The Techne Connect

In this episode we speak with Ashton Meginnis, Head of Space Systems at AstroForge, about building the first commercially funded deep space vehicle and the future of asteroid mining. Ashton shares his journey from childhood dreams of exploring the cosmos to leading rapid spacecraft development at AstroForge, including how the team designed, built, and launched a deep space mission in just four mon...

In this episode we speak with James Cooper, Chief Operating Officer at Anatra, about his journey from the US Marine Corps into defence technology and autonomous aviation. James shares lessons from 22 years as a Marine officer and F-18 pilot, before moving into software, telecommunications, and now startup leadership. The conversation explores military transition, leadership, networking, defence in...

In this episode we speak with Nicolas Gaume, Co-Founder and CEO of Space Cargo Unlimited, about building the infrastructure for in-space manufacturing. Nicolas shares how Space Cargo Unlimited is using microgravity to create new opportunities across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, materials, electronics, and biotechnology. The conversation explores space manufacturing, commercial space infrastructur...

In this episode we speak with Stan Sabatier, R&D Offboard Software Director at Movu Robotics France, about building reliable robotic systems for warehouse environments. Stan shares his journey from SaaS, infrastructure, media, and entrepreneurship into robotics, and explains why modern robotics is shifting from individual robot performance to full system reliability. The conversation explores...

In this episode we speak with Jesús Manuel Muñoz Tejeda, Founder of Persei Space, about his journey from academia into building a space sustainability startup. Jesús shares his background in space propulsion, his path through leading universities across Europe and the US, and how he transitioned from research into entrepreneurship. The conversation focuses on the realities of building a deep tech...

In this episode we speak with Nicolas Moulin-Fournier, Chief Product Officer at Look Up, about his journey from space telecom and strategy consulting to space situational awareness. Nicolas shares how his time at Eutelsat shaped his approach to product development, customer needs, and bringing complex space services to market. The conversation explores why space is becoming more congested and cont...

In this episode we speaks with Benjamin Perez, CEO of Arachnid Systems, about building robotic inspection technology for aerospace, defence, space, and infrastructure. Benjamin shares how his background in aerospace manufacturing, product distribution, and hands-on engineering shaped the creation of Arachnid Systems. The conversation explores aerospace maintenance, inspection bottlenecks, predicti...

In this episode we speak with Brook Leonard, CEO at Rogue Space Systems, about his journey from the US Air Force into commercial space leadership. Brook shares how his experience as a pilot and leader shaped his approach to building teams, solving complex problems, and driving execution in high-pressure environments. The conversation explores the shift towards a new space economy, where infrastruc...

In this episode we speak with Avi Shabtai, CEO at Ramon Space, about his journey from deep tech and data centres into the space sector. Avi shares how Ramon Space is building computing infrastructure in orbit to support the next generation of data-driven space applications. The conversation explores how ideas move from concept to execution, the balance between innovation and commercialisation, and...

In this episode we speak with Chip Walter, Partner at Marlinspike Partners, about his journey from the US Navy and CIA into venture capital. Chip shares how his experience across defence, intelligence, and innovation shaped his approach to investing, with a focus on technologies that deliver real impact to the warfighter. The conversation explores the rise of dual-use technology, why AI and autono...

In this episode we speak with Ben Cipperley, Chief Strategy Officer at Havoc AI, about his transition from 26 years in the US Navy into defence technology leadership. Ben shares how his Navy career shaped his approach to strategy, autonomous systems, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. The conversation explores collaborative autonomy, command and control, multi-domain defence system...

In this episode we speak with Rob Alford from Havoc about his transition from the US Navy into one of the fastest-growing defence technology startups. Rob shares his journey through mechanical engineering, nuclear propulsion systems, aircraft carrier operations, and emerging technology experimentation before moving into autonomous defence systems. The conversation explores collaborative autonomy,...

In this episode we speak with Sanjay Ralhan, VP of Airworthiness and Certification at Atropos Group, about his 30-year journey across aviation, regulation, certification, and autonomous aircraft development. Sanjay shares lessons from his time at Boeing, the FAA, Virgin Galactic, and now Atropos Group, where he is helping shape the certification pathway for a clean-sheet autonomous aircraft. The c...

