In this episode of The Sustainable Tech Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Marshall Cox, founder of Kelvin, a company revolutionizing energy efficiency in urban buildings. Marshall shares his journey from material science research to entrepreneurship, detailing how a personal frustration with apartment heating sparked the creation of Kelvin’s flagship product, the Cozy. We dive into the challenges of scaling hardware solutions, navigating the cleantech funding ecosystem, and the surprising hurdles of energy efficiency certifications.
Marshall also provides insightful perspectives on the intersection of hardware and sustainability, the critical role of electrification in decarbonizing buildings, and Kelvin’s innovative approach to making these upgrades financially accessible. Whether you're passionate about climate tech, curious about urban energy solutions, or simply love a good founder story, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights.
Learn more on the Kelvin website: https://kel.vin/
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In this episode of The Sustainable Tech Podcast, I chat with Khurram Virani, co-founder and CTO of Lighthouse Labs, Canada’s leading coding bootcamp and tech career accelerator. We dive into Khurram's inspiring journey from living on a couch in Vancouver to building an educational powerhouse. We discuss the evolution of tech education, Lighthouse’s unique curriculum, and the impact they’ve had in making tech careers accessible. Khurram also shares fascinating insights about using AI for personalized learning and the challenges of starting up with multiple co-founders. Don’t miss this episode if you're curious about coding bootcamps, tech education, or the impact of technology on learning!
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvirani/
Lighthouse Labs Bootcamp - https://www.lighthouselabs.ca/
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
1:20 - Meet Khurram Virani, CTO of Lighthouse Labs
3:05 - The Early Days: Starting Lighthouse Labs in Vancouver
5:55 - Why Vancouver? The Vision Behind the Move
7:45 - Building a Startup From Scratch: The Challenges
10:10 - Developing the Curriculum for a Coding Bootcamp
12:35 - Community-Driven Education at Lighthouse Labs
14:20 - From Consulting to Building an Education Product
16:00 - The Evolving Tech Stack at Lighthouse Labs
17:50 - Trends in Tech Education and Employment
19:40 - Why Cybersecurity is Booming
21:35 - How AI is Shaping Education
24:00 - Using AI to Personalize Learning at Lighthouse Labs
26:30 - Making Tech Education Accessible: Equity and Impact
29:15 - The Mission and Vision of Lighthouse Labs
31:40 - Closing Thoughts and a Cool Product Recommendation
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In this episode, I sit down with Alex Weaver Crawford, founder of Bubbles Haircare, a salon concept designed exclusively for children. Alex shares her journey from running a creative agency to building a kid-focused salon. Bubbles offers more than just haircuts—it’s about creating an experience where children feel at ease, and parents get a much-needed break.
We explore the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar business, how Bubbles integrates technology like online booking systems and payment solutions, and the importance of building a community-focused space.
Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship, love hearing about innovative startups, or are just interested in making haircuts easy and fun, this episode is for you!
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-weaver-crawford/
Bubbles Hair - https://bubbleshair.ca/
Chapters:
0:30 – Introduction to Bubbles Haircare
2:15 – From Design to a Kids-First Hair Salon
5:10 – The Story Behind Bubbles
8:40 – Managing a Brick-and-Mortar Business with Tech
11:00 – The Importance of Community and Inclusivity at Bubbles
14:35 – Challenges of the Haircare Industry
20:10 – Using AI, Design Tools, and Tech at Bubbles
25:30 – Entrepreneurship in New Brunswick and Beyond
28:45 – Alex’s Product Plug: Casper Glow Light
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In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with Mateo Jeanneau, CEO and co-founder of Keen to Help, a company making it easier for businesses to connect with volunteering opportunities. Mateo shares the story behind Keen to Help and how it grew from a simple side project during the pandemic into a platform that helps companies and their employees engage in meaningful team-building while giving back to their communities.
