Explore every episode of the podcast DeepTech Unleashed
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Crisis/Expansion Duality with Benoit Lemaignan, CEO and Co-Founder of Verkor | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:39:17 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske talks to Benoit Lemaignan, a key player in Europe’s battery industry who, as CEO and Co-Founder of @Verkor, has raised €2bn to support Verkor’s mission to fast-track low‑carbon battery production. Their discussion centres on the two critical yet contrasting phases every founder must face, crisis and expansion, through the prism of the battery industry. Topics include: The importance of European strategic autonomy The investments Europe needs to make in fusion and hydrogen Why Benoit is excited about SMRs and decarbonisation What Europe has ‘forgotten’ about manufacturing in the age of outsourcing The European mindset v the US mindset The role of management boards in crisis spotting Managing risk through doing things ‘one step at a time’ Revisiting traditional concepts of risk The urge to push during an expansion phase Changing speed during expansion can be as difficult as managing a crisis The vision skill set vs the execution skill set How humility and letting go are important to both phases Chapters 00:00 Navigating Expansion and Crisis in Startups 02:39 The Vision Behind Vercor 05:42 The Importance of Electrification and Decarbonization 08:58 The European Startup Mindset and Innovation 12:15 Governance and Execution in New Ventures 14:50 Balancing Expansion and Crisis Management 18:49 The Role of Leadership in Crisis and Growth 23:32 Risk Management and Strategic Planning 27:24 Recruitment Challenges and Team Dynamics 30:34 The Rewards of Overcoming Challenges 34:53 Future Trends in Battery Technology and Decarbonization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Quantum State of Possibility with Jan Goetz, CEO & Co-Founder of IQM | 13 Mar 2025 | 00:41:12 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske speaks with Jan Goetz, CEO and co-founder of IQM, a Finnish company at the cutting edge of the global quantum revolution about the uncertainty principles of deep tech entrepreneurship, building trust with different audiences, and the current state of the quantum industry. Topics covered include: Adopting a founders’ mentality to living with uncertainty The current state of possibility in the quantum industry in Europe compared to the US and China The certainty of how high-potential new tech will always develop in unexpected directions Why ‘sexy ideas’ aren’t enough Why superconducting will be the ‘winning tech’ in quantum ‘Creating facts’ through repeating patterns of delivery How changing your language, not your story builds trust across different audiences How IQM’s Nordic culture affects how they do business Why Jan rejects the ‘we’ll let you know when it’s ready’ approach to delivery Jan’s prediction for the most exciting technology of the next 10 years Chapters 00:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Deep Tech Entrepreneurship 09:59 The Current State of the Quantum Industry 19:52 Team Building, Communication & Company Culture 29:53 The Future of Quantum and Other Technologies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Business Models of the Future with EGYM Founder & CEO, Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:44:39 | |
In this episode of Deep Tech Unleashed, host Christian Noske speaks with Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, CEO and founder of eGym, a company bringing health and fitness into the digital age about one of the biggest questions deep tech founders face: choosing a business model that delivers real, long-term value to customers and investors. Topics covered include: What the ‘rock star’ companies of the future will look like Why AI makes hardware more important than ever Hardware as your ‘moat’ and key to defensibility, even if it isn’t the majority of your revenue Operational rigor and the dangers of being overly fluid just because you’re growing fast The real meaning of ‘efficiency’ and ‘accountability’ How to know when when you’re creating value rather than just making money When to work in parallel and when to work sequentially Why ‘no’ doesn’t necessarily mean you’re wrong, it might just mean you’re talking to the wrong people Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech Unleashed 01:00 The Vision Behind eGym 06:12 Hardware vs. Software: eGym's Approach 10:49 Navigating Complexity in Deep Tech 14:03 Business Models and Value Creation 21:59 Operational Resilience and Investor Relations 28:02 The Importance of Focus in Growth 35:51 AI and the Future of Deep Tech 47:13 Looking Ahead: The Future of Deep Tech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Hub Building & Growth Hacks with Paebbl Co-CEO & Co-Founder Marta Sjögren | 16 Jan 2025 | 01:04:00 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed (recorded in late 2024), host Christian Noske speaks with Marta Sjögren, co-CEO and co-founder of Paebbl, a deep tech startup focused on turning CO2 into solid, sustainable building materials, about building a world-class team and growth hacking for deep tech startups. Topics covered include: Marta's filters for evaluating climate tech opportunities The ‘humbling experience’ of transitioning from investor to operator Aligning expectations between operators and VCs Creating honest board dynamics How Marta’s hub building model allows for talent optimization