Shows
ProtoPodFrom Global Security Director to Startup Founder ft. Richard SumnallOn this episode of ProtoPod, host Jordan Rose welcomes Richard Sumnall, Founder of RackFalcon and a veteran of global security leadership.
With 20 years of experience across Europe and North America — including senior roles at Cloudflare, Palo Alto Networks, and Uber — Richard shares deep insights into physical security, privacy-first technology, and what it really takes to protect critical infrastructure.
He also breaks down how RackFalcon solves a long-standing challenge for colocation tenants: proving who accessed sensitive hardware, when, and for how long — without relying on shared site systems.
The conversation also explores how Protocase suppor...
2025-12-1743 min
ProtoPodPowering the Petabytes: Future-Proofing Data Storage and Compute with Brett Kelly and 45DrivesIn today's episode, Jordan is joined in-studio by longtime friend and colleague Brett Kelly — Technical Director at 45Drives and one of the key architects behind 45Drives' open-source storage platforms. Brett’s been instrumental in shaping the Storinator and Stornado lineup of storage products, the Direct-Wired Architecture, and the company’s approach to high-performance, open-source storage.
Jordan and Brett dive into where the future of storage is heading and how 45Drives keeps pushing the boundaries.
2025-12-1056 minProtoPodHow Rain Stella Technologies Is Redefining Healthcare | Voice AI, EMRs & MEA Innovation Ft. Eric TurkingtonThis episode of ProtoPod features Eric Turkington, Chief Product Officer at Rain Stella Technologies, joining us from Abu Dhabi to discuss how RST is transforming healthcare across the Middle East & Africa.
Eric shares how Rain Technology and Stella Technology merged to form a unified platform delivering voice-enabled AI, EMR solutions, health information exchange, and surgical workflow automation. We explore the challenges of innovating in clinical environments, what it really takes to scale AI for patient-facing impact, and how RST is deploying systems across 17 healthcare networks in five countries.
We also dive into Orva, RST’s vo...
2025-12-0328 min
ProtoPodHigh-Performance Engineering at Every Altitude: Joe Cavazos of HoustonMicroOn this episode of The ProtoPod, we’re joined by Joe Cavazos — embedded electronics designer, spacecraft avionics architect, and founder of HoustonMicro. With nearly 40 years across NASA, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and more, Joe has helped build avionics and FPGA systems for the Orion spacecraft, ISS communications, and mission-critical test equipment.
Joe shares how he approaches complex hardware design, why testing is the hidden backbone of spacecraft reliability, and how small teams can deliver world-class engineering with the right tools — including his longtime use of Protocase and Protocase Designer for fast, precise prototyping.
Listen now to dive into a...
2025-11-2625 min
ProtoPodFrom Lab to Launch How QuantAQ Is Reinventing Air Quality Monitoring ft. David HaganIn this episode of The Protopod, we sit down with David Hagan, founder and CEO of QuantAQ, the company transforming air quality monitoring with high-accuracy, Internet-connected instruments designed to be affordable, scalable, and reliable.
David shares how he launched QuantAQ straight out of his MIT PhD, why starting with scientific rigor sets his team apart, and how rapid iteration has fueled their growth from prototype to production—even through supply chain turmoil. We explore the future of air quality data, what’s still missing from today’s monitoring landscape, and how better, faster, real-time information could reshape everythin...
2025-11-1925 min
ProtoPodFrom Prototype to Proof: How Chiplytics is Building Safer Tech, featuring Tom MikolyukToday’s guest is Tom Mikolyuk, Mechanical Engineer and early team member at Chiplytics, a Seattle-based startup that’s making the world’s electronics safer by testing chips using a groundbreaking technology called Power Spectrum Analysis.
Tom joined Chiplytics as their very first intern — and went on to become their first full-time hire. Since then, he’s helped lead hardware development, product design, and system integration as the company’s grown from concept to funded startup.
We’ll talk about how Chiplytics is transforming electronics testing, what it’s like working at the intersection of hardware and sof...
