

Building Deep Tech
Ilir Aliu
The show for founders building real deep tech.
Each episode features founders, executives, and builders in AI, robotics, and hardware — breaking down how they build, scale, and learn.
Hosted by Ilir Aliu | 22Astronauts.
Whether you’re building now or just curious — tune in.
Each episode features founders, executives, and builders in AI, robotics, and hardware — breaking down how they build, scale, and learn.
Hosted by Ilir Aliu | 22Astronauts.
Whether you’re building now or just curious — tune in.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 16, 2024 • 56min
Ep 20 | AI-Powered Entrepreneurship (w/ Alex Enache)
Today I talk with Alex Enache, an AI automation consultant, entrepreneur, and educator.
With a Master's Degree in International and Intercultural Communication, Alex quickly saw the potential of the tech industry, diving into chatbots and human-machine communication.
Starting as a corporate trainer in Berlin, Alex self-educated on emerging AI tools, testing and leveraging them fully. We talk about the journey that led him to transition into a consultant and entrepreneur, helping others harness practical AI to save time and boost results.

May 9, 2024 • 1h
Ep 19 | How to Become a Self-Taught Robotics Software Engineer (w/ Chandandeep Singh)
Chandandeep Singh is a researcher at DFKI, the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, where he works on robot learning.
Starting his education in India, he was more focused on the mechanical side of robotics, until during his master's he transitioned into software engineering.
He documented and shared his journey, aiming to inspire and educate future roboticists through blogs, videos, and courses.

May 2, 2024 • 55min
Ep 18 | Bridging Robotics and Cultures (w/ Robert Liebhart)
Today's guest is Robert Liebhart, an accomplished entrepreneur with a focus on integrating European robotic technologies into the South Korean market.
Beginning with Germany's Maschinenmarkt, he extended his expertise to various sectors including automation and robotics, and is now CEO at KoreaSolutions.
We discuss his journey through the industry, his role in shaping Korea's automation landscape, and his insights on connecting European innovation with Korean enterprise.

Apr 25, 2024 • 51min
Ep 17 | Technical Sales With Heart (w/ Robert Vogel)
My latest guest is Robert Vogel, an experienced Automation Specialist with almost 20 years in the industry.
Originating from the robotized system plant engineering sector, he successfully specialized in the "Robot" system component, and now focused on the "Motor" components.
We talk about his passion for automation, being with KUKA for over a decade and his in-depth automotive insights.

Apr 18, 2024 • 53min
Ep 16 | How to Get AI into Manufacturing (w/ Aymeric de Pontbriand)
Episode #16 is with Scortex CEO Aymeric de Pontbriand:
This podcast is not only about robotics but also automation and manufacturing.
Scortex helps manufacturers enhance operations and reduce costs by managing inspections and quality data on production lines.
We talk about Aymeric's early love for data, the challenges for startups in manufacturing and the future of automation in the industry.

Apr 11, 2024 • 58min
Ep 15 | How to Bootstrap a Humanoid Robotics Startup (w/ Ian Pritchard)
In this episode, I sit down with Ian Pritchard:
Alongside his brother, they're building Anthrobotics, a startup that's challenging the norms of robotics with open-source humanoid robots, balancing their project with full-time commitments.
A Radio Operator in the Canadian Armed Forces and a graduate in Nanotechnology and Electronics Engineering from NAIT, we walk through his journey of robotics.

Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 10min
Ep 14 | Open-Source Humanoids (w/ Rob Knight & Trent Shumay)
Recently, an emerging startup made headlines with its foray into launching an open-source humanoid, sparking a conversation on innovation in robotics.
This prompted me to bring Rob and Trent together for a comprehensive discussion - questioning the need to "reinvent the wheel."
We explore the advantages of open-source development in juxtaposition with corporate-led initiatives. Moreover, we'll uncover insights into the anticipated launch of DexHand V2.

Mar 28, 2024 • 55min
Ep 13 | Helping Latinas in STEM (w/ Jesica Chavez)
In episode 13, we're joined by Jesica Chavez:
An engineer who's spent 15 years enhancing customer growth and operational efficiency in the robotics and tech industries.
Originally from Mexico, Jesica has carved out a successful career in the US, embracing diverse roles across the sector.
Our conversation dives into her inspiring journey, her passionate advocacy for women in technology, and her commitment to mentoring Latina women in STEM fields.

Mar 21, 2024 • 49min
Ep 12 | How to Innovate a Robotics Giant (w/ Jürgen Blume)
In today's episode, I'm joined by Jürgen Blume, Principal Software Developer at KUKA:
Since 2014, he's played a crucial role in Application Engineering, creating tailored software solutions for clients.
Jürgen is also deeply involved in the Business Innovation Lab, focusing on cutting-edge research to enhance customer value.
He holds a diploma in computer science and a PhD in engineering, specializing in human-robot interaction, from the Technical University of Munich.
We'll discuss the challenges of fostering innovation in large corporations, understanding customer needs accurately, and strategies for success.

Mar 14, 2024 • 56min
Ep 11 | Take the Risk of Failure (w/ Jens Kotlarski)
In this episode, I'm joined by Voraus Robotik CEO Jens Kotlarski!
He studied Mechanical Engineering in Germany, furthered his education in Canada, and finished with a PhD.
Jens led a prestigious robotics research group before venturing into the entrepreneurial world with Yuanda Robotics, which, despite its initial promise, faced financial difficulties.
Today, he steers Voraus Robotik, focusing on cutting-edge robotics technology. We'll discuss his academic roots, the lessons from Yuanda's downfall, and his rebound with Voraus Robotik.