In this episode we speak with Enrique Oti, Chief Strategy Officer at Second Front Systems, about his journey from the US Air Force into defence technology. Enrique shares his experience as a cyber warfare officer, China Foreign Area Officer, and founder of Kessel Run, before moving into industry to help modern software reach the warfighter faster. The conversation explores the challenge of bringin...

In this episode of Behind the Influence, we speak with Kateryna Portmann , Women in Robotics , Co-Lead and lecturer in robotics and Physical AI. Kateryna shares her journey into robotics, from neurorehabilitation technology to industrial inspection robots, and explains why representation, visibility and access matter in engineering. She also discusses how robotics is evolving, why inclusive teams...

In this episode of Behind the Mission, we speak with Derek Austin, Head of Computer Vision at ZeroMark, about building computer vision systems for counter-drone defence. Derek shares his journey from computer science and self-supervised learning to leading computer vision development at ZeroMark. The conversation explores edge deployment, startup culture, defence technology, counter-UAS systems, d...

In this episode of Behind the Flight, we speak with Eloa Guillotin, CEO of Beyond Aero, about building a hydrogen-electric business aircraft. Eloa shares her journey from aerospace engineering in Toulouse to entrepreneurship, and explains how Beyond Aero is developing a six-seat aircraft designed around hydrogen propulsion. The conversation explores electric aviation, certification, aircraft desig...

In this episode we speak Ken Macken , Founder and CEO of Workr , a robotics company focused on solving global labour shortages through autonomous workforce solutions. Ken shares his journey from hands-on manufacturing roles to building multiple companies, and explains why the future of robotics is not about hype, but about delivering consistent output in industries where labour is disappearing. He...

In this episode of Behind the Robot we speak with Csaba Hartmann , a leader in the Robotics Industry Csaba shares his journey from Hungary into robotics, consulting, electric vehicles, humanoids, and deep tech investing. He explains what it takes to scale hardware companies, shorten supply chains, improve manufacturing, and build operational systems that help robotics teams move faster. The conver...

In this episode we speak with Max Hjalmarsson, Co-Founder and CEO of Airpelago, about his entrepreneurial journey and the growth of one of Europe’s leading drone inspection companies. Max shares how Airpelago evolved from an idea into a fast-scaling business focused on power line inspections using autonomous drone operations. The conversation explores aviation safety culture, drone regulations, au...

In this episode we speak with Pierre Bi, Founder and CEO of enshift, about his entrepreneurial journey and mission to decarbonise real estate across Europe. Pierre shares how his background in mechanical engineering, battery systems, air purification, and renewable energy shaped the creation of enshift. The conversation explores building a startup, managing risk, renewable energy adoption, battery...

In this episode we sit down with Brad King , CEO and Co-Founder of Orbion Space Technology , to discuss the role of propulsion in the next phase of the space economy. Brad shares his journey from aerospace engineering into leadership, and explains how Orbion was built around a growing market need for reliable, fuel-efficient propulsion systems for satellites. He breaks down how in-space mobility s...

In this episode we speak with Ben Gliwa , Vice President of Engineering and Asset Management at Bulk Infrastructure . Ben shares his journey from mechanical engineering in Australia to leading operations and engineering teams across Europe, including roles at AWS and Equinix. He explains how his background in utilities shaped his approach to managing large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure. T...

In this episode we speak with Allen McAfee , CTO of Fuse Integration . Allen shares his path from military service into engineering, startup life, and defence technology leadership. He reflects on how his background shaped his approach to problem solving, leadership, and building systems that serve real operational needs. The conversation explores airborne networking, mission systems, and the grow...

In this episode we speak with David Liu , Director of Engineering at AeroVironment , about his journey from Northrop Grumman to Facebook and Meta, before moving into defence robotics at AV. David shares how his experience across aerospace, big tech, connectivity, smart glasses, and advanced aircraft systems shaped his approach to engineering leadership. He explains how lessons from Silicon Valley,...