2025-11-1241 min
ProtoPodLessons from 30 Years of Engineering Innovation with Jason Sicotte of AMFTIn this episode, we’re joined by Jason Sicotte — Vice President of Global Product and Engineering for AMFT. Jason has spent more than three decades driving innovation in materials science, spring technologies, and product design across automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.
We’ll talk about how AMFT is engineering resilience into their supply chain, what ‘global yet local’ manufacturing looks like in practice, and how design thinking applies just as much to operations as it does to components.
2025-11-0524 min
ProtoPodIt IS Rocket Science: Inside UGA Rocketry with Brooklyn Schnupp & Parsa NovinToday on the ProtoPod, we’re excited to welcome two student leaders from UGA Rocketry — Brooklyn Schnupp and Parsa Novin. As part of the University of Georgia’s student rocketry team, Brooklyn and Parsa competed in the International Rocket Engineering Competition earlier this year, which is the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket event. They’ll be sharing what it’s like to lead a student rocketry team, the challenges and breakthroughs of building rockets from the ground up, and what excites them most about the future of aerospace.
2025-10-2921 min
ProtoPodIntelligent Infrastructure: Domatic - Wiring Buildings for a Smarter TomorrowOn today's episode, we have Gladys Wong, co-founder of Domatic, a company reinventing how buildings are wired and smart systems deployed. Gladys leads the strategic vision, making smart buildings easier, safer, and more efficient. Also joining us is Josh Horne, Domatic’s technical and hardware lead, who takes the vision and makes it real in the field. Between them, they’ll unpack how Domatic combines low-voltage power and data on one cable, tackles real-world hardware constraints, and drives toward a future where every building is intelligent by default.
2025-10-2228 min
ProtoPodFrom Codes to Craters: Engineering Next-Gen Rover Autonomy with Olivier LamarreOn this episode, we’re joined by Olivier Lamarre, a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto’s STARS Laboratory, where he focuses on advancing planetary rover autonomy. Olivier has collaborated with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and co-founded the McGill Robotics Mars Rover Team, leading them to multiple podium finishes at international competitions. This month, he is joining our friends at NordSpace as a Systems Engineer.
2025-10-1533 min
Product Management Tech Brief By HackerNoonThe DNA of Breakthrough Projects: How to Supercharge Innovation and Eliminate Latency
This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/the-dna-of-breakthrough-projects-how-to-supercharge-innovation-and-eliminate-latency.
Project DNA helps teams execute projects faster, reduce latency, and turn uncertainty into insight, creating a practical framework for innovation success.
Check more stories related to product-management at: https://hackernoon.com/c/product-management.
You can also check exclusive content about #project-management, #protocase, #protospace-mfg, #innovation, #project-dna, #build-better, #doug-milburn, #good-company, and more.
This story was written by: @phillcomm. Learn more about this writer by checking @phillcomm's about page,
and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.
Most projects fail not from lack of...
2025-09-2606 min
The Good Tech CompaniesThe DNA of Breakthrough Projects: How to Supercharge Innovation and Eliminate Latency
This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/the-dna-of-breakthrough-projects-how-to-supercharge-innovation-and-eliminate-latency.
Project DNA helps teams execute projects faster, reduce latency, and turn uncertainty into insight, creating a practical framework for innovation success.
Check more stories related to product-management at: https://hackernoon.com/c/product-management.
You can also check exclusive content about #project-management, #protocase, #protospace-mfg, #innovation, #project-dna, #build-better, #doug-milburn, #good-company, and more.
This story was written by: @phillcomm. Learn more about this writer by checking @phillcomm's about page,
and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com.
Most projects fail not from lack of...
2025-09-2506 min
ProtoPodBoosting Product Reliability with Smarter Design, Fred Schenkelberg of FMS ReliabilityIn this episode, Jordan chats with Fred Schenkelberg, an internationally recognized authority in the field of reliability engineering.
