The Techne Connect

In this episode of Connect to Visionaries, Guilhem de Marliave, CEO and Co-Founder of Elistair, shares the journey behind building a European drone technology company focused on protecting those who protect us. From identifying the limitations of battery-powered drones to developing tethered systems capable of persistent aerial intelligence, Guilhem explains how Elistair found its market by listening closely to the needs of end users.Guilhem also explores the rapid evolution of defence technology, the impact of the war in Ukraine on drone innovation, the growing role of AI and autonomous systems, and why Europe must strengthen its domestic defence supply chains. He shares lessons from a decade of entrepreneurship, the importance of challenging ideas against reality, finding the right co-founder and building a team with a hands-on mindset.

Marco Agnan, Co-Founder and CTO of Odysseus Space, joins Joe Reed to discuss the future of laser communication and high-speed satellite data delivery.Marco explains how Odysseus Space is developing Cyclops, an end-to-end space-to-ground laser communication service. The model gives satellite operators access to optical communication terminals and ground infrastructure through a subscription, reducing upfront costs and technical barriers.The conversation covers the growing data demands of Earth observation satellites, the limits of traditional radio-frequency systems and the role of laser links in agriculture, wildfire detection, urban planning, maritime monitoring and defence.Marco also shares his journey from astrophysics and a NASA solar wind mission to building a space company in Taiwan and Luxembourg. He discusses European funding, prototype development, hiring, company culture, artificial intelligence and the skills future engineers need.The episode also explores Odysseus Space’s next milestones, including its first flight model, a ground station in Spain and an upcoming in-orbit demonstration.

In this episode of Connect to Orbit, Joe Reed speaks with Robert Sproles, CEO of Exolaunch, about the future of launch services and the infrastructure needed to support a rapidly growing space economy.Robert shares his journey into the industry and explains how Exolaunch supports satellite missions from the manufacturing floor through to orbit. He also discusses rising launch demand, the need for greater flexibility across launch providers, and why access to space is becoming a critical part of global infrastructure.The conversation also explores Exolaunch’s growth, its global operations, and the skills and mindsets that will be important for the next generation entering the space industry.

In this episode of Connect to Tech, Luke Campbell speaks with Per Björklund, co-founder of Further Than Capital, about what investors look for in early-stage technology companies.Per shares his journey from engineering and entrepreneurship into venture capital and angel investing. He explains why the founding team matters more than the original idea, the importance of customer validation and domain knowledge, and the common mistakes founders make when approaching investors.They also discuss the future of AI, deep tech, healthcare and hardware, as well as the skills young professionals should develop to build long-term careers in technology.

What does it take to go from engineer to co-founder in one of defence technology's fastest-moving sectors? In this episode of Connect To Visionaries, Suresh Kumar, Co-Founder & CTO of Vermeer, shares how curiosity, calculated risk and a willingness to embrace failure shaped his entrepreneurial journey. From aerospace engineering and autonomous drones to leading cutting-edge autonomy programmes, Suresh explains why ownership, adaptability and continuous learning matter more than waiting for the perfect solution.The conversation explores how software, AI, computer vision and autonomous systems are reshaping modern defence, why startups are driving innovation faster than traditional approaches, and what tomorrow's engineers need to succeed. Suresh also discusses building high-performing engineering teams, fostering a culture where experimentation is encouraged, and why the future belongs to those willing to iterate quickly and solve complex real-world problems.

In this episode of Connect to Orbit, Robert Lamontagne, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Katalyst Space Technologies, reflects on his 25-year Air Force career, from flying B-52s and working with the B-2 to shaping future force design at the Pentagon. He shares how curiosity, adaptability and embracing unconventional opportunities shaped his journey from military service into the space industry.Rob also explores why Katalyst Space Technologies is working to transform the space economy from a "throwaway economy" into a dynamic ecosystem built around mobility, logistics, assembly and life extension. He discusses the future of space operations, the skills startups need, building high-performing teams and why the next generation should focus on finding careers that fit who they are.