Hiring for a growth mindset Testing for culture fit to reduce mismatches in hiring Deep tech growth hacking strategies Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech Unleashed 01:13 Building a World-Class Team 02:12 Marta's Journey to Founding Paebbl 05:54 Filters for Climate Tech Investment 10:11 Transitioning from Investor to Operator 13:59 Expectations Between Operators and VCs 18:09 Hub Building in Europe 21:56 Hiring for Hub Culture 26:12 Cultural Cohesion in Diverse Teams 32:23 Building Team Culture and Communication 44:06 Growth Hacking in Deep Tech 50:44 Personal Recharge and Family Support 53:34 Moments of Magic in Leadership 01:00:07 Future Technologies and Climate Solutions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Selling to Governments with Cyrille Kabbara, Founder & CEO Shark Robotics | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:43:33 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske speaks with Cyrille Kabbara, CEO and founder of Shark Robotics, about building successful partnerships between Deep Tech startups and governments/public bodies. Topics covered include: Cyrille’s unique journey from military intelligence to founding a robotics company focused on saving lives The ‘Chess game’ of selling to governments Transitioning from being project-based to product-driven The importance of thinking in terms of Op Ex v Cap Ex Overcoming the cultural differences between startups and governments Magic moments from Cyrille’s Deep Tech journey The potential of AI to revolutionise robotics Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech and Shark Robotics 02:12 Cyril's Unique Background and Journey 05:22 The Evolution of Shark Robotics 11:44 The Role of Robotics in Firefighting 13:38 Selling to Governments: Challenges and Strategies 20:14 Navigating the Public Sector Sales Process 23:30 Future Innovations in Robotics 29:21 Personal Insights and Moments of Magic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Enterprise Sales with ANYbotics CEO Péter Fankhauser | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:39:41 | |
In the first episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske talks to Péter Fankhauser, Co-Founder and CEO of ANYbotics about an area of founder life that is as vital as it is challenging: enterprise sales. Founded in 2016, Péter and his fellow founders have turned ANYbotics into a spectacular European DeepTech success story. Trusted by hundreds of industry leaders and recognised as the Next Global Hot Thing at the Digital Economy Awards 2023, ANYbotics connects the physical and digital worlds by teaming up humans and autonomous robots. Topics covered include: How AI is revolutionizing the field of robotics Understanding customer needs on an individual level even when dealing with large companies Shifting from a research to a customer focus When to start selling Enjoying the journey and ‘falling in love with the problem’ The importance of storytelling Recognizing the right moment for scaling Magic moments from across Peter’s DeepTech journey Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DeepTech Unleashed 02:07 The Journey of ANYbotics 05:54 AI and Robotics: A Paradigm Shift 09:50 Challenges in Enterprise Sales 14:07 Building Relationships in B2B Sales 17:54 The Importance of Storytelling 22:14 Customer-Centric Approach in Robotics 26:00 Balancing Life as a Deep Tech Founder 29:47 Moments of Magic in the Journey 34:05 Future of Robotics and AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Introducing DeepTech Unleashed | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:00:57 | |
A preview of DeepTech Unleashed, a podcast journey through the challenges and opportunities of being a DeepTech Founder hosted by NGP Capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| From SpaceX to Reinventing GPS: Solving the ‘Solved Problem’ with Brian Manning | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:53:18 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host and partner at NGP Capital, Upal Basu, sits down with Brian Manning, Co-Founder and CEO of Xona, to explore the future of satellite navigation. Xona is pioneering a secure, high-performance navigation system from low Earth orbit (LEO) designed to meet the demands of modern automation, providing accuracy down to the centimetre level. The Entrepreneurial Spark: From tinkering in a family plumbing business to working at SpaceX on the Falcon rocket thrust structure, and how those formative experiences shaped Brian’s journey. The Limitations of GPS: Why traditional GPS is no longer sufficient for the era of 'hands-off' machine control, autonomous vehicles, and automated infrastructure. Validating Deep Tech: The parallel approach required to prove complex satellite technology and market demand simultaneously, avoiding the pitfalls of building in a vacuum. Overcoming the Doubters: Navigating early fundraising hurdles, managing runway through volatile periods like COVID-19, and the ultimate validation of launching Xona’s first satellite. The Launch Bottleneck: The current state of the space industry where satellite manufacturing capacity heavily outstrips available commercial launch supply. A Vision of Ubiquitous Precision: Looking ahead to a future where high-precision positioning transforms precision agriculture, critical infrastructure, and consumer applications. 