over a decade of experience in battery technology, from his early days at Mercedes to leadership roles at A123 Systems and now Farasis, André shares his journey through technical disciplines, systems engineering, and building high-performing teams.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The evolution of battery systems and smart grid technologies
• The human side of engineering leadership and team building
• Systems engineering's role in shaping future mobility
• The challenges and opportunities in EV infrastructure and affordability
• Why relationships and interdisciplinary thinking are key to innovation

Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech leader, or simply curious about the future of energy storage, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into the heart of 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 Yoke: Jason Coon, Founder & Principal Consultant and Former VP of Systems, Software and Intergration at Archer

In this episode of The Techne Connect, aerospace engineer Jason Coon takes us through his career journey; from early interests to leadership in the fast-evolving eVTOL sector.

Jason shares his perspective on how teamwork, diversity, and innovation fuel progress in aerospace, while addressing the challenges of certification and public acceptance. He also offers advice for aspiring engineers and a vision for the industry’s future.

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: Gorazd Gotovac, CTO of Elaphe

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we speak with Gorazd Gotovac, CTO of Elaphe, about his journey from mathematical physics to leading innovations in in-wheel motor technology.

Gorazd shares insights on building from a vision, aligning teams for breakthrough results, and why mobility’s future will be shaped by both engineering excellence and human connection.

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.