We dive into how Keen to Help balances the needs of nonprofits with corporate volunteer programs, creating win-win situations for everyone involved. From helping schools to now working with major companies, Mateo's journey is filled with insights about building something that truly matters. Whether you’re a nonprofit looking for support or a company seeking new ways to contribute, you’ll find something valuable in this chat.
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-jeanneau/
Keen to Help - https://www.keentohelp.com/
Chapters:
00:35 - What is Keen to Help?
01:20 - How Mateo started Keen to Help during the pandemic
03:00 - From side project to full-fledged business
04:25 - The role of McGill’s Dobson Entrepreneurship Center
06:00 - Meeting co-founder Alex and building the platform
07:45 - Using WordPress and building without coding experience
09:35 - How Keen to Help’s platform operates
11:05 - Balancing product development and customer needs
12:50 - Lessons learned from customer discovery
14:20 - Transition from schools to companies and managing stakeholders
17:00 - Developing volunteer kits for companies and nonprofits
19:25 - Short-term goals and long-term vision for Keen to Help
22:45 - The challenges of managing logistics and operations
24:30 - The future of Keen to Help and expanding impact
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In this episode, I chat with Leigh Sembaluk, the CEO and founder of Preception, a company focused on training and measuring spatial awareness, decision-making, and speed of thought in athletes. We dive into his journey from being a footballer and coach to launching a tech company, building both hardware and software to improve player performance.
Leigh also shares insights into Pro Instinct, their mobile app, and how it’s being used to eliminate barriers for youth athletes and beyond. From lessons learned through hardware development to the importance of fostering youth talent, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and tech enthusiasts alike.
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighsembaluk/
Preception - https://preception.io/
Pro Instinct - https://www.proinstinctapp.com/
Chapters:
00:35 - What is Preception and Pro Instinct?
02:45 - How Pro Instinct Evolved During COVID
05:10 - Leigh’s Transition from Athlete to Tech Founder
08:05 - The Challenges of Measuring Spatial Awareness
10:40 - How Preception Helps Athletes Train Smarter
13:30 - Pro Instinct’s Impact on Youth Sports
15:50 - Collaborating with the North American Indigenous Games
18:10 - Lessons Learned from Building Hardware and Software
21:30 - The Importance of Rest and Balance in Startups
24:05 - Bringing a Team Sport Mindset to Tech
26:50 - Advice for Aspiring Tech Founders
30:00 - Leigh's Favorite Small Tech Product: Pocket FC
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In this episode of The Sustainable Tech Podcast, I chat with Adilya Dragan, the inspiring CEO & Founder of StarLuv. StarLuv is an AI-powered marketplace that encourages people to buy and sell both new and pre-loved clothing. Adilya shares her journey of building a tech company from the ground up and discusses her mission to fight textile waste and fast fashion’s impact on our planet. Her passion for sustainability is contagious, and she offers deep insights into how AI can be a force for good. From her personal motivations to real-life challenges in the fashion industry, this conversation is full of valuable lessons for anyone interested in tech, sustainability, or making a positive impact. Whether you're a startup founder, a tech enthusiast, or someone passionate about the environment, you’re going to find this episode enlightening. Dive in to learn how StarLuv is making a difference!
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilya-dragan/
StarLuv - https://starluv.ca/
Chapters:
00:10 - Meet Adilya Dragan, CEO of StarLuv
01:00 - The Start of StarLuv's Journey
03:20 - Challenges in Building an AI-Powered Marketplace
05:15 - The Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion
07:40 - How AI Helps List and Sell Clothes Faster
10:05 - The Future of Sustainable Fashion
12:25 - Customer Discovery and Market Insights
15:00 - Encouraging Responsible Consumption
18:30 - The Role of Gen Z in Sustainable Fashion
21:50 - Building a Movement for Positive Impact
24:10 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
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In this episode, we talk with Laura Simpson, the CEO and co-founder of Side Door, a platform that empowers music artists by connecting them directly with venues and audiences. Laura shares her journey from the non-profit world to creating a tech startup that’s making a real impact in the music industry. Discover how Side Door is helping artists perform in unique spaces, build connections, and sustain their careers. This conversation dives into innovation, community, and the future of live music.
