Discover how AI and Industrial IoT are transforming battery manufacturing—could these technologies be the key to achieving higher production yields and quality control?
In this episode, Nidhi Arora interviews Shailesh Upreti, founder and CEO of C4V, a leading lithium-ion battery company. They explore C4V's unique franchise-style gigafactory model in emerging markets like India and South America, along with innovations like cobalt- and nickel-free high-voltage phosphate chemistry and the Lyser platform. Shailesh also shares his inspiring journey from India to running IM3NY in New York.

With a strong chemistry background and collaboration with Nobel laureate Stan Whittingham, Shailesh has positioned C4V at the forefront of battery technology. The company uses AI and Industrial IoT to launch gigafactories in emerging markets, focusing on quality control and efficiency.

Discussion Points

• Shailesh Upreti, fexplains how their franchise-like business model empowers local partners to deploy gigafactories in emerging markets with a robust supply chain.
• Building a $2 billion battery factory is complex, but modular plant designs help prevent obsolescence by allowing seamless integration of new innovations and chemistries.
• AI and Industrial IoT are transforming battery manufacturing, with tools like Digital DNA enhancing automation, quality control, and production yields through data science.
• Shailesh reflects on his journey from India to New York, studying with top scientists and founding C4V, showcasing his dedication to sustainable energy solutions.
• Lithium-ion batteries will remain dominant for decades, expanding across sectors like transportation and electronics due to their affordability and customization potential.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI, a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha-performance superior to market indices, in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Business Development & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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C4V

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Wondering about the future of emerging technology in logistics? Where do autonomous trucks and AI come into play?

Gaurav Batra, President and CEO of Ayna.AI, speaks with Lior Ron, founder and CEO of Uber Freight, about the transformative power of technology on logistics. Lior shares how Uber Freight's digital-first approach uses advanced data science and vast shipper and carrier networks to streamline supply chains, enhance efficiency, and boost sustainability. He addresses key challenges with fragmentation and market transparency issues and highlights Uber Freight’s scalable tech-driven solutions and international footprint, including North America and the EU.

Lior Ron, with over 20 years of expertise in tech-driven solutions, has an impressive background including key roles at Google Maps and Motorola Mobility. As the leader of Uber Freight, he and the team are powering intelligent logistics, leveraging a suite of end-to-end logistics applications, managed services and an expansive carrier network to move the world’s goods.

Discussion Points

• Uber Freight's focus on modernizing supply chain and how it leverages advanced data science.
• Solving customer pain points with technology and empowering customers with data
• Tackling industry fragmentation, eliminating empty miles, and elevating sustainability through a combination of innovative tools and industry expertise.
• Transforming traditional industries by collaborating with innovative people and partners, utilizing emerging tech, and building solid data foundations
• Uber Freight’s position as a transformative partner, leveraging tech and talent to optimize supply chains and expand its geological footprint.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Guarav Batra, is the President & CEO of Ayna.AI.

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Lior Ron LinkedIn

Uber Freight

Titanium Economy

Gaurav Batra LinkedIn

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Curious about how modular, scalable data centers can revolutionize both the computing and renewable energy industries?

Join Nidhi Arora as she chats with John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, about converting excess renewable energy into computing power. John details how Soluna’s modular, scalable green data centers at renewable power plants use unique strategies to utilize wasted energy. He also addresses challenges like supply chain and site approval, and his vision for a future where renewable energy and computing merge into “renewable computing.”

John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, is a seasoned tech entrepreneur who has founded startups like FirstBest and Theory Center and contributed to Intel’s digital growth. At Soluna, he leads efforts to turn excess renewable energy into computing power with modular, scalable data centers for Bitcoin mining, AI, and research. His innovative approach aims to integrate renewable energy with computing, driving global sustainable tech advancements.

