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The Techne Connect
Jackson Moses, Founder & Managing Partner at Silent Ventures
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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.
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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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.
Felix Motzki, CTO of Reflex Aerospace
45:31|In this episode of Behind the Orbit, Joe Reed sits down with Felix Motzki, CTO of Reflex Aerospace, to discuss his unconventional journey into the space industry, from biomedical engineering and ultrasound imaging to leading one of Europe’s fastest-growing satellite companies. Felix shares the lessons learned from scaling teams through IPOs, navigating challenging leadership decisions, and helping build spacecraft designed for missions that standard satellite platforms cannot support.The conversation explores the evolution of Europe’s space sector, the rise of NewSpace companies, the importance of technical expertise and ownership in engineering careers, and how Reflex Aerospace is redefining satellite development through highly customised, payload-centric spacecraft. Felix also shares his outlook on the future of the industry, upcoming missions, and what it takes to build a world-class engineering culture.
Sanal Kamal, Founder & CEO of Photon-IV
27:30|In this episode of Behind the Vision, Tom Sloan speaks with Sanal Kamal, Founder & CEO of Photon-IV, about the future of global connectivity and the growing convergence between satellite and terrestrial networks. Sanal shares how his journey from engineering roles in defence and photonics led him to uncover a critical gap in how modern systems stay connected.The conversation explores how space is rapidly becoming core infrastructure for industries like telecoms, defence, and autonomous systems. Sanal explains why the next generation of networks will rely on seamless handovers between satellites and cell towers, and how Photon-IV is building the orchestration layer to make that possible in an increasingly complex, contested, and connected world.
Madison Feehan, CEO & Founder of Space Copy
37:26|In this inspiring episode of Behind the Influence, Molly-May Brissett sits down with Madison Feehan, Founder and CEO of Space Copy, to explore her remarkable journey from a teenage NASA intern to leading a pioneering space technology company. Madison shares how Space Copy is transforming additive manufacturing by developing rugged 3D printing systems capable of operating in extreme environments, from disaster zones and remote Arctic communities to future missions on the Moon and Mars. She also reflects on the challenges of building a company in the highly competitive space and defence sectors and the perseverance required to turn ambitious ideas into reality.The conversation also highlights the importance of female representation in STEM, with Madison offering candid insights into navigating a male-dominated industry and the responsibility she feels to mentor the next generation of women entering the field. From discussing emerging trends like AI-powered space infrastructure and orbital data centres to sharing practical career advice on developing both technical and business skills, Madison provides a powerful perspective on innovation, leadership, and creating opportunities for future pioneers in space technology.
Pratish Shah, General manager at Aitech systems
36:54|What happens when space stops being a distant frontier and becomes part of everyday life? In this episode of Behind the Orbit, Pratish Shah, General Manager of Classified Programs at AI Tech Systems, shares how advances in satellite technology, AI, and space infrastructure are accelerating a future where space plays a far greater role in industries here on Earth. From building palm-sized satellites that deliver powerful capabilities to enabling new applications in communications, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring, Pratish explains why the next wave of innovation will extend well beyond our planet.Drawing on decades of experience across technology, aerospace, and defence, Pratish also discusses the importance of continuous learning in a world changing faster than ever before. He reflects on lessons from helping build a startup through IPO, the growing impact of AI across industries, and why the most valuable professionals are those who can continually adapt and evolve. For anyone interested in space, technology, innovation, or the future of work, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what's coming next.