The Techne Connect

Penny Wan is Co-Founder and Chair of Heronova Life Sciences, a company focused on women’s health.With a career spanning biotech, pharma and consumer health, Penny previously held senior leadership positions across Asia Pacific, including President of Amgen Asia Pacific, where she built a billion-dollar business and regional team.Penny discusses why she returned to women’s health, the lack of progress in the sector, and how Heronova came to focus on endometriosis. The company is developing non-invasive diagnostic solutions designed to help identify the disease earlier and improve access to care.The conversation also covers healthcare entrepreneurship, investment, commercialisation, AI and data, the future of women’s health, building teams around a shared mission, and Penny’s advice for people looking to start a company in healthcare.

Mario Paniccia, CEO of ANELLO Photonics, shares his journey from growing up on the East Coast of the US to becoming a leading innovator in silicon photonics and founding multiple technology companies. Drawing on nearly 22 years at Intel, Mario reflects on the breakthroughs, setbacks and lessons that shaped his career, and why perseverance, curiosity and building the right team are essential when bringing new technologies to market.In this episode of Connect to Visionaries, Mario discusses ANELLO Photonics’ vision to make reliable navigation possible wherever GPS is unavailable, jammed or spoofed. He explores the role of silicon photonics, autonomous systems and AI in shaping the future of defence and commercial applications, while sharing advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and his perspective on the changing relationship between startups, innovation and manufacturing.

Daniel Burroughs, CTO of Hoverfly Technologies, joins Joe Reed on Connect to Flight to discuss the evolution of tethered drone technology and its growing role in defence. Drawing on more than 16 years at Hoverfly, Daniel shares how the company developed systems capable of remaining airborne for days or even weeks, providing persistent power and network connectivity for cameras, radios and other mission-critical equipment.The conversation explores the challenges of building and scaling deep-tech hardware businesses, the importance of listening to customers and adapting your vision, and the future of autonomous defence systems. Daniel also discusses AI, GPS-denied navigation, resilient supply chains and the potential for robotic systems to work together, alongside the kind of curious, adaptable thinking needed to solve complex engineering challenges.

David Shapira, CCO & Co-Founder of CDDS, shares his journey from mechanical engineering and entrepreneurship to building autonomous defence technology. He discusses the origins of CDDS, the importance of solving a genuine problem, and why continuous customer feedback is essential when developing products that need to work in the real world.David also explores how defence is evolving, from the growing role of startups and rapid technology cycles to the engineering talent shaping the industry. He shares his vision for CDDS, its autonomous kinetic interceptor technology, and why building products with real-world impact is what keeps him motivated.

In this episode of TECHNE Connect we are joined by Jonathan Huffman, CEO and Founder of Orbital Arc, to discuss the future of satellite propulsion and the commercialisation of deep space technology.Jonathan shares his journey from biotech consulting and self-directed research to building a company focused on developing smaller, lighter and more efficient electric propulsion systems for satellites.They explore the challenges of bringing breakthrough technology out of the lab, why reduced launch costs are accelerating innovation across the space industry, and how advanced propulsion could enable the next generation of satellite constellations and space infrastructure.A conversation about engineering, entrepreneurship and building the technologies that will shape the future of space.

In this episode of TECHNE Connect to Visionaries, Karim is joined by Shreyas, COO and Co-Founder of Katalyse AI, to explore the role of artificial intelligence in transforming pharmaceutical development and improving access to life-saving medicines.Shreyas shares his journey from competitive tennis to entrepreneurship, including his experience at BCG and Sanofi, where he gained insight into the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry. Witnessing inequalities in access to essential medicines inspired his ambition to help develop technology addressing these challenges.We explore how Katalyse AI is helping pharmaceutical companies accelerate drug development, improve processes and reduce manufacturing costs through AI-driven solutions.The conversation also covers the realities of building a startup, securing early customers, developing a mission-driven company culture and attracting talented people who share the organisation's ambitions.Looking ahead, Shreyas discusses the future of AI in healthcare, why curiosity and problem-solving are becoming increasingly important skills, and his advice for the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs considering a career in health tech.A conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership and the potential of AI to make healthcare more accessible worldwide.

In this episode of TECHNE Connect to Visionaries, we are joined by Laura, CEO and Co-Founder of Audicin, to explore the journey of building a health tech company focused on nervous system regulation.Laura shares her transition from Nokia executive to entrepreneur, how music and neuroscience inspired the creation of Audicin, and the challenges of turning a personal mission into a global technology company.We discuss the future of preventative healthcare, the role of science-backed technology, building high-performance teams, and why the next generation of health tech companies will need to combine innovation with genuine impact.A conversation about entrepreneurship, neuroscience, technology and creating solutions designed to improve everyday wellbeing.

In the latest episode of TECHNE Connect to Venture Capital, Joe Reed is joined by Philip Veber, Principal at Gaingels, for a deep dive into the world of venture capital, investing and building relationships with founders.Philip shares his journey from joining Gaingels as a teenager to becoming a Principal, alongside insights from working with founders and investors across the technology ecosystem.They discuss:• What founders often misunderstand about venture capital• How to approach investors and build meaningful relationships• Why the right investor matters more than the highest valuation• The future of AI, robotics and space technology• Why physical AI could become the next major technology shift• The importance of storytelling, networks and founder mindsetPhilip also shares advice for early-stage founders, including why understanding the problem you are solving matters more than falling in love with the product.A great conversation for founders, investors and anyone interested in the future of technology.

Six years of development. Starting with zero customers. One clear mission to make space more sustainable.In our latest episode of TECHNE Connect to Visionaries, we're joined by Sara Correyero Plaza, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of IENAI Space, to explore the journey of developing next-generation propulsion technology for satellites.From an initial university research project to seeing their technology reach orbit, Sara shares the challenges, milestones and lessons behind building IENAI Space.In this episode, we discuss:How IENAI Space evolved from a research idea into a growing space technology company.Why propulsion technology is becoming increasingly important for sustainable satellite operations.The challenges of developing new technology and bringing it to market.The engineering expertise needed to support the next generation of space missions.As more satellites enter orbit, the need for better mobility, manoeuvrability and responsible end-of-life management continues to grow.A great conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship and what it takes to build a company in the space industry.