Podcast
Industrial IoT Spotlight
Hosted by Peter Rohde-Chen, Erik Walenza · EN
The Industrial IoT Spotlight Podcast shines a light on digital solutions that are impacting businesses today. Our mission is to feature the companies that are building the next generation of enterprise technologies, from architecture design to data management to business model innovation.
Our hosts, Peter Rohde-Chen and Erik Walenza, are friends and entrepreneurs based in Shanghai, China. The Industrial IoT Spotlight is produced by Asia Growth Partners, a group of technology experts and business leaders, who help technology companies and corporates navigate technology development, implementation, and adoption in Asia.
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn @asia-growth-partners-agp or visit our website at https://asiagrowthpartners.com. You can contact Erik directly at erik.walenza@asiagrowthpartners.com
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 227 - Why Quality Assurance Is Now a CEO-Level Concern in APAC
Oct 2800:49:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode we spoke with Damien Wong, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific at Tricentis, about how Agentic AI is redefining software quality assurance (QA) for enterprises navigating digital transformation. Damien shared his journey through 30 years in enterprise technology and explained how Tricentis is pioneering a future where autonomous testing drives both speed and reliability in software delivery. We explored why QA is fast becoming a board-level priority, how AI is removing the human bottlenecks in testing, and why quality is now existential in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government. Key Insights: • From manual to agentic: QA has evolved from manual testing to script-based automation, to codeless model-based testing, and now to agentic test automation. The equivalent of moving from driving a car to a fully autonomous vehicle. • AI-accelerated quality: Tricentis’ agentic automation enables systems to autonomously create, execute, and adapt tests, dramatically accelerating release cycles and reducing risk from untested code. • Quality as a board concern: In Tricentis’ Quality Transformation Report, two-thirds of organizations admitted to shipping untested code, making QA failures a C-suite and reputational risk rather than an IT issue. • Compliance through transparency: With acquisitions like SeaLights, Tricentis helps enterprises prove that every code change has been tested—critical for regulated sectors and global compliance. • Bring-your-own-AI flexibility: Tricentis’ support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows companies to plug in their own private AI models, ensuring data security and regulatory control while leveraging AI capabilities. • Empowering, not replacing, engineers: AI-driven testing shifts QA teams from repetitive test creation to strategic oversight, while tools like NeoLoad with natural language prompts make performance testing accessible to non-technical users. • Industry impact: From Zespri’s self-healing ERP testing to preventing outages like Haribo’s global gummy bear disruption, intelligent QA ensures business continuity and customer trust. • Future outlook: With 90% of code expected to be AI-generated within a year, the ability to test at AI speed will define competitive advantage in enterprise software delivery. IoT ONE case study database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com
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EP 226 - Neuromorphic for LLMs on the Edge
Sep 3000:40:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Sean Hehir, CEO, and Jonathan Tapson, Chief Development Officer, of BrainChip about neuromorphic computing for edge AI. We covered why event-based processing and sparsity let devices skip 99% of useless sensor data, why joules per inference is a more honest metric than TOPS, how PPA (power, performance, area) guides on-device design, and what it will take to run a compact billion-parameter LLM entirely on device. We also discussed practical use cases like seizure-prediction eyewear, drones for beach safety, and efficiency upgrades in vehicles, plus BrainChip’s adoption path via MetaTF and its IP-licensing business model. Key insights: • Neuromorphic efficiency. Event-based compute minimizes data transfer and optimizes for joules per inference, enabling low-power, real-time applications in medical, defense, industrial IoT, and automotive. • LLMs at the edge. Compact silicon and state-based designs are pushing billion-parameter models onto devices, achieving useful performance at much lower power. • Adoption is designed to be straightforward. Models built in standard frameworks can be mapped to BrainChip’s Akida platform using MetaTF, with PPA guiding silicon optimization and early evaluation possible through simulation and dev kits. • Compelling use cases. Examples include seizure-prediction smart glasses aiming for all-day battery life in a tiny form factor and drones scanning beaches for distressed swimmers. Most current engagements are pure on-edge, with hybrid edge-plus-cloud possible when appropriate. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 225 - How are AI and IoT solving manufacturing labor shortages?
