Episodios

  • From PhD Lab to Industry Leader: Paul Webster’s Journey to a Hard Tech Exit

    From PhD Lab to Industry Leader: Paul Webster’s Journey to a Hard Tech Exit
    Sep 30 2025
    What if your PhD side project could turn into a multimillion-dollar acquisition in just five years—without going through endless VC rounds? What you’ll discover… The crucial pivot that took Laser Depth Dynamics from medical imaging to manufacturing—and why it made all the difference How leveraging your university ecosystem can give you world-class R&D resources without the overhead Why empathy might be the most underrated skill for technical founders The role strategic partnerships played in landing Laser Depth Dynamics’ very first customer How to prepare your company for acquisition from day one Where to find it… (2:00) From PhD research into optical coherence tomography to a startup idea (5:15) The big pivot: starting a technology business (8:00) Using the university ecosystem to develop and test prototypes (9:40) Strategic partnerships with IPG Photonics and securing first customers (13:40) Building marketing assets that engineers often overlook (19:05) Understanding product-market fit in B2B hard tech (25:10) Finding and cultivating early adopter customers (28:15) Funding strategies without heavy VC involvement (46:32) Leadership styles and growth over time (50:15) Preparing for acquisition and knowing when to sell More about the episode Turning cutting-edge research into a viable, market-ready product is never easy—especially in hard tech, where the path from prototype to profitability is often long and capital-intensive. But Paul Webster, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager at IPG Photonics Canada, managed to do just that with Laser Depth Dynamics, the company he co-founded while finishing his PhD at Queen’s University. In this episode of Pioneers, host Peng-Sang Cau dives deep into Paul’s journey from academic research to successful acquisition. You’ll hear how he pivoted from medical imaging to manufacturing to shorten time-to-market, leveraged the resources of the university ecosystem to refine his prototype, and built strategic relationships—most notably with IPG Photonics—that fast-tracked his path to customers and growth. Paul also reveals how empathy, overbuilt hardware, and smart pricing decisions helped him win early adopters, how he avoided the common pitfalls of hard tech fundraising, and why preparing for acquisition starts on day one. For founders, investors, and innovators in deep tech, this episode offers a masterclass in turning research into a thriving business. Connect with us Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Paul Webster LinkedIn
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    57 m
  • From Big Tech to Robots: Cobot Founder Brad Porter and the Race to Robotics

    From Big Tech to Robots: Cobot Founder Brad Porter and the Race to Robotics
    Aug 27 2025
    What you’ll discover… How to build trust with customers before you’ve even built a product Lessons on raising $150M and convincing top-tier VCs like Sequoia and General Catalyst The emotional story that sparked Cobot’s mission inside a hospital hallway Why humanoid robots might not be the future and what should replace them Why swappable batteries, high-mounted sensors, and swerve drives make all the difference The founder’s journey: anxiety, ambition, and the power of embracing the Odyssey Where to find it… (02:35) Why Brad left a high-flying career to start something from scratch (06:10) Timing the AI and robotics wave (08:45) From Scale AI to Cobot: building the product he truly believed in (11:45) Identifying Real-world problems to be solved by your new start-up (19:45) Why top investors believed in him before a prototype even existed (27:00) Selling the vision before building the robot (32:45) MVP success, user feedback, and building trust with early adopters (40:00) What “everyday work” means for Brad and how Cobot improves lives (44:00) The next 10 years of robotics and physical AI (52:00) Brad’s proudest moment and how it ties back to a promise to his father More about the episode Before founding Cobot, Brad Porter held senior roles at Amazon, Scale AI, and even helped pioneer voice applications at Tellme and Netscape. But it was a walk with his father through the halls of Mayo Clinic that planted the seed for something radically new. In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Brad shares how a personal loss became a professional mission to build collaborative robots that enhance human work instead of replacing it. With over $150M raised in just three years and clients like the Mayo Clinic, Maersk, and the US Department of Defense, Brad has done what few in hard tech manage to do: build, fund, and deploy a real solution in record time. You’ll hear how digital twin technology and fast iteration allowed Cobot to deliver results before having a fully built prototype, and why design decisions like swappable batteries and swerve drives matter more than buzzwords. If you’re a founder, investor, or just fascinated by where robotics is headed, this episode delivers hard-won insights and inspiration in equal measure. Connect with us: Peng-Sang Cau LinkedIn Website Brad Porter LinkedIn
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    56 m
  • Forged in War, Proven in Business: The Story of Peng Cau