Fred is the founder of FMS Reliability, where he works with organizations around the world to reduce product risk and boost reliability through smarter design and testing. He’s also behind Accendo Reliability, an online learning platform for reliability professionals.
Before founding his own firm, Fred was part of Hewlett-Packard’s elite reliability team, helping instill a culture of long-term performance and quality across the company. With a background in physics and statistics, Fred brings both analytical dept...
2025-09-0335 min
ProtoPodTurning Bold Ideas into Reality with Alastair Trower of Enginuity Inc.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, manufacturable realities. The company is best known for designing and building custom solutions across marine, defense, aerospace, and industrial sectors, and Alastair has been a driving force in helping scale their impact across Canada and beyond.
2025-08-2729 min
ProtoPodDesigning Robots That Transform Recycling with Jacob Schmidt of AMPIn 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.
2025-08-2025 min
ProtoPodEmergency Communication Innovation with Larry & Laura Murphy of SigteqIn 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-driven perspective to improve usability under pressure. Together, they create custom emergency communications and control solutions for some of the world’s most safety-critical environments.
2025-08-1331 min
ProtoPodRoving the Red Planet: Justin Gerein on Building Mars-Ready Engineers for Next-Gen Space TechToday 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 fiber ground station antennas.
We’ll chat about how CIRC is building the next generation of space engineers, the role of collaboration and failure in innovation, and how ProtoSpace is helping teams bring their rove...
2025-08-0631 min
NewsRamp Industrial & Manufacturing PodcastAdvancements in Aerospace, Defense, and Mining IndustriesProtoSpace Mfg, a division of Protocase Companies, sponsors the 2025 Canadian International Rover Challenge, providing support to engineering students in testing custom-built planetary rovers. Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is set to benefit from recent trade deals and proprietary technology in the magnetic materials market. President Trump's initiatives may increase demand for copper, benefiting exploration companies like Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. Silvercorp Metals Inc. has overcome legal challenges for the El Domo mining project in Ecuador, emphasizing responsible mining practices.
2025-08-0504 min
ProtoPodLighting Up the Future: digiLED's Tom Mudd on Innovation, and Smarter LED ScreensIn 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 it comes to reducing power consumption in traditionally wasteful displays.
2025-07-3025 min
ProtoPodMartian Chronicles: Crafting Clean Missions & Life-Detecting Tech with Heather SmithIn 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 Space Camp counselor to NASA Postdoc and AAAS Fellow, she’s built a career exploring the question: Are we alone?
2025-07-2341 min
ProtoPodProtoPod - From Engineer to CEO: Garrett Partridge on Leading ARC Technology SolutionsIn 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, from cutting-edge electronics design to workforce development and industry collaboration.
2025-07-1622 min
ProtoPodBootstrapped Startup to Transit Tech Leader | Bryan Gilliom of Message Point MediaIn 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 company shift—and what it takes to scale smart in a 24/7 world.
2025-07-0935 min
ProtoPodManufacturing Momentum: Brendan O’Brien on Smarter, Sustainable ProductivityIn 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 improvements in manufacturing.
2025-07-0220 min
ProtoPodAn Engineer's Journey from Rocket Science to Real-World Solutions with FPC USA.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 Los Angeles about 10 years ago. Since then, he’s helped expand FPC, a global leader in test infrastructure solutions, across North America, supporting industries from aerospace to defense.
2025-06-2529 min
ProtoPodFrom Garage Beats to Sonic Feats: The Tangelo Audio StoryIn 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.
2025-06-1839 min
ProtoPodIngenious & Practical: Surya Design’s Blueprint for InnovationIn 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 software expertise.
Sandheep has built a reputation for practical innovation, taking products from one-off
prototypes to large-scale manufacturing, all with an eye for catching problems before they
arise.
We’ll dive into his un...
2025-06-1131 min
ProtoPodFueling Student Innovation: Steve Taylor on the Rise of Rocketry Competitions with ESRAIn 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, and what’s next for ESRA and the competition.