00:00 Introduction to Pulsar-0 and Market Opportunity 02:57 Brian Manning's Journey to Entrepreneurship 05:57 Inspiration from SpaceX and the Apollo Era 09:04 The Transition from Automotive to Space Tech 11:52 Identifying the Gaps in GPS Technology 14:47 Commercial vs. Defense Applications of Navigation Systems 17:47 Overcoming Investor Skepticism 21:12 Parallel Validation of Technology and Market Needs 24:06 Building a Strong Founding Team 27:24 The Early Struggles of Fundraising 34:05 The Launch of Pulsar-0 and Its Impact 37:02 Transitioning from Technology Developer to Service Provider 39:50 Future Use Cases and Consumer Impact 46:05 Reflections and Advice for Entrepreneurs Upal has worked in the mobile and software technology industry for over 20 years. At NGP Capital, Upal leads the US investment team. Prior to NGP Capital, he was Founder and CEO of Mformation Technologies, the world’s largest mobile device management company, which was acquired by Alcatel-Lucent. Previously he was a management consultant for McKinsey & Company in New York and London. Prior to joining McKinsey, Upal led Product Management activities for Risk Management Solutions (RMS), a leading provider of software technologies for the management of insurance risks. Upal has an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MS in Engineering from Stanford University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Imperial College, London. Follow Upal Basu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/upalbasu Find out more about NGP Capital here: https://www.ngpcap.com Brian Manning is the Co-Founder and CEO of Xona. An engineer and mechanic at heart, he holds an aerospace engineering degree and an MBA from London Business School. He is dedicated to building the foundation layer for the next generation of autonomous and connected devices by providing modern, secure, and ultra-precise satellite navigation. Follow Brian Manning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-manning-x/ Find out more about Xona here: https://www.xonaspace.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| From Sligo to Space: Reinventing acoustic materials with Rhona Togher | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:47:13 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske sits down with Rhona Togher, the CEO and co-founder of Lios. Based in Dublin, Lios is on a mission to reduce noise pollution and prevent hearing damage through advanced material science. Rhona and her co-founder, Eimear O'Carroll, have developed SoundBounce, an award-winning acoustic material that is thinner, lighter, and significantly more effective at dampening low-frequency noise than traditional solutions. From its origins as a school science project to winning the European Patent Office’s Invention of the Year 2023, Rhona shares the remarkable story of Lios’s growth. The conversation explores the challenges of building a hardware powerhouse in a risk-averse industry, the importance of long-term customer relationships, and the unique dynamics of a co-founder partnership that began in high school. What you’ll learn in this episode: The Founder’s Journey: How Lios evolved from a high school science project in Sligo into an advanced materials company operating across the automotive, aviation, and construction sectors, and even in space. A Unique Co-Founder Partnership: Insights into building a long-term, successful co-founder relationship, and how constant, transparent communication serves as the foundation for overcoming the challenges of a deep tech startup. Overcoming Industry Resistance: Strategies for convincing veteran, risk-averse industries to adopt new, breakthrough materials through multi-phase processes and long-term engagement. Supporting Women in Tech: Why visibility and community are vital for encouraging more women to pursue careers and leadership roles in deep tech. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Deep Tech Unleashed and Rhona Togher 01:22 Lios’s Mission and SoundBounce Technology 05:04 Origin Story: From High School Project to Business 11:50 Building the Team and Scaling 14:23 Managing Funding and Capital Efficiency 18:56 Navigating Early Investor and Supplier Challenges 23:04 The Power of the Co-Founder Relationship 26:11 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Deep Tech 31:13 Best Practices for Entering Risk-Averse Industries 34:35 Moments of Magic and Recognition 39:24 Personal Insights and Life Outside of Work About the Guest: Rhona Togher Rhona Togher is the co-founder and CEO of Lios, an advanced materials company based in Dublin. Along with her co-founder Eimear O'Carroll, she has spent over ten years developing breakthrough acoustic materials to combat noise pollution. Rhona’s work with Lios has earned significant recognition, including being named the European Patent Office’s Invention of the Year 2023. She is a passionate advocate for women in deep tech and focuses on building sustainable, customer-driven technology that has applications across global industries and in space. Follow Rhona on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonatogher/ Find out more about Lios here: https://lios-group.com About the Host: Christian Noske Christian Noske is a Partner at NGP Capital, where he focuses on industrial tech, enterprise software, and deep tech investments. With a wealth of experience in the venture capital landscape, Christian is dedicated to supporting founders who are solving complex technical challenges. Through DeepTech Unleashed, he brings listeners behind the scenes of the world’s most ambitious startups to uncover the human stories behind the hardware and code.
