The Techne Connect

In this episode we speak with Chip Walter, Partner at Marlinspike Partners, about his journey from the US Navy and CIA into venture capital.Chip shares how his experience across defence, intelligence, and innovation shaped his approach to investing, with a focus on technologies that deliver real impact to the warfighter.The conversation explores the rise of dual-use technology, why AI and autonomy are reshaping modern defence, and how venture capital plays a role in accelerating capability development. They also discuss common mistakes founders make when raising capital, what investors look for beyond technical strength, and why building the right team and funding strategy is critical to long-term success

In this episode we speak with Ben Cipperley, Chief Strategy Officer at Havoc AI, about his transition from 26 years in the US Navy into defence technology leadership.Ben shares how his Navy career shaped his approach to strategy, autonomous systems, and decision-making in high-pressure environments.The conversation explores collaborative autonomy, command and control, multi-domain defence systems, startup culture, and how Havoc AI is helping operators control large numbers of autonomous assets at scale.

In this episode we speak with Rob Alford from Havoc about his transition from the US Navy into one of the fastest-growing defence technology startups.Rob shares his journey through mechanical engineering, nuclear propulsion systems, aircraft carrier operations, and emerging technology experimentation before moving into autonomous defence systems.The conversation explores collaborative autonomy, robotics, defence innovation, startup culture, military leadership, and the future of multi-domain autonomous operations across maritime, aerial, and land systems.

In this episode we speak with Sanjay Ralhan, VP of Airworthiness and Certification at Atropos Group, about his 30-year journey across aviation, regulation, certification, and autonomous aircraft development.Sanjay shares lessons from his time at Boeing, the FAA, Virgin Galactic, and now Atropos Group, where he is helping shape the certification pathway for a clean-sheet autonomous aircraft.The conversation explores why certification should never be treated as an afterthought, how safety and innovation must evolve together, and why certification expertise is becoming one of the most important skill sets in aviation.

In this episode we speak with Enrique Oti, Chief Strategy Officer at Second Front Systems, about his journey from the US Air Force into defence technology.Enrique shares his experience as a cyber warfare officer, China Foreign Area Officer, and founder of Kessel Run, before moving into industry to help modern software reach the warfighter faster.The conversation explores the challenge of bringing commercial technology into defence environments, why compliance and security need to move beyond manual processes, and how Second Front Systems is enabling faster, more secure deployment into government infrastructure.

In this episode of Behind the Influence, we speak with Kateryna Portmann, Women in Robotics, Co-Lead and lecturer in robotics and Physical AI.Kateryna shares her journey into robotics, from neurorehabilitation technology to industrial inspection robots, and explains why representation, visibility and access matter in engineering. She also discusses how robotics is evolving, why inclusive teams build better products, and what the next generation of women in tech should know as they build their careers.

In this episode of Behind the Mission, we speak with Derek Austin, Head of Computer Vision at ZeroMark, about building computer vision systems for counter-drone defence.Derek shares his journey from computer science and self-supervised learning to leading computer vision development at ZeroMark. The conversation explores edge deployment, startup culture, defence technology, counter-UAS systems, drone warfare, and why curiosity, ownership, and high agency matter in fast-moving technical teams.

In this episode of Behind the Flight, we speak with Eloa Guillotin, CEO of Beyond Aero, about building a hydrogen-electric business aircraft.Eloa shares her journey from aerospace engineering in Toulouse to entrepreneurship, and explains how Beyond Aero is developing a six-seat aircraft designed around hydrogen propulsion.The conversation explores electric aviation, certification, aircraft design, hydrogen infrastructure, company culture, and why the next generation of engineers needs to think with speed, data, and pragmatism.

In this episode we speak Ken Macken, Founder and CEO of Workr, a robotics company focused on solving global labour shortages through autonomous workforce solutions.Ken shares his journey from hands-on manufacturing roles to building multiple companies, and explains why the future of robotics is not about hype, but about delivering consistent output in industries where labour is disappearing. He breaks down how to build a business from a real problem, why customer value comes before technology, and what founders need to understand before making the leap into entrepreneurship.The conversation also explores the global shift towards automation, the reality behind workforce shortages, and why robotics will become a core part of productivity across every industry.