ProtoPod

In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Alastair Trower, Director of Business Development at Enginuity Inc — an engineering and product development firm based in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada. With a deep appreciation for both technical and creative problem solving, Alastair – or Alf, as he’s commonly known – plays a pivotal role in helping Enginuity turn bold ideas into functional, manufa...

In today's episode, we talk with Jacob Schmidt, Engineering Manager at AMP. Since joining in 2020, he’s designed some of AMP’s most advanced robotic hardware, including their newest small robot, built entirely from his design. We discuss his path from hands-on mechanical engineer to team leader, his passion for mentorship, and how AMP is using AI and robotics to transform recycling worldwide.

In today's episode, we are excited to chat with the powerhouse father-daughter duo from Sigteq: Larry Murphy, who founded the company over two decades ago, and Laura Murphy, who now leads product and user-experience initiatives. Larry’s background in radio engineering for the London Ambulance Service laid the groundwork for Sigteq’s specialized alerting systems, while Laura brings a fresh, UX-driv...

Today we’re talking with a founding member of the Canadian International Rover Challenge, Justin Gerein — a hands-on, Mars-style robotics competition held each summer in the badlands of Drumheller, Alberta. He’s an engineering manager at Calian Composites, a mechanical engineer by training, and a leader in designing high-performance composite systems — including one of the first Q/V band carbon fi...

In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Tom Mudd, Head of Technical at digiLED, one of the world’s leading makers of enormous, high-definition LED screens. Tom's journey spans from backstage at major music tours to tackling massive AV installations at stadiums and global venues. He brings to the table a rare blend of hands-on technical know-how and creative solution-building—especially when...

In today's episode, we’re joined by Heather Smith, a contracted NASA Research Scientist working with The Kiss Institute. With a focus on Mars and its moons, she develops life-detection instruments and strategies to keep space missions clean and science-ready. Her path includes a PhD in Biological Engineering, a master’s in Space Studies, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Psychology. From...

In today's episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Garrett Partridge, the CEO of ARC Technology Solutions, a powerhouse in custom test systems, obsolescence mitigation, and rapid hardware solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. Now leading one of New England’s most agile tech companies, Garrett blends real-world innovation with visionary leadership, tackling complex challenges head-on...

In this episode, we are excited to be joined by Bryan Gilliom, President & CTO of Message Point Media—a leader in digital displays for over 100 transit systems across North America. We explore how his team uses rapid prototyping, semi-custom manufacturing, and global collaboration—with Protocase as a key partner in bringing fast-turn ideas to life. Hear how one whiteboard session sparked a com...

In this episode, we are excited to be joined by Brendan O’Brien, Head of R&D at Vorne Industries, a company known for its durable, equipment-agnostic solutions that help manufacturers track productivity and minimize downtime. With a background in mechanical engineering, data analytics, and sustainability, Brendan brings a global perspective and a people-first approach to driving lasting improv...

In today's episode, we’re excited to chat with Jan Fessl, Founder and Managing Director of FPC USA. With a Master’s in Astronautical Engineering from USC, Jan’s career spans hardware testing, control systems, and liquid propulsion. He first connected with Protocase while at USC’s Liquid Propulsion Lab, where he was featured in our Student Spotlight. Originally from the Czech Republic, Jan moved to...

In today’s episode, we're excited to chat with Craig Phillips, founder of Tangelo Audio and a driving force behind some of the most powerful digital synthesizers on the market.  With a degree in Electronic Systems Engineering and a passion for electronics that was sparked at age seven, Craig blends technical know-how with a creative, hands-on approach to hardware design. 

In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Sandheep Surendran, founder of Surya Design, LLC, a product development firm known for turning inventive ideas into reality across industries like biotech, automotive, and consumer electronics. With over 20 years of experience spanning toys to clean tech, Sandheep brings a multidisciplinary edge to engineering, combining mechanical, electrical, and so...

In this episode, we’re joined by Steve Taylor, President of the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association. Steve leads the team behind the International Rocket Engineering Competition, the world’s biggest student rocketry event. With years of experience in launch ops and safety, he’s helped shape what IREC is today. We’ll talk about how student rocketry is evolving, the big move to Midland, Texas,...

In today's episode, we are excited to chat with Jason Jenkins, a seasoned audio-visual systems expert and the founder of Studiomatic, the company behind the One Button Studio. With over 20 years of experience in video production, studio design, and live streaming, Jason has made it his mission to simplify professional content creation. The Studiomatic One Button Studio is a fully automated, self-s...

In today's episode, we are excited to talk to Paul Green, Associate Director of Operations and Technology Development at CanAssist, an innovative organization based at the University of Victoria. CanAssist is dedicated to developing customized technologies and services that enhance independence and inclusion for individuals with physical or cognitive challenges. We’re excited to dive into the impa...

In this episode, we are excited to chat with 3i, a company at the forefront of biomedical imaging technology. Founded in 1994 by a team of scientists from fields like cell biology, neuroscience, and immunology, 3i develops advanced fluorescence microscopy systems and the powerful SlideBook software platform, a tool that manages everything from image capture to analysis.

In this episode, we're excited to chat with Grant Biebrick, Sales and Marketing Specialist at Pippin Technical Services. Pippin Technical Services, or PTS, has been a cornerstone of Canadian broadcasting since 1980. From designing and integrating full radio systems to creating custom A/V solutions through their PTS Gear brand, they’re known for delivering innovative, turnkey solutions across the i...

In today's episode, we're excited to chat with Dr. Eric Martin, President and co-founder of MONSTR Sense Technologies, a company revolutionizing how we inspect semiconductors.   MONSTR Sense was born from a frustration with slow spectroscopy methods and has since developed ultrafast laser tools that dramatically speed up semiconductor analysis. Their breakthrough technology makes it possible to in...

In this episode, we're excited to chat with Russ Van Der Werff, Vice President of the Stratospheric Platforms Division at Aerostar, where he leads strategy, development, and team operations.   Aerostar itself has a rich legacy in aerospace and defense, with over 65 years of experience. The company designs advanced stratospheric balloons, radar systems, and protective gear, building on roots that g...

In today's episode, we're excited to speak with Manish Gupta, who is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Nikira Labs.   As a leader in optical spectroscopy, Manish has a strong track record of turning advanced technology into real-world solutions.

In today's episode, we chat with Thibault Corens, co-founder and chief technology officer at Presso , an Atlanta-based, venture-backed, hardware-robotics company that is disrupting the garment care industry with its state-of-the-art machines that combine precise pressing and effective, eco-friendly treatment solutions in just a matter of minutes.

In this episode, we chat with Maxim Karpov, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Enlightra. Enlightra is a start-up based in Switzerland that develops chip-scale comb lasers for the high-speed connectivity of AI Clusters.

In today's episode, we are excited to chat with Ted Moore, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Indy Audio Labs.   Indy Audio Labs designs and manufactures high-performance immersive processors, pre-amplifiers and power amplifiers for home theatres, media rooms and 2-channel listening.

In this episode, we are joined by Jim Flock, an industry veteran, who has spent the better part of four decades in the machining business. Jim is originally from Brooklyn, New York, but has spent the past nine years in North Carolina where he manages HSM Machine Works South, a leading Aerospace manufacturer of landing gear assemblies. Jim is a member of the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership. He...

In today's episode, we chat with Rahul Noel, the founder and CEO of NordSpace. NordSpace is breaking barriers in the aerospace industry with its bold mission to launch Canada’s first orbital-class rocket.