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The Techne Connect
Csaba Hartmann, Robotics Leader
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In this episode of Behind the Robot we speak with Csaba Hartmann, a leader in the Robotics Industry
Csaba shares his journey from Hungary into robotics, consulting, electric vehicles, humanoids, and deep tech investing. He explains what it takes to scale hardware companies, shorten supply chains, improve manufacturing, and build operational systems that help robotics teams move faster.
The conversation also explores where robotics is heading next, why practical and applied systems will matter, and what founders and engineers need to understand about building real products in fast-moving environments.
The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧
Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.
From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.
Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.
Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.
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Paul Ziade, CEO at North Vector Dynamics
42:12|Paul Ziade shares his remarkable journey from tenured professor of mechanical engineering to CEO of one of Canada's fastest-growing defence technology companies. He explains why he left the security of academia to build North Vector Dynamics, the importance of hiring exceptional engineers, and the sacrifices required to create a business capable of protecting nations in an increasingly uncertain world.The conversation explores the future of defence innovation, from AI and autonomous systems to manufacturing at scale and hypersonic technologies. Paul also offers practical advice for engineers considering entrepreneurship, explaining why purpose, ownership and meaningful work matter more than prestige, and why the next generation of engineers should focus on solving problems that truly make a difference.
Amy Miller, Head of Talent & People Ops at Portal Space Systems
45:34|Building a career in the space industry isn't always about following a linear path. In this episode of Connect To Orbit, Amy Miller, Head of Talent & People Operations at Portal Space Systems, shares how a career spanning global technology companies, including Amazon's satellite division, led her to one of the most exciting startups in commercial space.Amy offers a unique perspective on what it takes to attract, develop and retain world-class engineering talent in a rapidly growing industry. From hiring strategies and company culture to the technical skills shaping the future of space, she explains why curiosity, values alignment and solving real-world problems are becoming the foundations of successful space businesses. Whether you're an engineer, graduate or business leader, this episode provides practical advice for building a meaningful career in one of the world's fastest-moving industries.
Kris Moell, Founder and CEO of Frost Unmanned
33:36|In this episode of Connect To Visionaries, we speak with Kris Moell, Founder & CEO of Frost Unmanned, to explore an entrepreneurial journey that spans aviation, international operations and defence technology. From flying aircraft parts across the US and working in Indonesia to building a next-generation defence company in Sweden, Kris shares how his career evolved through curiosity, resilience and a willingness to embrace new challenges.The conversation explores how first-hand experiences in Ukraine reshaped his mission, why simplicity and automation will define the future of defence technology, and the leadership lessons he's learned while scaling a fast-growing startup. This episode offers valuable insights for engineers, founders and defence professionals interested in innovation, autonomous systems, military technology and building companies with purpose.
Ethan Barajas, Co-Founder & CEO at Icarus Robotics
51:50|Ethan Barajas, Co-Founder and CEO of Icarus Robotics, shares how an internship at NASA transformed his career ambitions and inspired him to tackle one of space's biggest challenges: labour. Rather than sending more astronauts to perform repetitive maintenance tasks, Ethan is building robotic systems capable of operating autonomously in orbit, unlocking the future of commercial space infrastructure. From securing customer validation before writing a single line of code to preparing for a NASA deployment, he explains how listening to customers has shaped every stage of Icarus Robotics' journey. The conversation also explores the entrepreneurial mindset required to build a deep-tech company, why commercial space is entering a new era of infrastructure investment, and how robotics will become the workforce that enables humanity's expansion beyond Earth. Ethan shares lessons on resilience, purpose, leadership and why solving meaningful problems, not chasing technology for technology's sake, is what ultimately drives lasting innovation.
Jackson Moses, Founder & Managing Partner at Silent Ventures
39:57|Jackson Moses, Founder and Managing Partner of Silent Ventures, joins Connect to Venture Capital to discuss why defence technology is entering a new era of investment. Drawing on his experience as both a founder and investor, he explains how Silent Ventures identifies exceptional operators building the next generation of defence, aerospace and national security companies, and why manufacturing, hardware and industrial capability will define the future of innovation.The conversation also provides practical advice for founders preparing to raise capital. Jackson shares what venture capital firms truly look for beyond technical expertise, why founders must obsess over solving real problems before seeking investment, and how confidence, preparation and resilience separate the companies that secure funding from those that don't.
Joakim Sjöblom, Co-Founder & CEO at Swebal
40:30|In this episode of Connect to Visionaries, we speak with Joakim Sjöblom, Co-Founder & CEO of SWEBAL, about the urgent need to strengthen Europe's defence manufacturing capabilities. Drawing on his experience building and exiting a successful fintech business, Joakim explains why he turned his focus to defence and the importance of creating resilient, sovereign supply chains.Together, they explore the manufacturing bottlenecks facing the European defence sector, the impact of NATO expansion, and why collaboration with established defence primes is essential to increasing production capacity. It's an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the strategic thinking required to build the future of European defence.
Jackie Teran, Vice President of Software Engineering at Forerunner
30:35|In this episode of Connect to Orbit, Joe Reed is joined by Jackie Teran, VP of Engineering at Forerunner, to explore the leadership principles shaping the future of GovTech. Jackie shares her unconventional journey into engineering, the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry, and why maintaining a growth mindset is essential for both individuals and organisations.The conversation also dives into geospatial intelligence, AI, customer-focused product development, and the technology helping governments build more resilient communities. From engineering culture to the future of digital infrastructure, Jackie offers valuable insights for anyone passionate about innovation, leadership, and creating meaningful impact through technology.
Kenneth Skorpen, CEO of BlinkTroll Robotics
40:05|In this episode of Connect to Defence Innovation, we sit down with Kenneth Skorpen, Co-Founder & CEO of BlinkTroll Robotics, to discuss how robotics and emerging technologies are transforming the future of defence. Together, they explore the challenges of developing innovative solutions for a rapidly evolving operational landscape and what it takes to deliver technology that makes a tangible impact.From the realities of building a defence technology company to the role of autonomy, innovation, and collaboration in strengthening military capability, Kenneth shares valuable insights into the future of defence robotics and the opportunities shaping the next generation of defence solutions.
Joshua Heebner, Co-Founder & Head of Growth, Bandelier Technologies
38:18|In this episode of Connect to Visionaries, Joe Reed sits down with Josh Hiebner, Co-Founder and Head of Growth at Bandelier Technologies, to explore the intersection of quantum technology, defence innovation, and entrepreneurship.Josh shares his journey from serving in Special Forces to building a defence-native quantum company, discussing the urgency behind emerging technologies, the challenges of commercialising frontier innovation, and why mission-driven teams are essential to shaping the future of modern warfare.