Follow Christian Noske here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-noske/
Find out more about NGP Capital here: https://www.ngpcap.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Europe’s AI-Driven Re-Industrialisation Revolution with Daedalus Founder Jonas Schneider | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:54:32 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske sits down with Jonas Schneider, founder of Daedalus and one of Europe’s most visionary deep-tech builders. From being the first engineer at OpenAI to now spearheading Europe’s AI-powered manufacturing renaissance, Jonas shares an insider’s perspective on how software, robotics, and human craftsmanship will reshape the continent’s industrial backbone. Jonas unpacks why Europe’s strength in complex, high-precision industrial parts is both its biggest advantage and its biggest bottleneck — and how Daedalus is using AI-driven, asset-light factories to preserve artisan-level quality while massively scaling production. He explains why every high-end industrial part is “a mini-project”, why the real bottleneck is human cognitive load rather than machines, and how software can capture decades of tacit manufacturing knowledge before it’s lost. Together, Christian and Jonas explore: Europe’s unique opportunity to lead in high-complexity manufacturing, not mass production The clash — and fusion — between Silicon Valley’s “move fast” culture and German precision craftsmanship Why CNC shops often run at only 15–20% machine utilization, and how Daedalus is already doubling that The demographic time bomb threatening Europe’s industrial ecosystem How AI co-pilots, automation, and integrated digital factories unlock new productivity What Europe still lacks to build globally dominant deep-tech companies — and how to fix it Jonas’s take on AI hype vs. reality, and the long-term technologies he’s personally most excited about This episode is a rare deep dive into the future of European industry from someone who helped build the future of AI. Chapters: 00:00 The Challenge of Manufacturing Innovation 06:03 Silicon Valley vs. Traditional Manufacturing 11:58 The Concept of Asset-Light Manufacturing 18:11 Software's Role in Modern Manufacturing 23:59 Building Resilience in European Manufacturing 27:31 The Hidden Champions of European Manufacturing 30:51 Navigating the European Industrial Ecosystem 34:28 Bridging the Gap: Risk Appetite in Europe 36:41 Integrating Blue Collar and White Collar Workers 42:05 Moments of Magic in Innovation 48:01 AI: Hype vs. Usefulness 51:20 Future Technologies: Dreams of Tomorrow Find out more about Daedalus here: www.daedalus.de Follow Jonas Schneider here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-schneider Find out more about NGP Capital here: www.ngpcap.com Follow Christian Noske here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-noske Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Beyond Rockets: The Business of Earth Observation with LiveEO Co-Founder Sven Przywarra | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:45:13 | |
In this episode of Deep Tech Unleashed, host Christian Noske speaks with Sven Przywarra, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of LiveEO, a pioneering earth observation company. They discuss the journey of LiveEO from its humble beginnings with just 200 euros to becoming a leader in satellite data analytics. Sven shares insights on the potential of satellite data, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges of scaling in conservative industries. The conversation also touches on the future of satellite technology, the value of data, and the unique approach LiveEO takes in the market. Topics include: The simple observation on which LiveEO was founded and the journey from starting with €200 in their bank account to becoming an industry leader How rockets may get all the attention but they are chiefly a delivery mechanism for satellites How Hollywood has done a great job introducing satellites to public consciousness but overhyped what they can currently do How earth observation has the potential to change every industry on the planet What a Trump tweet revealed about the relative capabilities of government and commercial satellites That refining the raw material of data can be more profitable than collecting it and Sven’s 3 steps for creating value out of data How the role of AI in refining data is often misunderstood Chapters: 00:00 The Rise of Satellite Data in Various Industries 02:20 Founding LiveEO: A Journey from Idea to Reality 03:52 Understanding Satellite Data: Types and Applications 06:40 The Evolution of Satellite Data and Its Ecosystem 12:05 Scaling Operations: Merging Satellite and Drone Data 14:26 Navigating Conservative Industries: Challenges and Strategies 18:56 Future Opportunities: Expanding the Reach of Satellite Data 20:13 Building a Global Team: Challenges and Insights 23:03 Cultural Differences in Team Dynamics 25:14 The Unique Approach of LiveEO in the Space Tech Industry 30:08 The Value of Data: Understanding Customer Needs 37:30 Looking Ahead: The Impact of Starship on Satellite Data 39:58 Moments of Magic: Celebrating Milestones in the Journey 42:50 Future Visions: The Excitement of Room Temperature Superconductivity
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Future of the Human/AI Partnership with Protex AI Co-Founder Ciarán O'Mara | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:40:23 | |
