The Techne Connect

Behind the Wheel: Gorazd Gotovac, CTO of Elaphe

In this episode of The Tech 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.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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

In this episode of The Tech 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.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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

Behind the Power: Kai-Philipp Kairies, CEO at ACCURE Battery Intelligence

In this episode of The Tech Connect, we sit down with KP Philipp, CEO and co-founder of Accure Battery Intelligence.

From nearly quitting his electrical engineering degree to building one of the most respected battery analytics companies in the world, KP shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the lessons learned in bringing deep-tech ideas to market.

We dive into the challenges of battery safety, performance, and lifetime, and how predictive analytics is helping industries operate more efficiently while powering the transition to clean energy.

Whether you’re a founder, engineer, or simply curious about the future of energy, this is a story worth plugging into.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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

In this episode of The Tech 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.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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Behind the Power: Daniel Evans, Former Senior Manager of Research and Development

In this episode of The Tech 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.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into 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 Tech 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.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into 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 Tech 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.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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

In this episode of The Tech 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.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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Behind the Power: Peter Wooldridge, Former Director of Machine Learning at Monolith

In this episode of The Tech Connect, we sit down with Peter Wooldridge, Former Director of Machine Learning at Monolith, whose career journey spans from the lecture halls of mathematics to the frontlines of applied AI in engineering.

Peter shares:

🧠 How a curiosity-driven mindset led him from math to machine learning leadership

🔧 Why solving real-world engineering problems beats chasing flashy algorithms

⚡ The role Monolith is playing in revolutionizing battery testing through AI

🏃‍♂️ How running helps him manage stress, spark ideas, and stay balanced in tech leadership

🧩 Why generalists have a vital role to play in the fast-changing world of machine learning

Peter’s path is a thoughtful blend of technical growth, real-world impact, and personal resilience; perfect for engineers, data scientists, and anyone navigating a career at the intersection of AI and innovation.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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Behind the Power: Ramesh N, General Manager System Engineering at Yanmar

In this episode of The Tech Connect, we sit down with Ramesh N, current General Manager System Engineering and former Product Management of ePowertrain & Batteries at Yanmar.

Ramesh shares:

⚡ How working on the BMW i3 shaped his approach to battery innovation

🔧 Why electrifying tractors and excavators brings bigger engineering challenges than cars

🧊 The role of thermal management and functional safety in next-gen systems

🧠 How AI is transforming battery development from hardware to insight

🌱 What startups taught him that corporates didn’t and vice versa

With over a decade in battery systems and a passion for people-led innovation, Ramesh’s story is essential listening for engineers, founders, and anyone driving the future of clean tech.

Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.

Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.

👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent

💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne Talent

Inspire your future. Plug into what’s next.

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