We talk IoT – The Internet of Things Business Podcast

In this episode, we conclude our special series on the Advanced Electronics Challenge with the winners themselves: Johannes Büker, CEO, and Paul Werner, CTO of Hydronauten GmbH. Their innovative solution addresses a significant hidden energy drain – pumps consume approximately 30% of the EU's electricity.
Hydronauten addresses two critical challenges simultaneously: reducing harmful vibrations that damage infrastructure and residents' quality of life while dramatically improving energy efficiency. Their "quiet hydro technology" applies noise-cancelling principles to pump systems, enabling 20-30% energy savings and opening new possibilities for grid stabilisation.
Johannes and Paul explain how their technology transforms existing pump installations into smart, efficient systems that can help stabilise renewable energy grids. The conversation reveals how pump-based grid stabilisation could have prevented recent power outages in Spain and Portugal and why this overlooked technology represents a crucial piece of the renewable energy puzzle.
#pumptechnology #energyefficiency #gridstability #renewableenergy #iot #wetalkiot #noisecancelling #smartgrid
 
Summary of this week's episode:
02:15 Meet Hydronauten: From University Research to Commercial Success
04:30 The Dual Problem: Vibrations and Energy Waste in Pump Systems
06:45 How Noise-Cancelling Technology Works in Hydraulic Systems
09:20 Advanced Electronics Challenge: Miniaturising Signal Processing
12:10 AI and Data Analytics: Optimising Pump Performance
15:30 Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure: Plug-and-Play Solutions
17:45 Grid Stabilisation: Using Pumps to Balance Renewable Energy
21:30 Real-World Impact: Wastewater Treatment Success Story
24:15 The Spain-Portugal Grid Crisis: How Pumps Could Have Helped
26:40 Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring Capabilities
 
Show notes:
Johannes Büker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-johannes-b%C3%BCker-9800b9126/
Paul Werner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-werner-b163162b1/
Hydronauten: https://hydronauten.de/
Advanced Electronics Challenge 2025: https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/
 
Previous Advanced Electronics Challenge episodes:
CiX Greentech (Water Purification): https://we-talk-iot.podbean.eu/e/diamonds-are-forever-pfas-not-how-cix-greentech-purifies-water-%e2%80%93-we-talk-iot-66/
Belle Health (Women's Health Technology): https://we-talk-iot.podbean.eu/e/cycle-breakers-how-belle-healths-smart-ring-is-transforming-womens-health-%e2%80%93-we-talk-iot-67/
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
 
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge intersection of femtech and medical innovation with Victoria Schoeffel and Rafael Schaider from Belle Health, the second-place winners of the Advanced Electronics Challenge at embedded world.
Belle Health tackles one of the most overlooked areas of healthcare: the impact of hormonal fluctuations on women's health. Their solution combines a therapy app with a smart ring to track physiological data, helping women understand and manage premenstrual symptoms, including the severe condition PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).
Victoria and Rafael discuss the shocking 12-year average diagnostic delay for PMDD, how their technology can reduce this to months, and why women's physiology remains an afterthought in both medicine and electronics development. They explain how their evidence-based approach brings together psychological interventions with real-time physiological monitoring.
Tune in to discover how this German startup is pioneering a data-driven approach to women's health that could transform diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for millions of women worldwide.
#femtech #womenhealth #smartwearables #iot #wetalkiot #PMDD #hormonehealth
 
Summary of this week's episode:
02:04 Understanding the Problem: Premenstrual Symptoms and PMDD
05:05 The Evolution of Femtech and Recognizing Female Health as Hormonal Health
07:22 Historical Testing Gap: Medical Research Focused on Men
09:20 The Impact of PMDD: Suicidal Ideation and Misdiagnosis
11:12 Belle Health's Solution: App and Smart Ring Technology
14:48 Analysing Female Data Based on Menstrual Cycles vs. Calendar Days
16:31 Current Sensing Technology and Future Hormone Measurement Goals
18:04 Heart Rate Variability Across the Menstrual Cycle
20:47 Reducing the 12-Year Diagnostic Delay for PMDD
23:18 Data-Driven Approach to Treatment Selection
25:48 Digital Health Access in Remote Areas
29:57 Vision for the Future: AI and Personalized Healthcare
33:23 Why Belle Health Joined the Advanced Electronics Challenge
 
Show notes:
Victoria Schoeffel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-schoeffel/
Rafael Schaider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-schaider/
Belle Health: https://bellehealth.co/
An example of a period pain simulator: https://youtu.be/PuiWm2Lb-hk?si=it0kRhe1406_shR_
Advanced Electronics Challenge 2025: https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/
 
