TechVibe Pittsburgh

What if your AI could help you live well — not just work better? In this episode of TechVibe Radio , host Jonathan Kersting talks with Mike Hruska , founder of Baryons , about how his new AI platform is redefining what it means to flourish in life and work. After two decades leading Problem Solutions, Hruska's latest venture uses voice-based, human-first technology to help people reflect, reframe,...

What if building a global network connection was as easy as snapping together a few Legos? That's the reality Megaport is creating. In this episode of TechVibe Radio , Jonathan Kersting sits down with Dave Tomassoni , Regional Director at Megaport , to explore how the company is reinventing connectivity through its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform—giving businesses instant, flexible, and scala...

What can earning a black belt in karate teach you about leading a global business team? In this TechVibe Radio interview, CGI Senior Vice President Manoj Mishra sits down with Jonathan Kersting and Audrey Russo to explore the five powerful leadership lessons he's carried from the dojo into the boardroom. After six years of training, Mishra discovered that the discipline and mindset behind martial...

It is true: sustainability is smart business! In this episode of TechVibe, we sit down with Bhavani Patel, the Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh, to talk all things sustainability and the exciting CEOs for Sustainability C-Suite Summit coming up on November 19th. Why should you mark your calendar and be part of this impactful event? Here are a few key reasons:  I nspiring Discussions: H...

We're turning up the energy as we dive into the American Advertising Federation's Pittsburgh AdWeek—happening November 6th and 7th—an event that's gearing up to be a showcase of game-changing ideas and industry-leading innovation. Joining us are three incredible guests: Dwayne Waite Jr., Associate Marketing Director at Shell Games and President of Pittsburgh Ad Fed, who's here to break down the ma...

What if the next big leap in artificial intelligence doesn't come from bigger data or faster chips—but from mimicking the human brain itself? On this episode of TechVibe Radio , Jonathan Kersting dives into a mind-bending conversation with Chris Paradise and Nick Retos of Digital Dynamics AI , a Pittsburgh startup building an AI system inspired by human cognition rather than classical algorithms....

Technology and marketing have become inseparable — and no one understands that evolution better than Michelle O'Neill , Senior Director of Web Solutions & Delivery at Brunner . With 25 years at one of Pittsburgh's most innovative agencies, Michelle has witnessed every major digital shift — from the rise of the web to the AI revolution reshaping marketing today. In this episode, Michelle joins Tech...

What if getting the care you need didn't involve weeks of waiting, endless paperwork, and frustrating back-and-forth with insurance?   We sit down with Dr. Timothy Law , Chief Medical Officer at Highmark , to explore how their new Gold Carding program is transforming healthcare delivery. By using technology and trust to remove unnecessary barriers, Highmark is helping thousands of doctors get pati...

What if your phone could actually make your family safer? In this episode of TechVibe Radio , The Tech Council's Jonathan Kersting sits down with  Tim Huffmyer , the returning COO and CFO of Smith Micro , one of Pittsburgh's OG tech companies that's been innovating for over 40 years. Smith Micro might not be a household name, but their technology has likely touched your life—quietly powering mobil...

It's been nearly a decade in the making, BlastPoint just announced a $10.6 Million round of venture investment from Mission OG out of Philadelphia. TechVibe couldn't be more excited to welcome Alison Alvarez and Tomer Borenstein, co-founders of BlastPoint, to discuss this major milestone. They share their personal and professional journeys, the unique aspects of BlastPoint's AI solutions, and futu...

What if the very foundation of today's AI models — the artificial neuron itself — was about to be reinvented, making systems dramatically faster, cheaper, and smaller? Most leaders are pouring more data, GPUs, and money into existing neural-network designs, yet still face rising costs and energy demands. In this episode, Dr. Rory Brenner and Ralph Crewe of Perforated AI explain how their Carnegie...

How can a region with a 200-year manufacturing legacy become the engine that powers the next wave of AI data centers and advanced technology? Many communities are struggling to rebuild after industrial decline, yet Southwestern Pennsylvania has a unique chance to leverage its metals, machini In this episode of TechVibe, Petra Mitchell, President & CEO of Catalyst Connection, shares how her organiz...