    Forged in War, Proven in Business: The Story of Peng Cau
    Jun 16 2025
    What does it take to build a company from nothing—and then start again to help others do the same? How do resilience, innovation, and leadership shape not just a business, but an entire life? In this unforgettable episode of Pioneers: The Siemens Startup Podcast, hosts Paul Musto and Jim Gernatt welcome Peng Cau, the newest member of the Siemens startup team. From surviving Cambodia’s killing fields to building and selling one of Canada’s premier automation companies, Peng’s journey is a masterclass in overcoming adversity, grit, leading with integrity, bold vision and execution. She shares powerful personal stories—escaping war, learning business from her parents, and launching Transformix from a basement with a $1,000 loan. Peng opens up about navigating racism, sexism, and strategic pivots, including the bold decisions that led to an eight-figure exit without venture capital. Listeners will hear why Peng never says "I've made it," and the leadership philosophy that drove her company's culture. Now, as part of Siemens, Peng brings her passion, startup experience, and bold energy to help new founders reach their dreams—and she's officially joining the podcast as a future host! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Surviving the Khmer Rouge: How Peng’s early life taught her resilience and adaptability (2:20), the same skills needed to build deeptech company. Entrepreneurship Lessons: Building a company with nothing but grit and loyalty (6:15) Starting Transformix: From a basement and cold-calling manufacturers to landing their first big contract (11:45) Facing Business Collapse: How Peng pivoted after losing 90% of her revenue (15:30) Never "Making It": An entrepreneur’s mindset of constant growth (18:10) Leadership Philosophy: Integrity, Respect, Passion, and Innovation (19:35) The Bittersweet Reality of Acquisition: Letting go of her “first child” (24:20) The Investment Ecosystem in Canada vs. the U.S.: Challenges raising capital (26:55) Overcoming Sexism and Racism: Advice for underrepresented founders (30:20) Why Peng saw the Siemens Startup Program as a perfect next step (34:00) Connect with us: Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Peng Cau LinkedIn X
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    33 m
  • 50% Less Fuel, Fewer Emissions: JetZero’s Game-Changing Aircraft Design

    50% Less Fuel, Fewer Emissions: JetZero’s Game-Changing Aircraft Design
    Mar 26 2025
    What if the shape of an aircraft could unlock 50% fuel savings and drastically cut carbon emissions? How can innovative startups challenge decades-old aviation designs to create a more sustainable, cost-efficient future? In this episode of the Siemens Startup Podcast, hosts Paul Musto (Siemens Digital Industries) and Tucker Marion (Northeastern University) sit down with Tim Berry, Head of Manufacturing, Quality & Integration at JetZero. With a background at SpaceX, VAST, and other aerospace pioneers, Tim shares how JetZero is breaking through 60 years of aviation stagnation with its blended wing body (BWB) aircraft—a revolutionary design that promises game-changing efficiency, sustainability, and improved passenger experience. This episode is perfect for startup founders, aerospace engineers, investors, and sustainability advocates looking to understand how game-changing innovation can disrupt a legacy industry. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge aircraft design, sustainable aviation, or the role of digital tools in manufacturing, you'll gain insights into how JetZero is tackling these challenges—from securing major partnerships with NASA and the U.S. Air Force to reimagining the future of air travel. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: JetZero’s goals and achievements and target market (2:00) Key technical challenges that JetZero is facing (9:15) How JetZero aims to improve the passenger experience (12:05) JetZero’s low-risk approach to producing revolutionary aircraft (18:20) How Siemens helps to accelerate JetZero’s development and manufacturing processes (24:30) JetZero and NASA’s partnership (27:25) Words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs (29:40) The future of aviation and aircraft manufacturing (35:21) Connect with Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Connect with Tim Berry LinkedIn Website Connect with Tucker Marion Website LinkedIn
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    38 m
  • Reducing failure rates and improving development time: How AdaIQ makes it possible

    Reducing failure rates and improving development time: How AdaIQ makes it possible
    Feb 28 2025
    In this second part of our Pioneers Podcast special on Ada IQ, host Paul Musto, co-host Tucker Marion, and CEO Liz Graham dive deep into how Ada IQ is changing the game for product design. With a focus on breaking down data silos and integrating insights from various sources, they explore how AI can help product teams design smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Liz discusses the importance of combining fragmented data from different departments—sales, marketing, and product management—to inform design decisions from the beginning. Ada IQ’s AI technology acts as a co-pilot, helping designers navigate constraints, enhance creativity, and improve the marketability of products. The conversation also explores how AI can democratize complex tools like CAD and simulation, giving more team members the ability to innovate and solve problems without needing specialized knowledge. Liz shares insights into how AI can help make the design process more intuitive and accessible for all types of engineers. With advice for young entrepreneurs and reflections on the evolution of technology, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for founders and innovators looking to stay ahead of the curve. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Ada IQ connects fragmented data to inform early-stage product design (0:40) The role of AI in augmenting the work of product designers (3:00) How AI helps bridge the gap between product conception and CAD design (9:30) Key advice for young entrepreneurs navigating the ups and downs of startup life (11:50) How the intersection of academic research and industry drives innovation at Ada IQ (18:00) Golden advice for young entrepreneurs of startup companies (21:50) Connect with Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Connect with Tucker Marion LinkedIn Website Connect with Elizabeth Graham LinkedIn Website
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    27 m
  • 40% of New Products Fail: AdaIQ’s AI Solution Might Change the Game

