DeepTech Unleashed

In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske sits down with Jonas Schneider, founder of Daedalus and one of Europe’s most visionary deep-tech builders. From being the first engineer at OpenAI to now spearheading Europe’s AI-powered manufacturing renaissance, Jonas shares an insider’s perspective on how software, robotics, and human craftsmanship will reshape the continent’s industrial backbone.Jonas unpacks why Europe’s strength in complex, high-precision industrial parts is both its biggest advantage and its biggest bottleneck — and how Daedalus is using AI-driven, asset-light factories to preserve artisan-level quality while massively scaling production. He explains why every high-end industrial part is “a mini-project”, why the real bottleneck is human cognitive load rather than machines, and how software can capture decades of tacit manufacturing knowledge before it’s lost.Together, Christian and Jonas explore:Europe’s unique opportunity to lead in high-complexity manufacturing, not mass productionThe clash — and fusion — between Silicon Valley’s “move fast” culture and German precision craftsmanshipWhy CNC shops often run at only 15–20% machine utilization, and how Daedalus is already doubling thatThe demographic time bomb threatening Europe’s industrial ecosystemHow AI co-pilots, automation, and integrated digital factories unlock new productivityWhat Europe still lacks to build globally dominant deep-tech companies — and how to fix itJonas’s take on AI hype vs. reality, and the long-term technologies he’s personally most excited aboutThis episode is a rare deep dive into the future of European industry from someone who helped build the future of AI.Chapters:00:00 The Challenge of Manufacturing Innovation06:03 Silicon Valley vs. Traditional Manufacturing11:58 The Concept of Asset-Light Manufacturing18:11 Software's Role in Modern Manufacturing23:59 Building Resilience in European Manufacturing27:31 The Hidden Champions of European Manufacturing30:51 Navigating the European Industrial Ecosystem34:28 Bridging the Gap: Risk Appetite in Europe36:41 Integrating Blue Collar and White Collar Workers42:05 Moments of Magic in Innovation48:01 AI: Hype vs. Usefulness51:20 Future Technologies: Dreams of TomorrowFind out more about Daedalus here: www.daedalus.de Follow Jonas Schneider here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-schneider  Find out more about NGP Capital here: www.ngpcap.com Follow Christian Noske here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-noske  

In this episode of Deep Tech Unleashed, host Christian Noske speaks with Sven Przywarra, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of LiveEO, a pioneering earth observation company. They discuss the journey of LiveEO from its humble beginnings with just 200 euros to becoming a leader in satellite data analytics. Sven shares insights on the potential of satellite data, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges of scaling in conservative industries. The conversation also touches on the future of satellite technology, the value of data, and the unique approach LiveEO takes in the market.Topics include:The simple observation on which LiveEO was founded and the journey from starting with €200 in their bank account to becoming an industry leader How rockets may get all the attention but they are chiefly a delivery mechanism for satellitesHow Hollywood has done a great job introducing satellites to public consciousness but overhyped what they can currently do How earth observation has the potential to change every industry on the planet What a Trump tweet revealed about the relative capabilities of government and commercial satellites That refining the raw material of data can be more profitable than collecting it and Sven’s 3 steps for creating value out of data How the role of AI in refining data is often misunderstoodChapters:00:00 The Rise of Satellite Data in Various Industries02:20 Founding LiveEO: A Journey from Idea to Reality03:52 Understanding Satellite Data: Types and Applications06:40 The Evolution of Satellite Data and Its Ecosystem12:05 Scaling Operations: Merging Satellite and Drone Data14:26 Navigating Conservative Industries: Challenges and Strategies18:56 Future Opportunities: Expanding the Reach of Satellite Data20:13 Building a Global Team: Challenges and Insights23:03 Cultural Differences in Team Dynamics25:14 The Unique Approach of LiveEO in the Space Tech Industry30:08 The Value of Data: Understanding Customer Needs37:30 Looking Ahead: The Impact of Starship on Satellite Data39:58 Moments of Magic: Celebrating Milestones in the Journey42:50 Future Visions: The Excitement of Room Temperature Superconductivity 

How is AI Revolutionising Workplace Safety? We talk to Ciarán O'Mara, CTPO and co-founder of Protex AI, a platform which aims to shift safety from a reactive to a proactive approach using computer vision and machine learning. Ciarán highlights the technical challenges of implementing AI in industrial settings, the importance of building a diverse technical team, and the evolving perceptions of AI in the workplace. He also reflects on the cultural dynamics of hiring in Ireland and the US, and shares success stories that demonstrate the impact of Protex's technology in reducing safety incidents.Topics includeHow Protex AI aims to shift safety from reactive to proactive.Using computer vision to monitor unsafe behaviours.Building AI for industrial clients presents unique challenges.Cultural dynamics play a significant role in hiring and team building.How AI can augment human roles rather than replace them.How Protex AI has reduced safety incidents by 62% within 90 days.How the perception of AI is evolving positively in the workplace.Why a diverse technical team is essential for innovation.The future of AI in industry is promising and full of opportunities.Success stories highlight the real-world impact of technology. Chapters00:00 The Human Element in AI and Safety02:30 Protex AI: Origin and Mission04:37 Innovative Safety Solutions through Technology06:50 Technical Challenges in AI for Industry10:12 The Evolution of Computer Vision12:34 Future of AI in Safety and Operations15:06 Building a Diverse Technical Team17:01 Changing Perceptions of AI in the Workplace19:35 Augmenting Human Roles with AI22:07 Protex AI vs. Traditional Safety Oversight24:16 Cultural Dynamics in Hiring and Team Building29:24 Navigating US Market Challenges30:57 Moments of Magic: Success Stories37:11 The Future of AI in Industry

