Share
The Techne Connect
Rob DeMillo, CEO & Co-Founder of Sophia Space
•
In this episode we speak with Rob DeMillo, CEO and co-founder of Sophia Space, about commercialising compute in orbit.
Rob shares his journey from JPL and the FAA into a 30 year entrepreneurial career spanning media, cloud computing and now space infrastructure. He explains how Sophia Space emerged from research into space based power and evolved into a company building high performance, passively cooled servers for low Earth orbit.
The conversation explores why orbital data centres are needed, how falling launch costs are reshaping the space economy, and what it takes to move from academic concept to commercial reality. Rob also reflects on founder trade offs, common startup mistakes, and why space today feels like the early days of the internet.
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.
More episodes
View all episodes
Mitchell Fogelson, CEO and Co Founder at Beyond Reach Labs
32:37|In this episode of Connect to Visionaries, we speak with Mitchell Fogelson, Co-Founder and CEO of Beyond Reach Labs, about the future of large-scale infrastructure in space.Mitchell shares his journey from mechanical engineering and robotics research through iRobot, robotics innovation in Japan, and a NASA-funded PhD at Carnegie Mellon University, which led to the creation of Beyond Reach Labs.The company is developing deployable solar arrays designed to scale from the size of a dining table to the size of a football field in orbit, helping power the growing space services industry.We explore: • Why scalable space infrastructure is becoming critical as commercial space expands • The engineering challenges behind building large deployable structures in orbit • How Beyond Reach Labs is moving from research concepts into real-world space applications • Mitchell’s experience building a deep-tech startup through Y Combinator • The lessons learned from entrepreneurship, failure and finding the right team • Why the future of space will require interdisciplinary engineers and buildersA conversation about engineering ambition, entrepreneurship and the infrastructure needed to unlock the next era of space exploration.
Phillip Gomez, VP of Product and Defense Systems at MagLev Aero
32:54|In this episode of TECHNE Connect to Flight, Tom Sloan sits down with Phillip Gomez, VP of Product and Defense Systems at MagLev Aero, to explore his journey through aerospace and defence. Phillip shares how early experience at startup AVX Aircraft, followed by seven years at Bell, shaped his technical expertise, leadership approach and understanding of the full aircraft development lifecycle.The conversation also explores the changing aerospace landscape, from the rise of new defence players and the challenges facing the eVTOL market to the role of hybrid propulsion and emerging technologies. Phillip discusses MagLev Aero’s mission to develop breakthrough propulsion systems using magnetic levitation and electromagnetic control, the company’s plans for the next 12–24 months, and the skills it is looking for as it scales.
Leo Pauly , CEO and Co Founder at Plasma Orbital
31:59|In this episode of TECHNE Connect, Joe Reed sits down with Leo Pauly, CEO & Co-Founder of Plasma Orbital, to discuss building the next generation of intelligent satellite systems.Leo shares his journey from electronics engineering and AI & robotics research into entrepreneurship, including the experiences that led him to create Plasma Orbital.Plasma Orbital is developing smart satellite networks with onboard AI capabilities designed to provide real-time satellite surveillance, beginning with maritime domain awareness.The conversation covers:Why current satellite imagery solutions struggle with real-time intelligenceHow AI-enabled satellites could transform maritime surveillanceBuilding a new category within the space industryThe challenges of founding a deep-tech companyLessons learned from previous startup attemptsThe future of the space economy and orbital infrastructureThe skills engineers need to help shape the next era of space technologyLeo also shares his perspective on why the future of space will not be a standalone industry, but an extension of industries already operating on Earth, creating new opportunities across defence, communications, manufacturing and beyond.A conversation about entrepreneurship, AI, satellites and building the infrastructure that will define the next generation of space.
Abhijeet Shenoi, VP of Engineering at Bunker Hill Health
00:33|In this episode of TECHNE Connect to Health Tech, we speak with Abhi, VP of Engineering at Bunker Hill Health.Abhi shares his journey from studying computer vision and robotics at Stanford to building AI-powered healthcare technology. With a background shaped by both engineering and healthcare, Abhi discusses how his experiences led him to Bunker Hill Health and the mission of helping healthcare organisations bring ideas from concept to clinical impact.Bunker Hill Health is building CareBricks, a platform designed to help health systems use their data, workflows and AI capabilities to turn ideas into practical solutions that improve patient care.In this episode, we explore:Abhi’s journey from computer vision research to healthcare technologyWhy healthcare needs to move beyond a scarcity mindsetHow AI is changing what is possible within healthcare deliveryWhy fundamentals and adaptability are critical skills for engineersThe challenges of bringing healthcare ideas from research into real-world useHow CareBricks enables health systems to build and deploy AI-powered workflowsThe importance of ownership, initiative and technical excellence when building health tech teamsWhy now is one of the most exciting times to build in healthcareA conversation about AI, engineering leadership and the future of healthcare innovation.