How is AI Revolutionising Workplace Safety? We talk to Ciarán O'Mara, CTPO and co-founder of Protex AI, a platform which aims to shift safety from a reactive to a proactive approach using computer vision and machine learning. Ciarán highlights the technical challenges of implementing AI in industrial settings, the importance of building a diverse technical team, and the evolving perceptions of AI in the workplace. He also reflects on the cultural dynamics of hiring in Ireland and the US, and shares success stories that demonstrate the impact of Protex's technology in reducing safety incidents. Topics include How Protex AI aims to shift safety from reactive to proactive. Using computer vision to monitor unsafe behaviours. Building AI for industrial clients presents unique challenges. Cultural dynamics play a significant role in hiring and team building. How AI can augment human roles rather than replace them. How Protex AI has reduced safety incidents by 62% within 90 days. How the perception of AI is evolving positively in the workplace. Why a diverse technical team is essential for innovation. The future of AI in industry is promising and full of opportunities. Success stories highlight the real-world impact of technology. Chapters 00:00 The Human Element in AI and Safety 02:30 Protex AI: Origin and Mission 04:37 Innovative Safety Solutions through Technology 06:50 Technical Challenges in AI for Industry 10:12 The Evolution of Computer Vision 12:34 Future of AI in Safety and Operations 15:06 Building a Diverse Technical Team 17:01 Changing Perceptions of AI in the Workplace 19:35 Augmenting Human Roles with AI 22:07 Protex AI vs. Traditional Safety Oversight 24:16 Cultural Dynamics in Hiring and Team Building 29:24 Navigating US Market Challenges 30:57 Moments of Magic: Success Stories 37:11 The Future of AI in Industry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Revolutionizing Communications with Satellite Connectivity - with Parth Trivedi | 27 May 2026 | 00:54:27 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Debjit Mukerji sits down with Parth Trivedi, CEO and Co-Founder of Skylo Technologies, to explore the future of satellite-based communication. Based in Mountain View, Skylo is pioneering the world’s largest standards-based non-terrestrial network (NTN), enabling everyday mobile and enterprise devices to connect seamlessly via satellite without the need for proprietary hardware. Key topics discussed: The Founding Journey: How a background in aerospace engineering and a frustration with cumbersome satellite protocols at Stanford led to a mission to solve global connectivity. The Market Opportunity: Leveraging cellular standards and existing orbital infrastructure to create a network that already supports over 16 million devices across five continents. The Human Element: Real-world stories of how direct-to-device connectivity is saving lives, including a recent pilot rescue made possible by satellite-enabled mobile messaging. Technical Innovation: The development of a multi-orbit, orbit-agnostic technology stack that integrates with standard consumer devices like smartphones and smartwatches. Building Deep Tech Teams: The importance of "T-shaped" individuals who possess both broad cross-functional malleability and deep technical expertise. A "Standardised Sky": Moving towards a future where continuous global coverage is a utility that users can simply take for granted. Chapters: 00:00 Revolutionizing Connectivity: The Skylo Approach 03:02 The Journey of a Deep Tech Founder 05:47 The Genesis of Skylo Technologies 09:10 Impactful Use Cases and Real-World Applications 11:52 User Experience as a Differentiator 14:47 The Future of Satellite and Cellular Convergence 26:46 Technical Challenges in Satellite Communication 29:10 Skylo's Unique Positioning and Ecosystem 32:06 The Future of Connectivity in the AI Era 36:29 Investment Insights and Market Opportunities 37:36 Navigating Competition in Space Tech 42:45 Building a Resilient Team and Company Culture 52:21 Future Roadmap for Skylo About the Host: Debjit Mukerji Debjit Mukerji is a Partner at NGP Capital, based in Palo Alto, California. A technologist at heart and engineer by training, Debjit partners with founders creating new categories or redefining existing ones with cutting-edge technology to help them navigate the complexities of global scaling. Follow Debjit Mukerji on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debjit-mukerji-8728a3/ Follow Debjit Mukerji on X: https://x.com/debjitmukerji Find out more about NGP Capital here: https://www.ngpcap.com/ About the Guest: Parth Trivedi Parth Trivedi is the CEO and Co-Founder of Skylo, a company dedicated to providing ubiquitous, affordable, and seamless satellite connectivity for all. An aerospace engineer by training, he holds an undergraduate degree from Purdue University, conducted research at MIT, and earned his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is passionate about multidisciplinary engineering and leveraging space technology to solve fundamental human challenges. Follow Parth Trivedi on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parthtrivedi/ Find out more about Skylo Technologies here: https://www.skylo.tech/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Reinventing Manufacturing with Generalized Robotic Intelligence with Ariyan Kabir | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:57:08 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Debjit Mukerji sits down with Ariyan Kabir, Co-Founder and CEO of GrayMatter Robotics, to explore the future of autonomous manufacturing and how to build manufacturing resilience. Based in Los Angeles, GrayMatter Robotics is pioneering generalised robotic intelligence designed to handle the 90% of manufacturing tasks that are still performed manually today. Key topics discussed:
Chapters: 00:00 Building the Foundation of Robotics 02:48 The Journey from Research to Entrepreneurship 06:01 Market Opportunities and Labor Shortages 09:13 The Human Element in Manufacturing 11:46 Technological Challenges in Robotics 15:06 Data-Driven Robotics and AI 18:11 The Future of Humanoids in Robotics 31:33 Shifting Inefficiencies in Manufacturing 32:31 The Evolution of Grammeter Robotics 37:31 Navigating National Security and Defense 41:40 The Power of Experience Centers 52:47 Insights from the Founder Journey Join us for a deep dive into how GrayMatter Robotics is building manufacturing resilience and shaping the next generation of industrial automation. About the Host: Debjit Mukerji Debjit Mukerji is a Partner at NGP Capital, based in Palo Alto, California. A technologist at heart and engineer by training, Debjit partners with founders creating new categories or redefining existing ones with cutting-edge technology to help them navigate the complexities of global scaling. Follow Debjit Mukerji on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debjit-mukerji-8728a3/ Follow Debjit Mukerji on X: https://x.com/debjitmukerji Find out more about NGP Capital here: https://www.ngpcap.com/ About the Guest: Ariyan Kabir Ariyan Kabir is a Co-Founder & CEO at GrayMatter Robotics, a company focused on enhancing human productivity and improving the quality of life through AI-powered robotics solutions. He is a seasoned robotics and AI researcher with a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and prior experience as a Postdoctoral Scholar and Research Associate. His expertise spans robotics, algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and control systems. He is passionate about making robots smart, easy to use, and rapidly deployable for complex operations. Follow Ariyan Kabir on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariyankabir Follow Ariyan Kabir on X: https://x.com/ariyankabir Find out more about GrayMatter Robotics here: https://graymatter-robotics.