In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske talks to Benoit Lemaignan, a key player in Europe’s battery industry who, as CEO and Co-Founder of @Verkor, has raised €2bn to support Verkor’s mission to fast-track low‑carbon battery production. Their discussion centres on the two critical yet contrasting phases every founder must face, crisis and expansion, through the prism of the battery industry. Topics include: The importance of European strategic autonomy The investments Europe needs to make in fusion and hydrogen Why Benoit is excited about SMRs and decarbonisation What Europe has ‘forgotten’ about manufacturing in the age of outsourcingThe European mindset v the US mindset The role of management boards in crisis spotting Managing risk through doing things ‘one step at a time’ Revisiting traditional concepts of risk The urge to push during an expansion phase Changing speed during expansion can be as difficult as managing a crisis The vision skill set vs the execution skill setHow humility and letting go are important to both phasesChapters00:00 Navigating Expansion and Crisis in Startups02:39 The Vision Behind Vercor05:42 The Importance of Electrification and Decarbonization08:58 The European Startup Mindset and Innovation12:15 Governance and Execution in New Ventures14:50 Balancing Expansion and Crisis Management18:49 The Role of Leadership in Crisis and Growth23:32 Risk Management and Strategic Planning27:24 Recruitment Challenges and Team Dynamics30:34 The Rewards of Overcoming Challenges34:53 Future Trends in Battery Technology and Decarbonization

In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske speaks with Jan Goetz, CEO and co-founder of IQM, a Finnish company at the cutting edge of the global quantum revolution about the uncertainty principles of deep tech entrepreneurship, building trust with different audiences, and the current state of the quantum industry. Topics covered include: Adopting a founders’ mentality to living with uncertaintyThe current state of possibility in the quantum industry in Europe compared to the US and ChinaThe certainty of how high-potential new tech will always develop in unexpected directions Why ‘sexy ideas’ aren’t enough Why superconducting will be the ‘winning tech’ in quantum‘Creating facts’ through repeating patterns of delivery How changing your language, not your story builds trust across different audiencesHow IQM’s Nordic culture affects how they do business Why Jan rejects the ‘we’ll let you know when it’s ready’ approach to deliveryJan’s prediction for the most exciting technology of the next 10 years Chapters00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Deep Tech Entrepreneurship09:59 The Current State of the Quantum Industry 19:52 Team Building, Communication & Company Culture29:53 The Future of Quantum and Other Technologies

In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed (recorded in late 2024), host Christian Noske speaks with Marta Sjögren, co-CEO and co-founder of Paebbl, a deep tech startup focused on turning CO2 into solid, sustainable building materials, about building a world-class team and growth hacking for deep tech startups. Topics covered include:Marta's filters for evaluating climate tech opportunitiesThe ‘humbling experience’ of transitioning from investor to operatorAligning expectations between operators and VCsCreating honest board dynamics How Marta’s hub building model allows for talent optimizationHiring for a growth mindset Testing for culture fit to reduce mismatches in hiringDeep tech growth hacking strategies Chapters00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech Unleashed01:13 Building a World-Class Team02:12 Marta's Journey to Founding Paebbl05:54 Filters for Climate Tech Investment10:11 Transitioning from Investor to Operator13:59 Expectations Between Operators and VCs18:09 Hub Building in Europe21:56 Hiring for Hub Culture26:12 Cultural Cohesion in Diverse Teams32:23 Building Team Culture and Communication44:06 Growth Hacking in Deep Tech50:44 Personal Recharge and Family Support53:34 Moments of Magic in Leadership01:00:07 Future Technologies and Climate Solutions

In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske speaks with Cyrille Kabbara, CEO and founder of Shark Robotics, about building successful partnerships between Deep Tech startups and governments/public bodies. Topics covered include:Cyrille’s unique journey from military intelligence to founding a robotics company focused on saving livesThe ‘Chess game’ of selling to governments Transitioning from being project-based to product-drivenThe importance of thinking in terms of Op Ex v Cap ExOvercoming the cultural differences between startups and governments Magic moments from Cyrille’s Deep Tech journey The potential of AI to revolutionise robotics Chapters00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech and Shark Robotics02:12 Cyril's Unique Background and Journey05:22 The Evolution of Shark Robotics11:44 The Role of Robotics in Firefighting13:38 Selling to Governments: Challenges and Strategies20:14 Navigating the Public Sector Sales Process23:30 Future Innovations in Robotics29:21 Personal Insights and Moments of Magic

In the first episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske talks to Péter Fankhauser, Co-Founder and CEO of ANYbotics about an area of founder life that is as vital as it is challenging: enterprise sales.Founded in 2016, Péter and his fellow founders have turned ANYbotics into a spectacular European DeepTech success story. Trusted by hundreds of industry leaders and recognised as the Next Global Hot Thing at the Digital Economy Awards 2023, ANYbotics connects the physical and digital worlds by teaming up humans and autonomous robots.Topics covered include:How AI is revolutionizing the field of roboticsUnderstanding customer needs on an individual level even when dealing with large companiesShifting from a research to a customer focusWhen to start sellingEnjoying the journey and ‘falling in love with the problem’The importance of storytellingRecognizing the right moment for scalingMagic moments from across Peter’s DeepTech journeyChapters00:00 Introduction to DeepTech Unleashed02:07 The Journey of ANYbotics05:54 AI and Robotics: A Paradigm Shift09:50 Challenges in Enterprise Sales14:07 Building Relationships in B2B Sales17:54 The Importance of Storytelling22:14 Customer-Centric Approach in Robotics26:00 Balancing Life as a Deep Tech Founder29:47 Moments of Magic in the Journey34:05 Future of Robotics and AI