What if every repetitive, time-consuming process in your company could run itself — and even make smart decisions along the way? From invoice processing to patient scheduling, enterprises are drowning in manual tasks that slow growth and frustrate staff. In this episode of TechVibe, Auxiliobits founder Birinder Singh shares how his team is using agent-based AI and process automation to slash costs...

Is your company pouring time and money into data and AI projects but struggling to see real results? In this episode of  TechVibe Radio , you'll hear from Mitch Kwiatkowski, Executive Vice President of Data at Techstra Solutions, who has led data and AI initiatives generating over $250 million in measurable value. As organizations race through digital transformation and AI adoption, his approach s...

What if fitting a prosthetic wasn't guesswork, but a data-driven process that gave people back their mobility? If you work in healthcare innovation, robotics, or simply care about how technology improves lives, this episode shows how Pittsburgh-based Humotech is transforming prosthetics and exoskeletons from lab prototypes into real-world solutions—right as the global demand for better mobility de...

What if understanding your healthcare costs was simple and predictable? Rising medical costs and confusing benefit designs leave both employers and employees frustrated. In this episode of  Health Care Reinvented , Highmark leaders Jonathan Majernik and Taylor Mackay reveal how their new CopayGo plan aims to change that by offering transparent, predictable costs and a seamless digital experience f...

Struggling to hire top tech talent or wondering if your job descriptions are scaring away great candidates? In today's hiring climate, getting the right engineers, developers, or data pros isn't just about posting a job—it's about knowing where to look, how to engage, and how to balance culture fit with new skills. This episode of TechVibe welcomes Anthony Bucci and Blake Babcock from BV Staffing...

What happens when AI meets the high-stakes world of financial compliance—can it really make businesses smarter without replacing people? If you've ever wrestled with how to bring AI into your organization without creating fear, confusion, or cultural backlash, check out this episode of TechVibe featuring Steve Blossom of ACA Group. You'll hear how ACA Group, a Pittsburgh-based firm helping financi...

Is AI making your workplace smarter—or just more stressful? As companies race to integrate AI tools, many overlook the human side of the equation: how employees actually feel about using them, and how workplace culture shifts when new technology enters the mix. If you're leading a team or adapting to AI yourself, this episode gives you the perspective you need to navigate both the opportunities an...

What if the way you're using AI right now is only scratching the surface of its true potential—and leaving room for serious vulnerabilities? In an era where AI tools like ChatGPT are mainstream, many are still missing out on how these systems can revolutionize workflows. This episode of TechVibe welcomes the Founders of Gray Swan AI Zico Kolter and Matt Fredrickson to explore how businesses can mo...

What happens when you mix science, art, and community empowerment—then throw in some LEGO, laser cutting, and a little consensual graffiti? You get Assemble's annual Maker Date fundraising event coming up in September. In this episode of TechVibe, discover how Maker Date lets you bid on unforgettable hands-on experiences—from welding and DJing to brewing beer and designing your own graffiti mural....

Are you an entrepreneur struggling to turn your big ideas into actionable success, or wondering how to navigate the complex world of tech-driven marketing? In this episode of TechVibe, Jeff Swartz of Blink reveals the insider strategies of building a successful advertising agency, developing innovative tech solutions, and creating a roadmap for entrepreneurial growth that can help you break throug...

What does it take to secure a stadium, school district, or high-risk construction site—and do it all from a single command center? In an age where physical security must work seamlessly with AI, video analytics, and smart access systems, Intertech CI is at the forefront of comprehensive integration. Whether it's protecting a public venue, a pharmaceutical plant, or a school, they're building syste...

What if you could go from idea to physical product in less than 24 hours—right here in Pittsburgh? Whether you're a startup founder, engineer, or maker, chances are you've run into the same frustrating roadblock: getting prototypes made is slow, expensive, and often inflexible. This episode dives into how Tronix3D is rewriting the rules of manufacturing—using cutting-edge 3D printing to rapidly pr...

 So what happens when a whiskey making entrepreneur takes the reins of one of the world's top university startup programs? If you're curious about how Pittsburgh is transforming into one of the best places in the world to launch a tech company, this episode delivers a firsthand look at the bold leadership and innovative programming driving that growth at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Meredith...