2025-06-0424 min
ProtoPodPush Play: Revolutionizing Video Creation with One Button StudioIn 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-service video solution that removes the complexity of traditional production. With just a single press, users can walk into a studio and record high-quality video, complete with lighting, and audio, all without needing technical ski...
2025-05-2828 min
ProtoPodTech for All: CanAssist's Mission to Empower IndependenceIn 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 impactful work Paul and his team are doing, and explore
how CanAssist is transforming lives through innovation and accessibility.
2025-05-2125 min
ProtoPodIlluminating Discovery: 3i's Vision in Biomedical ImagingIn 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.
2025-05-1427 min
ProtoPodBroadcasting for the Future: Pippin Technical Services and 40+ Years of InnovationIn 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 industry. They’ve also embraced digital transformation, helping clients move into IP- and cloud-based broadcasting.
2025-05-0739 min
ProtoPodLight Speed Breakthrough: MONSTR Sense and the Future of SemiconductorsIn 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 inspect a full 6-inch wafer in just 8 minutes — a game-changer for industries like electric vehicles and power electronics.
2025-04-3046 min
ProtoPodAbove and Beyond: Aerostar's Journey Through InnovationIn 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 go back to a research team spun out from General Mills in the 1950s.
2025-04-2325 min
ProtoPodSpectral Insights: Illuminating Innovation with Nikira LabsIn 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.
2025-04-1619 min
ProtoPodPressed for the Future: Revolutionizing Garment Care with PressoIn 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.
2025-04-0921 min
ProtoPodBeyond the Decibels: Crafting Immersive Soundscapes with Indy Audio LabsIn 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.
2025-04-0933 min
ProtoPodEngineering Ingenuity: Pioneering Reliability with ZED ServicesIn today's episode, we're excited to speak with Josh Zarecky, Chief Engineer of Zed Services based in Fishers, Indiana.
Zed Services is a full service engineering firm that focuses on the design and development of reliable, efficient and economical electromechanical systems and specialized machines.
2025-04-0922 min
ProtoPodBeyond the Horizon: NordSpace and Canada’s Orbital AmbitionIn 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.
2025-04-0932 min
ProtoPodForging Futures: Leadership and Innovation in North Carolina with Cape Fear ManufacturingIn 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 also serves as chair of the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board and vice president of the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards.
Also, appearing on the...
2025-04-0928 min
ProtoPodSwiss Precision, Light Speed: Revolutionizing AI Connectivity with EnlightraIn 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.
2025-04-0935 minProtoPodProtoPod - Coming April 9th, 2025!Something big is coming to Spotify & Apple. Get ready to explore the edge of innovation!
Join your host Jordan Rose on April 9th, as we launch the ProtoPod - a podcast for engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers shaping the future.
If you are into prototyping, high-velocity mass custom manufacturing, or just obsessed with how great ideas come to life, this is your podcast.
2025-04-0200 min
Grit Daily Startup ShowEncase, Innovate and Adapt with Steve Lilley of Protospace.In this episode of the Grit Daily Startup Show, host Phillip Lanos sits down with Steve Lilley, the co-founder of Protocase, to dive into the world of aerospace and defense navigation equipment enclosures. Steve shares the challenges his company faced in sourcing small quantities of these critical components and how Protocase was born out of necessity to address these issues. The conversation explores the importance of meeting stringent certification and documentation requirements in the aerospace and defense sectors, including compliance with international traffic and arms regulations and data security protection. Steve also discusses the concept of "mass custom," which...
2024-02-1635 min
T-Minus Space DailySpaceX opens the floodgates to possible fines.SpaceX tests its new flame deflector water deluge system. Elon Musk says SpaceX provided its knowledge of crewed parachute systems to Boeing. The US Air Force has awarded Sierra Space Corporation a $22.6 million contract for the maturation of the Vortex Advanced Upper Stage Engine. ESA successfully assists the reentry of defunct satellite Aeolus, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on Tw...
2023-07-3129 min