Sep 2500:48:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode we spoke with Mike Rohrmoser, VP of Product Management for OEM Solutions at Digi, a global provider of mission-critical IoT connectivity products and services. We explored how manufacturers are addressing labor shortages with IoT and automation, the trade-offs between retrofitting existing factories and building new ones, the evolving sensor and connectivity landscape, and practical steps to scale IoT pilots into production. Key insights: • Retrofitting existing plants is often the smarter move. Brownfield upgrades can cost 40–60% less than new builds and achieve faster returns when paired with business-focused use cases and retrofit connectivity. • Sensors and networks must be judged as a whole system. Industrial buyers weigh accuracy, deployment simplicity, and lifetime cost over unit price, with wireless IO-Link and LTE Cat 1 gaining traction and 5G RedCap on the horizon. • Edge AI is real, but focused. Today it is most effective in computer vision for quality inspection and counting, while new designs anticipate broader workloads as adoption matures. • GenAI augments people, not machines. Its strengths are in analysis, documentation, and device management, while safety-critical real-time control remains firmly in the domain of conventional automation. • Scaling pilots requires proving value early. Many initiatives stall when they start with technology instead of problems; success depends on production-ready components, operator trust, and leadership alignment. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 224 - Spectrum, Payloads, and the Future of Satellite AIoT
Sep 1800:36:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Ian Itz, Executive Director of IoT at Iridium, about how satellite connectivity is transforming the reach and resilience of IoT solutions worldwide. Ian went from building satellites for the U.S. Navy and Air Force to leading Iridium’s IoT business, where he oversees global partnerships and next-generation satellite-enabled modules. We explored how Iridium’s unique low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation is supporting both industrial and consumer applications, and how standards-based approaches such as NB-IoT are expanding the satellite IoT ecosystem. Key Insights: • Global coverage at scale: Iridium operates a 75-satellite LEO constellation, providing always-on connectivity anywhere on Earth, enabling reliable communication in maritime, aviation, heavy equipment, regulated fishing, and consumer markets. • No service sunsets: Iridium maintains backward compatibility for legacy devices, ensuring IoT deployments can operate for 10+ years without forced upgrades, while still adding new higher-throughput modules like the 9704. • Standards-based evolution: Beyond proprietary protocols, Iridium is integrating NB-IoT over its network with partners such as Nordic Semiconductor, giving customers more choice and flexibility. • Edge + AIoT synergy: By processing data at the edge and sending only essential packets via satellite, customers reduce costs and improve efficiency. AIoT adoption is accelerating this model for industrial and consumer use cases. • Security and precision: With its new PNT (Positioning, Navigation & Timing) service, Iridium enhances GPS resilience, detecting spoofing and providing verified location data, critical for sensitive IoT deployments. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 223 - Smarter, Greener Cities: Richard Savoie on the Future of Sustainable Delivery
Aug 2500:39:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Richard Savoie, Co-founder and CEO of Adiona Tech, about how AI and logistics software are accelerating the transition to smarter, greener cities. Richard shared his journey from medical devices to sustainable logistics, and how Adiona is helping global enterprises—from Coca-Cola to Australia Post—optimize fleets, cut emissions, and prepare for an electric and autonomous future. We explored why electrification requires new software, how AI digital twins reduce risk, and how sustainability can become a competitive advantage in logistics. Key Insights: • AI-powered fleet optimization: Adiona uses digital twins and AI simulations to boost vehicle utilization from ~60% toward 100%, maximizing assets while reducing costs and emissions. • Bridging electrification gaps: EVs and cargo bikes behave differently than diesel fleets, and Adiona’s software closes that gap, making sustainable adoption practical and profitable. • Scalable impact: Partnerships with PepsiCo and Australia Post demonstrate measurable reductions in emissions and logistics costs, while improving customer retention. • Sustainability as strategy: Companies are turning emissions reporting into a competitive edge, with leaders like PepsiCo using low-carbon fleets to differentiate their brand and win contracts. • Future-ready logistics: We discussed autonomous vehicles, sidewalk robots, and hybrid delivery networks that will reshape how goods move through cities. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 222 - Young Innovators, Big Impact: Sahitya Senapathy’s AI Leap for Factories