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasimpsongraham/
Side Door - https://sidedooraccess.com/home
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Laura's Background in Non-Profits
02:45 - The Birth of Side Door
04:30 - From Idea to Startup: Laura’s Journey
06:15 - Overcoming Tech Industry Challenges
08:05 - The Importance of Clear Communication
10:00 - Co-founding with Dan: How It All Started
12:25 - Building a Remote Team Across Canada
14:15 - Adapting During the Pandemic
17:05 - The Role of Venture Capital
19:20 - What’s Next for Side Door
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In this episode, we dive deep into the story of The Farmer's Truck, a revolutionary mobile market solution that’s transforming access to fresh food in underserved communities. Fred Laforge, co-founder and CEO, shares his journey from tech to impact-driven entrepreneurship. Learn how The Farmer's Truck is making a difference, the challenges faced, and the innovative solutions developed along the way. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredlaforge/
The Farmer's Truck - https://farmerstruck.com/
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This week, we're excited to have Shadi Toloui-Wallace, the founder and chief creative officer of Tiny Souls. Tiny Souls is a media company dedicated to creating values-based children's content and parenting resources for early childhood education. Join us as Shadi shares her incredible journey from a touring musician to building a successful media company, her vision for Tiny Souls, and the impact she hopes to achieve.
Shadi's Linkedin Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaditolouiwallace
TinySouls - https://www.tinysoulsmedia.com/
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In this episode of the Small Tech Podcast, we sit down with Matt Lanigan, co-founder of GridBid, the innovative platform simplifying heat pump retrofits for homeowners. Join us as we explore Matt's journey from civil engineering to tech entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a tech product, and the future of home decarbonization. Discover how GridBid is making sustainable living accessible and efficient.
Matt's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lanigan-p-eng-pmp-1b5ab08a/
GridBid - https://gridbid.co/
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Welcome to the Small Tech Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Cyrus Greenall, co-founder of Firstline. Explore the evolution of healthcare tech and how Firstline is revolutionizing clinical guidance for healthcare providers. Learn about Cyrus's transition from game development to healthcare innovation. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the impact of Firstline on global health and the future of clinical decision-making.
Cyrus's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusg/
Firstline - https://firstline.org/
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🎙️ In the latest episode of the Small Tech Podcast, we talk with Priya Tronsgard, the founder of Edify Learning Spaces. Edify is a platform that connects neurodivergent children with tutors who understand their unique learning needs.
Priya’s journey is personal. As a mother of neurodivergent kids, she saw how hard it was for them to fit into traditional schools. This inspired her to create Edify, where kids with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences can get the support they need.
Her entrepreneurial experience started young. Priya helped run a DJ business to support her family. This early experience taught her the importance of focusing on customers and resilience.
Priya also spent five years in Japan, working in education. There, she learned about different teaching methods and the value of adapting to cultural contexts. These insights have shaped how she runs Edify.
At Edify, Priya blends technology with personalized teaching. The platform carefully matches kids with the right tutors, ensuring they get the best possible support. Even as a non-technical founder, Priya leverages strong community relationships to navigate the tech world.
Looking ahead, Priya is excited about growing Edify. She aims to expand its reach and continue supporting more families with her innovative approach.
Priya’s story is a powerful example of how personal experiences can drive professional success and create positive change. Through Edify, she’s making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent children and their families.
📚 Learn more about Edify Learning Spaces here!
https://edifylearningspaces.com/
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Welcome to another episode of the Small Tech Podcast! Today, we have Janessa Farrell, an inspiring guest who has turned her passion for teaching into a tech startup.
Janessa is the co-founder and CEO of QuestRead, a fun reading game for kids that helps improve their reading skills. Questread was recently accepted into the Ocean Programs Accelerator Cohort 10, a big step for the app's growth.