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Building A European Global Champion with Hélène Huby | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:44:31 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske sits down with Hélène Huby, the co-founder and CEO of The Exploration Company. Founded in 2021, the company is on a mission to democratise access to space by developing Nyx, a reusable and in-orbit refillable cargo spacecraft designed to fly to any space station. Hélène shares her remarkable journey from serving as a top executive at Airbus and ArianeGroup—where she led the Orion European Service Module programme—to declining a promotion to start her own venture from scratch with just four people and €50,000. Now, with over €300 million raised and a team of 450, the company is positioned as the European answer to SpaceX and is the first European firm to sign a Space Act agreement with NASA. The conversation explores the strategic development of a global company with European roots, the vital importance of international collaboration, and the unique challenges of scaling a hardware powerhouse in the space industry. What you’ll learn in this episode:
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to DeepTech Unleashed and The Exploration Company 01:13 The Vision Behind The Exploration Company 04:28 Building a Global Company with European Roots 10:28 Competing with SpaceX and the Need for Alternatives 17:25 Cultivating a Unique Company Culture 20:49 Navigating Regulation and Funding Challenges 27:06 Best Practices for Space Startups 30:20 The Role of ESA in Supporting Startups 34:44 Leadership Style and Personal Insights 40:02 Moments of Magic in the Journey 42:47 Personal Life and Balancing Work About the Guest: Hélène Huby Hélène Huby is the co-founder and CEO of The Exploration Company. A former executive at Airbus and ArianeGroup, she led the Orion European Service Module programme and has been involved in some of the most complex European space programmes, including Ariane and ATV. Under her leadership, The Exploration Company has become one of the fastest-growing space firms in Europe, focused on developing reusable spacecraft that provide universal access to space. Follow Hélène on LinkedIn HERE Find out more about The Exploration Company at: exploration.space About the Host: Christian Noske Christian Noske is a Partner at NGP Capital, where he focuses on industrial tech, enterprise software, and deep tech investments. With a wealth of experience in the venture capital landscape, Christian is dedicated to supporting founders who are solving complex technical challenges. Through DeepTech Unleashed, he brings listeners behind the scenes of the world’s most ambitious startups to uncover the human stories behind the hardware and code.
Follow Christian Noske on LinkedIn HERE Find out more about NGP Capital at: ngpcap.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Winning at Physical AI: A Founder’s Playbook with Igor Marinelli | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:03:06 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Debjit Mukerji sits down with Igor Marinelli, founder and CEO of Tractian. Tractian is a category leader in Physical AI, providing an end-to-end industrial monitoring platform that helps maintenance teams avoid unplanned downtime and operate with greater precision. Igor shares his vision for the future of physical AI and the playbook that has fueled Tractian’s rapid growth and its ability to solve critical “pain” for some of the world’s largest manufacturers. Episode Chapters: 02:15 Introduction to DeepTech Unleashed 04:33 Origin Story of Tractian 08:05 Ignorance as an Innovation Advantage 08:43 Decoding the Customer’s Pain—and not Product—Drives Sales 12:46 Iterate and Focus for Killer Product Development 16:52 Physical AI: Data and the Human Dimension 22:24 Managing Data at Scale and the Physical Testing Edge 33:04 A Zero-Complacency Culture and Setting Your Own Benchmarks 37:55 The Ultrasound Revolution: SmartTrac UG2 41:59 Empower Great Product Ideas Decisively and Directly (No Layers) 46:21 Sales Execution Is About Knowing How to Hire 55:18 When Fundraising, Focus on People—not Terms 1:01:28 With Great Capital Comes Great Responsibility About the Host: Debjit Mukerji: Debjit Mukerji is a Partner at NGP Capital, based in Palo Alto, California. A technologist at heart and engineer by training, Debjit partners with founders creating new categories or redefining existing ones with cutting-edge technology to help them navigate the complexities of global scaling. He has been a partner to Tractian since its seed round, supporting the company’s expansion across the US and international markets. Follow Debjit Mukerji https://www.linkedin.com/in/debjit-mukerji-9884502 Find out more about NGP Capital at ngpcap.com About the Guest: Igor Marinelli: Igor Marinelli is founder and CEO of Tractian. A mechanical engineer by training, Igor has a deep-rooted passion for the industrial sector, having witnessed the impact of machine failures firsthand through his father’s 35-year career in manufacturing. Under his leadership, Tractian has grown into a leading Physical AI company and one of North America’s fastest-growing tech companies, securing significant investment to help industrial enterprises digitalize their maintenance operations and eliminate unplanned downtime. Follow Igor Marinelli here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igmarinelli Find out more about Tractian here: tractian.