Brent Klavon: Chief Strategy Officer at ANRA Technologies
00:49|In this episode of TECHNE Connect to Visionaries, Joe Reed speaks with Brent Klavon, Chief Strategy Officer at ANRA Technologies, about the evolution of autonomous systems, the future of airspace and what it takes to scale drone and robotics technology safely.
Merry Walker: Co-Founder & CEO of Symphony Space
48:46|Building the Infrastructure for the Next Era of Space with Symphony SpaceIn this episode of Connect to Visionaries, Joe Reed speaks with Merry Walker, Co-Founder of Symphony Space.Merry discusses her journey from engineering and energy systems, through a career in diplomacy focused on emerging technologies, to founding a company focused on simplifying access to space.Symphony Space is building solutions designed to make space more accessible by reducing the complexity, cost and barriers involved in deploying technologies into orbit.The conversation explores how the space industry is evolving from exploration into a broader operating environment, with new opportunities across orbital infrastructure, in-space services, research, manufacturing and commercial applications.Merry shares the lessons behind taking a deep tech idea from concept to company, including understanding customer pain points, building around real market needs and creating scalable solutions for a growing space economy.They also discuss the future of space infrastructure, the importance of automation and robotics, and the skills needed for the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs and leaders entering the industry.A conversation about the people, technology and infrastructure shaping the future of commercial space.
Abdelfattah Mostafa: Head of Global Manufacturing Infrastructure at ICEYE
45:45|In this episode of Techne Connect: Connect To Orbit, Joe Reed sits down with Abdelfattah Mostafa, Head of Global Manufacturing Infrastructure at ICEYE, to discuss the evolution of the space industry, from bespoke satellite missions to scalable, industrialised manufacturing. Abdelfattah shares his career journey from mechanical engineering and oil & gas into commercial space, explaining why solving meaningful problems should always come before building impressive technology.The conversation explores Europe's growing space capabilities, the future of satellite manufacturing, AI-powered Earth observation, leadership, hiring high-performing teams, and the skills that will define the next generation of space professionals. Whether you're an engineer, graduate or industry leader, this episode offers practical insights into building a career and an industry that creates lasting impact.
Mike Safyan, VP of Launch & Strategic Initiatives at Planet
50:46|Mike Safyan, VP of Launch and Strategic Initiatives at Planet, joins Joe Reed to explore his journey from NASA Ames to becoming one of Planet’s earliest employees, and the decision to leave a secure career path to help build a company that would transform how we observe Earth. From Planet’s first satellites and its mission to image the entire planet every day, to its evolution into a publicly traded company, Mike reflects on the milestones, risks and decisions that shaped its journey.The conversation also looks ahead to the future of the space industry, from AI-powered geospatial analytics and the growing diversity of remote sensing technologies to the potential of orbital data centres. Mike shares his advice for early-career talent looking to enter the space sector, why smaller startups can accelerate professional growth, and Planet’s ambition to become a household name by demonstrating how space-based data can directly improve life on Earth.
Alicia Kavelaars, Senior Technology Officer at Spacedock
39:25|In this episode of Connect to Orbit, Joe Reed speaks with Alicia Kavelaars, Senior Technology Officer at Spacedock.Alicia shares her journey from studying theoretical physics and astrophysics, to building space systems, founding OffWorld, and now helping shape the future of persistent space infrastructure.The conversation explores:• Why the future of space depends on rapid prototyping and solving real customer problems early• How robotics, AI and hardware will drive the next wave of aerospace innovation• The importance of systems thinking for engineers entering the industry• Why adjacent industries are becoming a key source of aerospace talent• The future of commercial space infrastructure and in-orbit servicingA great conversation for engineers, founders and leaders interested in robotics, AI and the next generation of space technology.