The Techne Connect

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.

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.