Discussion Points

• John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, explains how their mission is to transform excess renewable energy into computing power using modular, scalable green data centers.
• Soluna’s behind-the-meter co-location strategy places data centers at renewable power plants, optimizing the use of intermittent energy and cutting waste.
• Soluna has expanded from small R&D setups to partnerships with major Bitcoin miners. Their focus on customer service and educating stakeholders on renewable computing helps widen market acceptance.
• Supply chain and site approval challenges are addressed through Soluna's strategic expansion plan, ensuring smooth growth.
• John envisions a future where renewable energy and computing merge into "renewable computing," reshaping both sectors and promoting sustainability. Soluna’s innovations highlight their commitment to making this vision a reality.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode—Nidhi Arora—is Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Ayna.AI.

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Soluna

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Nidhi Arora interviews Antti Karjalainen, co-founder of Sema4.ai, on AI's transformative role in enterprise automation. Antti explains how Sema4.ai leverages intelligent AI agents to automate business processes like compliance, finance, HR, customer service and more, highlighting the importance of open-source technology in making AI more accessible. He also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, offering advice on the contrasts between service-oriented and product-based businesses, and emphasizing the value of passion, risk-taking, and continuous learning.

Discussion Points

• Sema4.ai is redefining business processes with AI agents, using generative AI to improve customer support, internal operations, and compliance.
• AI's transformative impact is shown through automating document processing and financial workflows, with open-source technology democratizing AI.
• Antti discusses the evolving AI industry, the benefits and challenges of open-source collaboration, and his journey from engineer to serial entrepreneur.
• Open-source technology is key to AI innovation, with Sema4.ai leveraging it to accelerate development and enhance capabilities.
• Antti contrasts his experiences of founding a consulting firm with building a product-focused, VC-backed company like Robocorp.
• Antti predicts a formative year for AI agents, expecting significant advancements and value creation in enterprise productivity.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing for Ayna.ai.

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Sema4

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How can smart manufacturing revolutionize the U.S. industrial landscape, especially for smaller manufacturers struggling with a digital divide? In this Titanium Economy episode, John Dyck, CEO of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), shares his deep expertise in manufacturing, automation, and software. He's dedicated to reducing technical debt and promoting smart manufacturing technologies to boost U.S. manufacturing's competitiveness and sustainability.

John brings extensive experience from his roles at Rockwell Automation, GE, and Mesa's board, where he tackled manufacturing complexities and technical challenges. At Rockwell, he advanced automation solutions, while at GE, he led data analytics and IoT initiatives. As CEO of CESMII since 2018, John is recognized globally for his insights into technology and business management.

Discussion Points

• John Dyck highlights CESMII's mission to boost U.S. manufacturing by reducing costs and complexity, especially for small manufacturers.
• CESMII's strategies include workforce development, technological methodologies, and a collaborative ecosystem to make smart manufacturing accessible and address technical debt.
• CESMII fosters collaboration across the manufacturing sector, utilizing federal mandates and partnerships with institutions like UCLA.
• The discussion covers CESMII's future role, focusing on influencing policymakers, being a key voice in manufacturing, and strengthening U.S. manufacturing through strategic collaboration.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing at Ayna.AI.

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CESMII

Titanium Economy

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Can revolutionary AI voice solutions transform the way enterprises handle customer service and outbound communication?

In this episode, Nidhi Arora welcomes Adam Earle of Tenyx. Adam shares Tenyx's journey in leveraging large language models to create natural and intelligent conversations, significantly enhancing customer interactions across various sectors such as hospitality, travel, financial services, and healthcare. He discusses the evolution from outdated IVR systems to sophisticated AI experiences, providing practical advice for companies looking to adopt this technology.

Adam Earle, CTO of Tenyx, is a leading AI and machine learning expert, formerly a Senior Director at IBM and CTO at MCD Tech Labs. He holds a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics and completed Stanford's Executive Education Program. At Tenyx, he leads the development of advanced voice solutions using large language models to improve customer service and communication in sectors like hospitality, travel, finance, and healthcare.