Janessa taught in Title I schools in Chicago for 15 years, working with kids who struggled with reading. She noticed that motivation was key to their success, so she created QuestRead to make reading more engaging.
Her journey into tech began when the pandemic stopped her plans for further education. Instead, she volunteered at Simbi, a reading platform, where she eventually became the head of product. This role gave her the skills she needed to build QuestRead.
Janessa's story shows the power of perseverance and adaptability. Her commitment to helping kids read better through technology is truly inspiring.
Janessa's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/questread/
QuestRead - https://www.questread.com/
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In this episode of the Small Tech Podcast, we talk with Liz Gosselin, one of the co-founders of R&G Strategic: the sustainability agency. Liz shares her journey from school to the startup scene at Volta, where she started working closely with tech companies and developed a passion for sustainability. She discusses how important it is for businesses to genuinely adopt sustainable practices and avoid greenwashing. Liz gives some advice for new entrepreneurs about the value of finding a supportive community and staying committed to their true values as they tackle challenges in sustainability and innovation.
🌱 Learn more about R&G Strategic:
https://www.rgstrategic.com/
👶 Learn more about My Kid's Future:
https://www.mykidsfuture.net/
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Join us on the Small Tech Podcast as we sit down with Ashley Mason, founder of Dash of Social, to discuss the keys to effective digital marketing in the tech sector. Discover Ashley's journey from freelance marketer to agency head and learn how to leverage social media, blogging, and email marketing to boost your tech startup's presence. Get insights on automating marketing processes and the role of executive branding in enhancing corporate visibility.
✨ Learn more about Dash of Social:
https://dashofsocial.com/
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Let's explore Janey Roh's journey. She went from being a teacher to a tech entrepreneur. She uses technology to help connect communities. She started Curiko, a platform that helps people with technology. Janey talks about the challenges of using technology to help different communities. She says making technology accessible to everyone is important for creating a more inclusive society. Janey's experience as a teacher helps her make technology that improves people's lives.
✨ Learn more about Curiko:
https://curiko.ca/
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In this episode of the Small Tech Podcast, host Raph from EC sits down with Adam Delgado of The North Technology People. From his early days to becoming a key player in the recruitment field across Australia, Singapore, the UK, and Canada, Adam dives into his rich experience with AI, machine learning, and software development sectors. He also gives us a hint about his exciting new tech startup. This talk is a must-listen for anyone interested in the ins and outs of tech recruitment, the future of work in tech, and inspirational career paths.
🧑💻 Learn more about North Technology People:
https://www.northtechnologypeople.ca/
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Welcome to the latest episode of the SmallTechPodcast, where we break down complex AI concepts into easy-to-understand explanations. Whether you're completely new to artificial intelligence or just looking to understand more about what AI can do without getting lost in technical jargon, this episode is for you. Hosted by Raph from EC, we dive into the fascinating world of AI, covering everything from generative AI and large language models to how AI is shaping the future of technology.
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Join us as Sam Chan from Launch Academy reveals why 'problem obsession' rather than 'solutions oriented' is key in the startup scene. In this episode, we give you business insights and unpack the art of identifying and sticking with genuine customer problems to create impactful tech products. Learn how to balance your passion for building with the market's need for practical solutions. This conversation is a goldmine for anyone ready to turn their startup idea into a reality without getting lost in the innovation noise.
Launch Academy has been a hub for innovators, helping over 3000 companies and facilitating the raising of $3 billion across 35 countries. Visit them here https://www.launchacademy.ca/ for more info!
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🎙️The latest Small Tech Podcast discusses how to create Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). We learn what constitutes an MVP, how to balance essential functionality with user expectations, and the difficult decisions entrepreneurs face in streamlining their vision. The discussion also covers practical strategies for MVP development in web and mobile apps, emphasizing the importance of user feedback and the role of low-code/no-code tools. At Éphémère Creative, we're passionate about turning innovative ideas into reality. If you're envisioning a tech project and need guidance, our team is ready to help bring your idea to life. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration for your tech journey.
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