Tech Innovators Spotlight

In this episode of Tech Innovators Spotlight, host Vrushali Soni and co-host Raquel Gallivan from Microsoft welcome Anand Kulkarni, CEO of Crowdbotics, to discuss the critical role of AI-powered modernization in transforming legacy code. Anand explains how Crowdbotics is tackling the challenge of migrating outdated mainframe systems, like COBOL, into modern cloud frameworks. With billions of dollars wasted on failed modernization efforts, he breaks down the scale of the issue, the risks of inaction, and how AI can bridge the gap by efficiently understanding and updating legacy systems.   In This Episode You Will Learn:   How AI accelerates the migration of legacy systems to modern cloud frameworks The cost of inaction: what happens when businesses delay modernization What the future of AI-driven software modernization looks like  Some Questions We Ask:  What security measures do you have in place to protect customers' code and data? Why did you choose to partner with Microsoft, and what has the journey been like so far? What is Crowdbotics' role in making modernization more efficient and preventing this waste?  Resources:      View Anand Kulkarni on LinkedIn  View Raquel Gallivan on LinkedIn  View Vrushali Soni on LinkedIn    Related Microsoft Podcasts:     Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson   Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts    

In this episode of Tech Innovators Spotlight, host Vrushali Soni and co-host Ahmed Halawani welcome August Allen to explore the cutting-edge world of AI-powered drug discovery with Enveda Biosciences. August Allen, CTO of Enveda, breaks down how the company is leveraging AI and mass spectrometry to unlock nature’s vast, untapped reservoir of medicinal molecules. With 99% of nature’s chemistry still undiscovered, Enveda’s innovative approach aims to accelerate drug discovery and bring new treatments to market faster than traditional methods. August also discusses PRISM, their collaboration with Microsoft, and how machine learning is revolutionizing the way scientists decode the "grammar of chemistry" for groundbreaking medical advancements.  In This Episode You Will Learn:   How AI and machine learning are revolutionizing drug discovery Why nature-derived compounds may lead to safer and more effective medicines How Microsoft's partnership with Enveda is driving innovation in pharmaceutical research  Some Questions We Ask:  Does using natural ingredients make drug development faster? Can you explain mass spectrometry in simple terms? AI is a big part of Enveda. How has it shaped the company since 2019?     Resources:      View Ahmed Halawani on LinkedIn  View August Allen on LinkedIn  View Vrushali Soni on LinkedIn    Related Microsoft Podcasts:     Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson   Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Download the Transcript

In this episode of Tech Innovators Spotlight, host Vrushali Soni and co-host Raquel Gallivan welcome Justin Foster, CTO of Forescout, to discuss cybersecurity, risk management, and the evolving role of AI in security. Justin shares how Forescout provides asset visibility, threat management, and compliance solutions across industries like healthcare, finance, and government. He highlights the company's partnership with Microsoft and their use of Azure and AI-driven threat detection. The conversation explores how AI-powered automation enhances security operations, improves compliance, and simplifies reporting for analysts and executives. In This Episode You Will Learn:  The role AI plays in automating security operations and summarizing risk assessments Why network visibility is crucial for detecting rogue devices and preventing cyber threats The benefits of using Azure for cloud security, automation, and global scalability Some Questions We Ask: How does Forescout leverage Azure and Microsoft security solutions to enhance its offerings? What are some of the key reasons Forescout chose Microsoft as a strategic partner? What excites you the most about the future of AI in cybersecurity, and what’s next for Forescout? Resources:      View Raquel Gallivan on LinkedIn View Justin Foster on LinkedIn   View Vrushali Soni on LinkedIn  Forescout – Manage cyber risk and mitigate threats, continuously. Related Microsoft Podcasts:   Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson   Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast     Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Download the Transcript

In this episode of Tech Innovators Spotlight, host Vrushali Soni is joined by Ed Abbo, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of C3.ai, to explore how the company is revolutionizing enterprise AI. Ed breaks down C3.ai’s expansive portfolio—spanning asset performance management, supply chain optimization, law enforcement, and even defense—showcasing how their pre-built AI applications drive efficiency, reduce downtime, and create real economic value for industries worldwide. From partnering with giants like Shell and Dow to deploying AI solutions in weeks rather than years, Ed shares insights into what makes C3.ai a market leader in enterprise AI innovation. Plus, he reveals the story behind the company's name and how its tech stack has evolved since 2009.   In This Episode You Will Learn:   The industries C3.ai serves, including manufacturing, energy, government, and financial services How C3.ai rapidly deploys AI applications in as little as 12 weeks for maximum economic impact Why supply chain AI is critical for demand forecasting, production scheduling, and supplier risk management.  Some Questions We Ask:  What are the key factors that guide your innovation strategy? Can you explain the portfolio of products you offer? How do you measure success and decide where to innovate?  Resources:      View Ed Abbo on LinkedIn  View Vrushali Soni on LinkedIn    Related Microsoft Podcasts:     Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson   Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Download the Transcript

In this episode of Tech Innovators Spotlight, host Vrushali Soni is joined by Co-Host Jeffrey Bush and special guest Nabil Bukhari from Extreme Networks to explore how AI is revolutionizing networking by cutting through complexity. Nabil explains that Extreme Networks is shifting from traditional product offerings to a comprehensive platform—Platform One—that integrates AI as a core service. Using relatable analogies, he illustrates how the platform accelerates existing processes, replaces inefficient workflows, and enables entirely new capabilities, all aimed at delivering tangible value to customers. The conversation underscores the evolution of AI from a simple chatbot to an embedded, transformative tool that makes managing complex network environments more efficient and user-friendly.  In This Episode You Will Learn:   How Extreme Networks’ customer-centric approach drives innovation in network management The key benefits of merging AI with networking to deliver tangible customer value How generative AI is integrated into Extreme Networks’ Platform One to accelerate business processes  Some Questions We Ask:  What is the best way for customers to experience your AI platform and its capabilities? Can you share what you’re working on for the next six to 12 months? What is one of the biggest challenges that technology and business leaders face?  Resources:      View Nabil Bukhari on LinkedIn  View Jeffery Bush on LinkedIn  View Vrushali Soni on LinkedIn    Related Microsoft Podcasts:     Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast   Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson   Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Download the Transcript

In this episode of Tech Innovators Spotlight, host Vrushali Soni dives into AI and data pipeline innovation with Julian LaNeve, CTO of Astronomer. Julian shares how Astronomer empowers organizations to manage massive-scale data pipelines using Apache Airflow, the popular orchestration tool originally developed by Airbnb. They discuss Astronomer's journey from building their own product to becoming the leading provider of managed Airflow solutions, helping companies optimize their data ecosystems. Julian also introduces Astronomer’s latest offering, Astro Observe, designed to enhance observability and data quality at scale.   In This Episode You Will Learn:   How Astronomer simplifies Airflow deployment and management Why Apache Airflow is the go-to tool for data workflow orchestration What role reliable data plays in enhancing generative AI  Some Questions We Ask:  Can you explain what Airflow and Astro Observe are? How do Astro and Astro Observe help customers with AI and data? What’s your vision for the future of AI, and how do you think Astronomer will fit into that?    Resources:      View Julian LaNeve on LinkedIn  View Vrushali Soni on LinkedIn  Astronomer: The Best Place to Run Apache Airflow® Related Microsoft Podcasts:     No Slides Attached Podcast   Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson   Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast       Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   Download the Transcript