Discussion Points

• Adam discusses the company's development and innovations in creating advanced voice solutions for enterprise applications.
• Tenyx AI's technology is gaining traction in hospitality, travel, and financial services, offering adaptable solutions to enhance customer interactions.
• Adam highlights his extensive experience in machine learning, speech technology, and natural language processing before joining Tenyx AI.
• He explains the shift from outdated IVR systems to sophisticated AI-powered voice experiences, improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Adam offers strategic advice for integrating advanced language models into customer service, emphasizing addressing real concerns and achieving tangible results.
• Tenyx AI focuses on continuous research and open-source contributions, aiming to solve issues like domain alignment and fine-tuning large models for optimal performance.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Tenyx

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What does it take to stay ahead in the competitive industrial sector for nearly a century? In this episode Nidhi Arora welcomes Mark Sheahan, CEO of Graco, to discuss the company’s journey of innovation and resilience in the industrial sector. He shares insights on Graco's pioneering work in the automotive industry and the critical role of precision engineering in handling new materials. He emphasizes the importance of niche markets and continuous innovation to maintain a competitive edge.

Mark has been with the company for nearly 30 years, holding various leadership roles before becoming CEO in June 2021. His career includes positions such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and General Manager of the Applied Fluid Technologies Division, and Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to joining Graco, Mark was a Senior Tax Manager at KPMG. He holds degrees in Business and Law, bringing a wealth of expertise to his long-time role at Graco.

Discussion Points

• Innovation and Solutions: Graco innovates to solve complex manufacturing problems, enhancing productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency.
• Competitive Edge: Graco targets niche markets and emphasizes innovation, delivering high-quality, precise, customer-centric solutions.
• Automotive Involvement: Graco develops solutions for new materials and applications, including EV battery manufacturing.
• Risk Management: Graco maintains zero tolerance in risk management, focusing on cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, and regulatory compliance.
• COVID-19 Response: Graco balanced flexible work and family-oriented culture while adapting to supply chain disruptions and market changes.
• AI and Analytics: AI and data analytics enhance Graco's customer service and marketing, improving customer processes and decision-making.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Graco

The Titanium Economy

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In this episode of the Titanium Economy podcast series hosted by Nidhi Arora of Ayna.AI, Sara O'Rourke, Chief of Staff and Head of Operations for the CHIPS Investment Office, provides an in-depth analysis of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Sara discusses the pivotal role of semiconductors in America's economic and national security and outlines the innovative strategies of the CHIPS program, which manages over $50 billion in federal investment to revitalize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

Sara O’Rourke began her career with impactful work in education and women's economic empowerment in the Middle East, leading her to address significant challenges. At McKinsey, she spent nearly a decade driving financial and operational transformations for businesses and government agencies, co-founding the Center for Reinvesting in America to leverage federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and technology. Sara holds a bachelor's degree in social studies from Harvard and a master's in international affairs and finance from Johns Hopkins.

Discussion Points

• Sara discusses the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, focusing on its impact on the U.S. semiconductor industry and the program's unique team approach to maximize federal investment.
• Investments in the semiconductor supply chain include major deals like Intel and Brookfield, and investments in companies such as Micron, Intel, TSMC, and Samsung.
• The CHIPS office is also supporting companies like Global Foundries and Microchip, and projects like advanced packaging with Lipsalix.
• The CHIPS office targets 20% leading-edge production in the U.S., emphasizing job creation and workforce challenges.
• The program follows milestone-based funding and private capital to encourage larger investments in semiconductor manufacturing.
• The CHIPS office's collaborative approach integrates policy experts, industry veterans, and intelligence professionals to advance U.S. semiconductor capabilities.

Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna.AI—a managed service provider that combines domain expertise and transformation capabilities to create alpha—performance superior to market indices—in the industrial and industrial technology sector. The host of this episode, Nidhi Arora, is VP of Content & Marketing for Ayna.AI.

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Titanium Economy Website

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