The Tech Connect

Behind the Power: Dennis Yu, Director of Hardware & Systems Engineering at Liminal Insights Inc.In this episode of The Tech Connect, we talk to Dennis Yu, Director of Hardware & Systems Engineering at Liminal, a startup using ultrasound to transform battery quality inspection.Dennis shares his unconventional path from trade school to UC Berkeley to helping deploy novel metrology tools inside a Gigafactory. We talk about the challenges of scaling tech, managing teams, and hiring with intention in the fast-moving world of clean energy.Topics include:Startup vs. corporate R&D: what you gain and what you tradeThe future of in-line battery QCHow early career apprenticeships shaped his leadership stylePrioritizing in chaos & the art of “insulating your team”Why V&V should never be an afterthoughtIt’s a deep, honest look at building hardware, managing humans, and betting on curiosity in a competitive industry.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Daniel Evans, Former Senior Manager of Research and DevelopmentIn this episode of The Tech Connect, we talk with Dan Evans, Former Senior Manager of Research and Development at Alsym Energy, about what it takes to lead battery R&D in a high-stakes, high-growth environment.Dan shares his unconventional path from zeolite synthesis to aqueous battery innovation, and why making non-flammable, cost-effective batteries for stationary storage might be the most urgent challenge of the decade.We dive into:The startup vs. corporate R&D experienceHow cross-industry skills transfer into battery techWhy fire-safe batteries are crucial for grid-scale deploymentThe power of curiosity, humility, and hands-on leadershipFrom technical insights to honest reflections, Dan brings a grounded perspective on building something truly different, and safer, in clean energy.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Ninni Hed, Senior Manager, Software & Electronics at BorgWarner Inc.In this episode of The Tech Connect, we sit down with Ninni Hed, Chief Engineer at BorgWarner, whose career journey spans mobile tech, IT infrastructure, and now electrification.Ninni shares how she navigated major transitions; from coaching rival tech teams to leading global battery system strategy, all while creating calm in the chaos. She talks about the importance of curiosity, cross-discipline thinking, and why every engineering leader should "act like a duck."We cover:Her 100-day rule for entering new rolesWhy AI and cost optimization are reshaping EV techThe overlooked power of listening in leadershipHow the auto industry is becoming the most exciting space for innovationWhether you’re in engineering, leadership, or just curious about where the future of mobility is headed; this conversation will inspire you to think bigger.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Aamir Iqbal Waidha, Head of Research & Development at theionIn this episode of The Tech Connect, we meet Dr. Aamir Iqbal Waidha, Head of R&D at Thion and a passionate material scientist reshaping the future of energy storage. From growing up in India to leading cutting-edge battery innovation in Berlin, Aamir walks us through his academic path in nanotechnology and solid-state chemistry, the pivotal shift from academia to industry, and the promise of lithium-sulfur batteries.He opens up about the challenges of scaling next-gen energy solutions, why transparency is vital in battery tech, and how curiosity, patience, and risk-taking have fueled his journey. Whether you're a budding engineer or a battery industry veteran, this conversation dives deep into the materials, mindset, and market forces behind the power.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Xavier Kohll, CTO & Co-Founder at Circu Li-ionIn this episode of The Tech Connect, we speak with Xavier Kohll, CTO and co-founder of Circu Li-ion, whose journey from Swiss research labs to robotic battery dismantling is driving real impact in the clean tech revolution.Xavier shares:🔬 How soft robotics and academic research led to a real-world startup solution ⚡ Why Europe’s battery recycling infrastructure needs urgent innovation 🤖 How Circulion is using AI and robotics to dismantle EV batteries, and entire electric vehicles 🌍 The importance of circularity, and how “urban mining” can redefine the battery supply chain 🏔️ Why keeping a healthy mind and body is essential when solving complex industrial challengesXavier’s story is a powerful blend of deep tech, bold ambition, and sustainable vision; perfect for engineers, founders, and anyone passionate about building the future of energy.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Power: Tom Maull, Technical Strategy Manager at Elysia Battery IntelligenceIn this episode of Behind the Power, we sit down with Tom Maull, Technical Strategy Manager at Elysia Battery Intelligence, whose unconventional career path has taken him from US courtrooms to UK racetracks, and everywhere in between.Tom shares:⚙️ How a career in litigation consulting shaped his systems-thinking mindset🚗 His journey from restoring an '80s sports car to designing real-world EV battery algorithms🔋 The impact of battery intelligence, and why it’s transforming both motorsport and heavy industry🇺🇸➡️🇬🇧 What it’s like to pivot careers and continents in the pursuit of innovation🌍 How he and Elysia are working to decarbonize Fortescue's mining fleet with the same emissions as FranceTom’s story is a powerful mix of curiosity, grit, and vision; perfect for engineers, innovators, and anyone looking to make their mark in battery tech or clean mobility.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Behind the Entrepreneur: Niclas Lehnert, Co-Founder of PulseTrainIn this episode, we sit down with Niclas Lehnert, co-founder of PulseTrain, a deep tech startup pioneering sustainable battery management systems for electric vehicles and beyond. Niclas shares the remarkable story of how a Christmas Eve conversation sparked the idea for PulseTrain, the intense journey from prototype to commercial traction, and the near-bankruptcy moment that tested the team’s resolve.We dive into:How PulseTrain is extending battery cell lifetimes by up to 80% using a unique hardware-software comboWhy embedded software is critical to the future of electrificationThe role of personal resilience, nature, and military discipline in Niclas's founder journeyPractical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and engineers navigating the startup worldWhether you're building a startup, interested in clean tech, or just love a good founder story, this episode delivers real talk, inspiration, and future-forward thinking.Thank you for listening to The Tech Connect Podcast - where we go behind the tech and ahead of the curve.Each episode brings you stories from the minds shaping the future of automotive, motorsport, space, defense, aviation, energy, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about how innovation really happens - you're in the right place.👉 Don’t miss an episode: Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.📸 For behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram: @techne_talent💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: Techne TalentInspire your future. Plug into what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.