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Unlocking the Logical Era of Quantum Computing with Peter Leek | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:52:31 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske sits down with Peter Leek, founder and chief scientific officer of Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC). OQC is a pioneer in the quantum space, having developed three generations of quantum computers that are currently deployed in data centres across the UK, Japan, Spain, and New York City. Peter shares his 20-year journey as a scientist and “dreamer” who turned complex physics research into a commercial reality. The conversation explores the technical breakthroughs that make OQC’s hardware unique, the challenges of navigating the intense “hype cycle” of quantum technology, and the company’s ambitious goal to enable the first useful quantum applications by the end of the decade through its new OQC TITAN system. The discussion dives deep into the philosophy of “bold innovation,” the engineering hurdles of 3D circuit integration, and the evolving leadership dynamics within a high-growth deep tech startup. What you’ll learn in this episode: The Scalability Breakthrough: How OQC uses a simple, innovative approach to 3D circuit integration to overcome the “wiring bottleneck” that limits traditional 2D quantum processors. Hype vs. Reality: Why quantum computing is both the most consequential and over-hyped technology of our time, and how to balance scientific excitement with pragmatic expectations. Bold Innovation: The importance of taking “calculated risks” on technical ideas that experts in the field might initially question. The Logical Era: What it means to move beyond experimental quantum systems into hardware purpose-built for real-world commercial impact. From Founder to CSO: Peter’s personal evolution from a career scientist to a founder, and the importance of building a leadership team with complementary skills. About the Guest: Peter Leek Peter Leek is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC). A career scientist with over 20 years of experience in quantum computing research, Peter holds a PhD in physics and founded OQC to translate his unique intellectual property into world-changing technology. Under his scientific leadership, OQC has become a global leader in superconducting circuits, deploying scalable quantum systems to data centres and supercomputing centres worldwide. Follow Peter Leek HERE Find out more about Oxford Quantum Circuits at oxfordquantumcircuits.com About the Host: Christian Noske Christian Noske is a Partner at NGP Capital, where he focuses on industrial tech, enterprise software, and deep tech investments. With a wealth of experience in the venture capital landscape, Christian is dedicated to supporting founders who are solving complex technical challenges. Through DeepTech Unleashed, he brings listeners behind the scenes of the world’s most ambitious startups to uncover the human stories behind the hardware and code. Follow Christian Noske HERE Find out more about NGP Capital here: ngpcap.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Revolutionising Semiconductor Metrology with Hamed Sadeghian | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:40:37 | |
Episode Title: Revolutionising Semiconductor Metrology with Hamed Sadeghian In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske sits down with Hamed Sadeghian, the co-founder and CEO of Nearfield Instruments. Based in the Netherlands, Nearfield is a semiconductor metrology powerhouse that is solving one of the industry’s most critical bottlenecks: the ability to inspect microchips at the atomic scale without destroying them. Hamed shares his unique journey, from founding his first company at age 19 in Iran to leading Nearfield through a massive €135 million Series C round in 2024 to meet the global demand for AI-ready chips. The conversation dives deep into the “reverse origin story” of a technical founder, the philosophy of “customer obsession”, and the reality of scaling a complex hardware startup in a conservative, consolidated industry. What you’ll learn in this episode:
Memorable Moments:
Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Nearfield Instruments and Hamed’s Journey 02:49 – The Evolution of Semiconductor Metrology 05:43 – Challenges in the Semiconductor Industry 08:46 – Building a Startup in a Consolidated Market 11:56 – Leveraging Ecosystems for Growth 14:29 – Customer Obsession and Team Dynamics 17:36 – Navigating the Transition from CTO to CEO 19:59 – Moments of Magic in the Journey 22:55 – Future Trends in Technology: Quantum and Beyond About the Guest: Hamed Sadeghian Hamed Sadeghian is the co-founder and CEO of Nearfield Instruments. A prolific innovator with over 60 patents, Hamed has built a career at the intersection of precision engineering, optics, and advanced semiconductor equipment. Before founding Nearfield in 2016 as a spin-off from TNO, he led the nano-optomechatronics group at TNO and held a professorship at Eindhoven University of Technology. His entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 19 in Iran, and today he is recognised as a leader in developing atomic-scale process control solutions for the worldwide semiconductor manufacturing industry. Follow Hamed Sadeghian HERE Find out more about Nearfield Instruments at nearfieldinstruments.com About the Host: Christian Noske Christian Noske is a Partner at NGP Capital, where he focuses on industrial tech, enterprise software, and deep tech investments. With a wealth of experience in the venture capital landscape, Christian is dedicated to supporting founders who are solving complex technical challenges. Through DeepTech Unleashed, he brings listeners behind the scenes of the world’s most ambitious startups to uncover the human stories behind the hardware and code. Follow Christian Noske HERE Find out more about NGP Capital at ngpcap.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 70/30 Decision Making and Successful Exits with Theodor Nielsen | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:46:02 | |
