Behind the Vision: Yateendra Deshpande, Co-Founder at Conifer

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Conifer's Yateendra Deshpande shares the leap from high-pressure engineering roles into founding a startup pioneering sustainable ferrite-magnet motors.

We explore his early influences, lessons from Apple and Lucid, the risks of entrepreneurship, and why staying true to your mission matters.

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: Dennis Yu, Director of Hardware & Systems Engineering at Liminal Insights Inc.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we talk to Dennis Yu, Director of Hardware & Systems Engineering at Liminal, a startup using ultrasound to transform battery quality inspection.

Dennis shares his unconventional path from trade school to UC Berkeley to helping deploy novel metrology tools inside a Gigafactory. We talk about the challenges of scaling tech, managing teams, and hiring with intention in the fast-moving world of clean energy.

Topics include:

• Startup vs. corporate R&D: what you gain and what you trade
• The future of in-line battery QC
• How early career apprenticeships shaped his leadership style
• Prioritizing in chaos & the art of “insulating your team”
• Why V&V should never be an afterthought

It’s a deep, honest look at building hardware, managing humans, and betting on curiosity in a competitive 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: Daniel Evans, Former Senior Manager of Research and Development

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we talk with Dan Evans, Former Senior Manager of Research and Development at Alsym Energy, about what it takes to lead battery R&D in a high-stakes, high-growth environment.

Dan shares his unconventional path from zeolite synthesis to aqueous battery innovation, and why making non-flammable, cost-effective batteries for stationary storage might be the most urgent challenge of the decade.

We dive into:

• The startup vs. corporate R&D experience
• How cross-industry skills transfer into battery tech
• Why fire-safe batteries are crucial for grid-scale deployment
• The power of curiosity, humility, and hands-on leadership

From technical insights to honest reflections, Dan brings a grounded perspective on building something truly different, and safer, in clean energy.

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: Ninni Hed, Senior Manager, Software & Electronics at BorgWarner Inc.

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we sit down with Ninni Hed, Chief Engineer at BorgWarner, whose career journey spans mobile tech, IT infrastructure, and now electrification.

Ninni shares how she navigated major transitions; from coaching rival tech teams to leading global battery system strategy, all while creating calm in the chaos. She talks about the importance of curiosity, cross-discipline thinking, and why every engineering leader should "act like a duck."

We cover:

• Her 100-day rule for entering new roles
• Why AI and cost optimization are reshaping EV tech
• The overlooked power of listening in leadership
• How the auto industry is becoming the most exciting space for innovation

Whether you’re in engineering, leadership, or just curious about where the future of mobility is headed; this conversation will inspire you to think bigger.

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: Aamir Iqbal Waidha, Head of Research & Development at theion

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we meet Dr. Aamir Iqbal Waidha, Head of R&D at Thion and a passionate material scientist reshaping the future of energy storage.

From growing up in India to leading cutting-edge battery innovation in Berlin, Aamir walks us through his academic path in nanotechnology and solid-state chemistry, the pivotal shift from academia to industry, and the promise of lithium-sulfur batteries.

He opens up about the challenges of scaling next-gen energy solutions, why transparency is vital in battery tech, and how curiosity, patience, and risk-taking have fueled his journey. Whether you're a budding engineer or a battery industry veteran, this conversation dives deep into the materials, mindset, and market forces behind the power.

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: Xavier Kohll, CTO & Co-Founder at Circu Li-ion

In this episode of The Techne Connect, we speak with Xavier Kohll, CTO and co-founder of Circu Li-ion, whose journey from Swiss research labs to robotic battery dismantling is driving real impact in the clean tech revolution.

Xavier shares:

🔬 How soft robotics and academic research led to a real-world startup solution

⚡ Why Europe’s battery recycling infrastructure needs urgent innovation

🤖 How Circulion is using AI and robotics to dismantle EV batteries, and entire electric vehicles

🌍 The importance of circularity, and how “urban mining” can redefine the battery supply chain

🏔️ Why keeping a healthy mind and body is essential when solving complex industrial challenges

Xavier’s story is a powerful blend of deep tech, bold ambition, and sustainable vision; perfect for engineers, founders, and anyone passionate about building the future of energy.

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 Maull, Technical Strategy Manager at Elysia Battery Intelligence

In this episode of Behind the Power, we sit down with Tom Maull, Technical Strategy Manager at Elysia Battery Intelligence, whose unconventional career path has taken him from US courtrooms to UK racetracks, and everywhere in between.

Tom shares:

⚙️ How a career in litigation consulting shaped his systems-thinking mindset

🚗 His journey from restoring an '80s sports car to designing real-world EV battery algorithms

🔋 The impact of battery intelligence, and why it’s transforming both motorsport and heavy industry

🇺🇸➡️🇬🇧 What it’s like to pivot careers and continents in the pursuit of innovation

🌍 How he and Elysia are working to decarbonize Fortescue's mining fleet with the same emissions as France

Tom’s story is a powerful mix of curiosity, grit, and vision; perfect for engineers, innovators, and anyone looking to make their mark in battery tech or clean 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 Wheel: Dan Whittaker, Director of WBE Consulting Ltd.

In this episode of The Techne Connect Podcast, we sit down with Dan Whittaker, a seasoned automotive engineer with over 30 years of experience across iconic brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Aston Martin.

Dan shares his journey from aspiring architect to leading electrical and software integration teams in luxury automotive. We explore his thoughts on vehicle ergonomics, the evolution of infotainment systems, the rise of software-defined vehicles, and the future of electrification. A must-listen for anyone passionate about engineering, innovation, and 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 Wheel: Paolo Bargiacchi, Director of Electrification at Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied)

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Paolo Bargiacchi shares his journey through the automotive industry; from his early days at Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley to his current role at Motion (McLaren) Applied. With a passion for electrification and product management, Paolo offers insights into the evolving automotive landscape, the challenges of inverter optimization, and the future of charging infrastructure and micro mobility.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Career progression across leading automotive brands
• The shift toward electrification and sustainable mobility
• The evolving role of product managers in tech-driven industries
• Challenges in inverter cost optimization and charging infrastructure
• How Formula Student helped launch Paolo’s career
• Advice for aspiring professionals entering automotive and tech
• Skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing market
• Current projects at Motion (McLaren) Applied and future opportunities

Whether you're an engineer, product manager, or automotive enthusiast, this episode delivers practical wisdom and forward-looking insights from a leader shaping 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 Power: Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra

In this episode of The Techne Connect, Thomas Blazak, Chief Engineer at Proterra, shares his inspiring journey from childhood curiosity to leading battery development for electric buses. With a deep passion for clean technology, mentorship, and cycling, Thomas offers a compelling look into the future of engineering and the collaborative culture driving innovation at Proterra.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How cycling and community shaped Thomas’s perspective
• The transition from traditional automotive to EV battery engineering
• Why clean tech is more than a buzzword, it’s the future
• The importance of mentorship and teaching in engineering
• Diversity as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving
• Developing long-range electric buses for a zero-emissions future
• Proterra’s inclusive and collaborative work culture
• Career advice for aspiring engineers entering the clean tech space

Whether you're an engineer, clean tech enthusiast, or future innovator, this episode delivers practical wisdom and inspiration from a leader helping shape sustainable 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.