Aug 1800:30:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Sahitya Senapathy, Founder and CEO of Endeavor, about how generative AI and agentic platforms are redefining the future of manufacturing. Sahitya shared his journey from coding for FEMA to founding Endeavor from his college dorm room. We explored how Endeavor is using AI labor to tackle the chronic inefficiencies in back-office and front-office workflows, and how this technology could help revitalize U.S. manufacturing in the face of labor shortages and global competition. Key Insights: • Agentic AI for factories: Endeavor applies generative AI agents to automate medium-complexity tasks—such as supplier onboarding, sales order entry, and invoice reconciliation—that ERPs and SaaS tools still leave to humans. • AI as a workforce multiplier: Clients gain the equivalent of hundreds of 24/7 digital employees, cutting cycle times from months to days while freeing human staff for higher-value activities. • Native AI architecture: Unlike ERP add-ons or copilots, Endeavor’s platform is designed from the ground up for AI agents, delivering outcomes (e.g., documents processed, invoices reconciled) rather than seat-based licenses. • Scaling with demand: Backed by US$7 million in funding from Kraft Ventures and others, Endeavor aims to become a generation-defining enterprise software provider for manufacturing, on par with SAP and Oracle in impact. • Re-industrialization driver: As U.S. factories face a “silver tsunami” of retirements, Endeavor positions AI labor as the answer to labor shortages, helping new manufacturing plants scale without relying solely on human hiring. • Partnership approach: Sahitya emphasizes humility and collaboration—working with veteran CIOs and digital leaders to deploy AI in ways that complement their deep industry expertise. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 221 - From Research to Real-World Impact: Barzan Mozafari’s Journey with Keebo.ai
Jul 2100:38:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Barzan Mozafari, CEO and Co-founder of Keebo.ai, about how AI is transforming the economics of cloud data warehouse management. Barzan shared his journey from academic research to launching Keebo, and how his team is redefining performance optimization in enterprise data systems through AI-powered “data learning.” We explored the value of automating infrastructure decisions, and why buying—not building—is the future for data teams under pressure. Key Insights: • Data learning: Keebo introduces a new paradigm that learns from metadata to automate and accelerate database tuning and optimization. • Plug-and-play value: No code rewrites, no data migration. Setup takes just 30 minutes. • Cost-driven AI: Automatically adjusts cloud warehouse configurations in real time. • Privacy-first design: Models run solely on metadata, with no access to sensitive data or queries. • Aligned incentives: Keebo charges based on savings delivered, creating a no-risk, ROI-driven adoption model. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 220 - Mind as a Service: Revolutionizing AI Memory with Llongterm
Jul 1000:33:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Jonatan Bjork, Co-founder of Llongterm, about how persistent memory is changing the way AI systems interact with users across industries. Jonathan shared the personal journey that led to founding Llongterm, and how their technology allows AI to retain meaningful context across interactions. We explored how memory transforms user trust, the architecture behind Llongterm’s Mind-as-a-Service, and the future of portable AI memory. Key Insights: • Mind-as-a-Service: Specialized, persistent memory units that can be embedded in apps, tailored by use case (e.g. job interview prep, customer support). • Structured and Transparent: Information is stored in user-readable JSON format, allowing full visibility and control. • Self-structuring memory: Data automatically categorizes itself and evolves over time, helping apps focus on what matters most. • Portable and secure: Users can edit or delete their data anytime, with future plans for open-source and on-premise options. • Universal context: A future vision where users bring their own “mind” across AI apps, eliminating the need to start over every time. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 219 - Al at the Edge: Transforming Industrial Operations
May 28, 202500:35:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Sundeep Ahluwalia, Chief Product Officer at TDK SensEI, about how AI is transforming data-driven decision-making in industrial environments. Sundeep shared his journey from data analytics to founding SensEI, and how his team helps manufacturers unlock the hidden potential in their operational data. We explored the challenges of AI adoption in traditional industries, the importance of domain knowledge, and how to move from descriptive analytics to actionable intelligence. Key Insights: • Plug-and-play AI: Automatic data labeling and model deployment with no manual setup. • Edge-first design: AI runs on-device for real-time alerts without cloud latency. • Predictive insights: Identifies failures weeks in advance to cut downtime. • Enterprise-ready: Built-in cybersecurity, on-prem/cloud flexibility, ERP integration. • Scalable platform: Designed to grow with use cases, from sensors to digital twins. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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EP 218 - Innovating Urban Living: Lawrence Eta on Digital Solutions for Modern Cities
Apr 23, 202500:50:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we spoke with Lawrence Eta, former CTO of the City of Toronto and a global digital transformation leader. Now advising the Royal Commission for AlUla, Lawrence shares lessons from leading large-scale public sector innovation and shaping inclusive, future-ready smart cities. Key Insights: • Smart governance enables smart cities: Success depends more on leadership, architecture, and inclusive policy than on technology alone. • The 5S framework drives decision-making: Stability, scalability, solution integration, security, and sustainability help prioritize city tech projects. • Public-private partnerships expand access: Toronto’s free community internet project shows how tech can close affordability gaps, not just improve infrastructure. • Community voice builds trust: Toronto’s digital strategy was shaped by town halls and diverse stakeholder input, ensuring transparency and relevance. • Scaling innovation requires cultural change: Empowering staff at all levels with clear processes and leadership sponsorship is key to sustainable adoption. IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/
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