In this episode of DeepTech Unleashed, host Christian Noske sits down with Theodor Nielsen, founder and CEO of NIL Technology (NILT). From a 2006 “school project” at the Technical University of Denmark to becoming a global leader in meta-optics, Theodor shares the raw, 19-year journey of building a company that achieved one of the largest European deep tech exits to date. Beyond the breakthrough nanostructures and flat optics, Theodor dives into the “softer side” of leadership. He reveals his framework for high-speed decision-making, how he manages the “constant companion” of CEO doubt by trusting his team, and why he focused on building a “real company” rather than an exit strategy. Key Takeaways: The 70/30 Decision Rule: Why 70% of decisions don’t actually matter—and why speed is more valuable than perfection for the majority of a CEO’s choices. Doubt as a Leadership Tool: How to distinguish between healthy “positive paranoia” and paralyzing doubt, and why sharing your insecurities with your team fosters a more powerful executional force. The “Lab to Fab” Strategy: The strategic pivot from being a technology provider to a manufacturing leader in meta-optics, and why NILT chose to build its own fabs. Building a “Real Company”: Why focusing on unique technology and real value naturally leads to successful acquisitions, even when you aren’t actively looking to sell. Moments of Magic: From the thrill of the first profitable budget to hitting the “impossible” 92% efficiency record for meta-lenses that proved their technology was ready for the world. Chapters: 00:00 – The Journey of NIL Technology: From University to Global Leader 10:48 – Decision-Making in Deep Tech Leadership: Speed vs. Accuracy 27:00 – Building Trust: Why it's important to trust your team with your doubt 30:59 – Navigating the Exit: The story behind the landmark acquisition 37:56 – Lessons on Owning Your Vision and Storyline 41:15 – Moments of Magic: Breaking efficiency records in the lab 45:01 – Future Tech: Climate Change, Health, and Space Exploration About The Guest: Theodor Nielsen is the Founder and CEO of NIL Technology (NILT). A trained engineer from the Technical University of Denmark, he has spent nearly two decades pioneering nano-imprint lithography and meta-optics solutions that are now revolutionising 3D sensing, AR/VR displays, and consumer electronics. Find out more about NIL Technology HERE Follow Theodor Nielsen HERE About The Host: Christian Noske is a Partner at NGP Capital, where he focuses on industrial tech, enterprise software, and deep tech investments. With a wealth of experience in the venture capital landscape, Christian is dedicated to supporting founders who are solving complex technical challenges. Through DeepTech Unleashed, he brings listeners behind the scenes of the world’s most ambitious startups to uncover the human stories behind the hardware and code. Follow Christian Noske HERE To learn more about NGP Capital’s work with Deep Tech founders, visit ngpcap.com or follow us on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A new era of nuclear innovation with Jimmy Co-Founder Antoine Guyot | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:40:47 | |
This episode of DeepTech Unleashed, hosted by Christian Noske, Partner at NGP Capital, explores the “new age of nuclear innovation” with Antoine Guyot, co-founder and CEO of Jimmy, a French company that designs and operates micro-nuclear reactors to provide industrial clients with decarbonized process heat at a lower cost than fossil fuels. While Germany has historically been skeptical of nuclear energy, France is leading a shift toward a new generation of decentralised, micro-nuclear reactors. Antoine shares how Jimmy is decarbonising industrial process heat—a massive, often overlooked source of emissions—by designing and operating micro-reactors that provide low-cost, carbon-free energy directly to industrial sites. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Nuclear Stigma: Why moving toward nuclear systems requires a “jump of faith” for a society that often only sees nuclear through the lens of cinema. Decarbonising Industry: The challenge of replacing fossil fuels in industrial heating, which Jimmy addresses by providing carbon-free heat at a lower cost than traditional methods. Nuclear as a Product: Jimmy’s innovative approach to making nuclear technology “simpler” and more accessible for industrial clients by treating it as a standard industrial tool rather than a massive infrastructure project. Overcoming Deep Tech Challenges: Insights into the “moments of magic” and the hard-won breakthroughs necessary to scale a high-stakes energy startup. The Future of Engineering: Why Antoine believes the fusion of nuclear physics and artificial intelligence will define the next decade of engineering breakthroughs. Chapters: 00:00 The Dawn of Nuclear Innovation 09:54 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 20:05 Market Dynamics and Opportunities 30:14 Building Trust and Education 39:58 The Future of Nuclear and Beyond About the Guest: Antoine Guyot is the co-founder and CEO of Jimmy, a French company at the forefront of the new nuclear era. Backed by over €32 million in French government grants and €20 million in VC investment, Jimmy is proving that micro-reactors are a vital tool for achieving a decarbonised future. Antoine graduated from Ecole Polytechnique, the top engineering school in France. After working in strategic consulting, he became interested in the nuclear field, particularly in how cheap uranium could help decarbonise industrial heat, which is mostly generated using fossil fuels. Jimmy’s mission is to provide industrials with cheap, decarbonised process heat, thus massively helping to decarbonise industries in France and Europe. About the Host: Christian Noske is a Partner at NGP Capital, specialising in Deep Tech investments that shape a better future. To learn more about NGP Capital’s work with Deep Tech founders, visit ngpcap.com or follow us on LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||