    40% of New Products Fail: AdaIQ’s AI Solution Might Change the Game
    Jan 31 2025
    What if AI could transform product design by seamlessly integrating consumer insights and predictive analytics? How can startups and established companies alike harness AI to bridge the gap between creativity and data-driven innovation? In this episode of Pioneers: The Siemens Startup Podcast, host Paul Musto is joined by co-host Tucker Marion from Northeastern University and special guest Liz Graham, CEO of AdaIQ. Liz discusses her journey from corporate law to startup leadership, her experience with hyper-growth companies like HubSpot and Wayfair, and her vision for AdaIQ—a company using AI to revolutionize product design. The trio dives into the challenges of creating a culture of innovation, the opportunities AI offers in enhancing the product development process, and how startups can build resilient teams to weather the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From tackling inefficiencies in product design to fostering a trust-centered company culture, this episode offers invaluable insights for founders, product managers, and innovators alike. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How do companies keep the innovative spirit alive? (7:50) Practical strategies for founders to navigate the rollercoaster of startup life (9:00) Why 40% of new products fail or underperform and how AdaIQ aims to change that (11:30) What does AdaIQ do? (12:30) What drives the business model of AdaIQ (19:20) How AI and design technology will evolve over the next few years ( 20:40 ) Connect with Paul Musto LinkedIn Website Connect with Tucker Marion LinkedIn Website Connect with Elizabeth Graham LinkedIn Website
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    25 m
  • 32 Engines, Zero Emissions: What Startup Innovators Can Learn from Cosmic Aerospace’s Skylark

    32 Engines, Zero Emissions: What Startup Innovators Can Learn from Cosmic Aerospace’s Skylark
    Jan 23 2025
    How can aviation achieve zero-emission flight without compromising performance and range? What does it take to build the next generation of electric aircraft from the ground up? Aviation is at a crossroads, with sustainability emerging as a critical goal for the industry. But what does the future hold for electric aviation, and how can it achieve zero-emission flight while meeting commercial demands? In this episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Kevin Blevins speaks with Christopher Chahine, the co-founder and CEO of Cosmic Aerospace. Christopher shares his journey from researching fluid dynamics at the von Karman Institute and the University of Oxford to founding Cosmic Aerospace, a company dedicated to creating ultra-efficient, all-electric passenger aircraft with long flight ranges. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities in building sustainable aviation technology, from overcoming range limitations to navigating FAA certification. Christopher also highlights the importance of leveraging Siemens’ advanced tools, such as STAR CCM+ and Femap, in bringing Skylark’s innovative design to life. Listeners will discover how Cosmic Aerospace’s Skylark aircraft is poised to revolutionize regional aviation with its zero-emission, highly efficient design and why embracing current battery technology without betting on miracles is a cornerstone of their strategy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The dangers associated with aviation CO2 emissions ( 06:00 ) Characteristics and capabilities of the new Skylark electric aircraft ( 10:30 ) The significance of a clean-sheet design for electric aircraft efficiency (11:00) Key milestones in Cosmic Aerospace’s journey ( 16:00 ) The design philosophy with regards to battery technology ( 25:30 ) The outcome of test flights and subscale aircrafts ( 30:00 ) Plans and strategy around production and ensuring affordability and maintainability ( 33:50 ) Why did Aerospace choose to use Siemens products? ( 35:30 ) Christopher’s advice for budding entrepreneurs in the aerospace industry ( 36:50 ) Connect with us Christopher Chahine LinkedIn Website Kevin Blevins LinkedIn Website
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    42 m
  • First Flight Venture Center: Launching Startups Successfully

    First Flight Venture Center: Launching Startups Successfully
    Nov 29 2024
    What does it take for deep tech startups to move from idea to impact? How can innovation hubs like First Flight Venture Center provide the tools, mentorship, and support founders need to thrive? In this episode of Siemens for Startups, host Jim Gernatt welcomes Krista Covey and Ben Provan from First Flight Venture Center, North Carolina’s leading business innovation hub. Krista, President of First Flight, and Ben, Director of Hangar 6, provide an in-depth look at how their organization fosters early-stage startups with mentorship, cutting-edge prototyping services, and a thriving ecosystem of support. Discover how First Flight bridges the gap between groundbreaking science and market-ready solutions, and learn how their collaboration with Siemens empowers deep tech entrepreneurs to accelerate their innovation cycles. Gain insights into their unique programs, such as Hangar 6’s rapid prototyping resources, and hear inspiring success stories of startups that turned ambitious ideas into real-world impact. Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways for navigating the startup journey, including strategies for overcoming funding challenges, building strong teams, and creating scalable business models. Whether you’re a startup founder, an investor looking to better understand deep tech, or an innovation enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons for transforming bold visions into sustainable success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: History and role of First Flight Venture Center and Hangar6 (01:00) Examples of company journeys in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) ecosystem (03:55) How can founders stay focused and motivated when faced with challenges or setbacks? (6:50) Why is it a good time now to start a start-up or invest in one? (25:10) How do the investment community and Siemens’ tools support deep tech? (29:00) Vital questions that founders should ask to improve long-term success (39:35) Siemens’ special packaging and pricing for startups through First Flight Venture Center (43:40) Connect with Jim Gernatt LinkedIn Website Connect with Ben Provan Website LinkedIn Connect with Krista Covey Website LinkedIn
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    45 m