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
 
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

In this episode, we explore the future of water purification with Timo Fromm and Rudolf Borchardt from CiX Greentech, a German startup tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
CiX has developed a smart, ready-to-use purification module that uses diamond electrodes and electricity to eliminate micropollutants such as pharmaceutical residues, hormones, bacteria, viruses – and persistent chemicals like PFAS.
Timo and Rudolf discuss their journey from nanotechnology research to winning third place in the Advanced Electronics Challenge at embedded world 2025. We discuss the science behind their solution, potential industrial applications, and how their technology helps protect water systems and public health.
Tune in to learn how deep tech and hardware innovation can drive real impact – one drop at a time.
#water #purification #pfas #iot #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
01:38 Meet Six Green Tech
03:11 Understanding PFAS and Water Pollution
03:49 The Journey of Six Green Tech
05:07 Advanced Electronics Challenge
07:47 How the Water Purification Module Works
11:39 Importance of Removing Micro Contaminants
22:23 Future Plans and Applications
 
Show notes:
Rudolf Borchardt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolfborchardt/
Timo Fromm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timofromm/
CiX Greentech: https://cixgreentech.de/
Advanced Electronics Challenge 2025: https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
 
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

Join host Stefanie Ruth Heyduck as she sits down with Phil Bell and Josh Jackman from ART Health Solutions to explore the cutting-edge intersection of technology and workplace wellbeing. Discover how real-world data from wearables, smartphone apps, and environmental sensors can enhance productivity and employee experience.
Learn about the tangible impact of factors such as light, noise, office design, and even nutrition on your performance. Tune in to hear expert insights on the future of work, the benefits of flexible workspaces, and strategies for creating healthier, happier workplaces.
#workplace #iot #data #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
01:40 Meet the Experts: Phil Bell and Josh Jackman
06:03 The Importance of Data in the Workplace
07:51 Remote Work vs. Traditional Office
15:56 Impact of Workplace Environment on Performance
18:57 Collecting and Analysing Workplace Data
21:49 Surprising Findings in Workplace Research
24:02 The Power of Micro Breaks
29:36 Strategies for Culture Change
34:11 Future of Data-Driven Workplaces
 
Show notes:
Phill Bell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phill-bell-9a784065/
Josh Jackman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-jackman-/
McKinsey Report on Thriving Workplaces: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/thriving-workplaces-how-employers-can-improve-productivity-and-change-lives
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
 
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

Mark Swinburn from NXP joins us to explore the pivotal role of energy management in today's world. We discuss the challenges posed by rising energy demands, the critical importance of sustainability, and the impact of AI and digitalization on energy systems.
The conversation delves into how governments, companies, and investors can accelerate the clean energy transition through standardization and partnerships. Mark highlights the shift towards real-time, autonomous, and secure energy management systems, emphasizing AI and machine learning as key drivers.
The episode concludes with a look at how NXP is incorporating advanced security measures to safeguard energy infrastructures and a discussion on emerging trends like containerization.
#energy #power #iot #ai #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
02:25 Importance of Energy Management
03:38 Challenges in Energy Management
05:47 Contradictions in Energy Management
07:11 Energy Storage Systems
08:40 Optimization and Real-Time Management
13:23 AI and Machine Learning in Energy
20:24 Security and Resilience in Energy Systems
26:29 Emerging Trends and Future Outlook
 
Show notes:
Mark Swinburn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-swinburn-49259012/
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
 
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

Join host Ruth Heyduck in this special episode celebrating International Women's Day 2025 and its theme, Accelerate Action. Our guest, Maria Heriz from Tektronix, shares her inspiring journey from Madrid to San Francisco as an engineer passionate about equality and inclusion.
Discover her experiences, challenges, and the pivotal moments in her career. Learn about her initiatives to inspire the next generation of women in technology and her views on the evolving landscape of gender equality in the tech industry. Dive into an insightful conversation about perseverance, diversity, and the importance of mentorship in fostering successful careers for women in engineering and technology.
#iwd25 #accelerateaction #ai #womeninengineering #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
01:17 Maria's Journey to Engineering
03:10 Challenges and Inspirations
06:10 Initiatives for Women in Tech
08:48 Accelerate Action: International Women's Day
15:43 Progress and Bias in the Tech Industry
23:40 Proudest Moments and Advice
27:31 Rapid Fire Questions
 
Show notes:
Maria Heriz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaheriz/
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
 
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

In this episode, we explore the rapid advancements in AI and IoT technology with Cliff Ortmeyer from Farnell. The discussion highlights the evolution of sensors from high-power consumption to low-power, coin cell-operated devices, making AI at the edge more accessible. Cliff explains the transformative power of AI in enabling new sensor capabilities and its mainstream adoption due to reduced costs and improved computational power.
The conversation also covers real-world applications, including healthcare solutions for elder monitoring and the significance of security in IoT adoption. DIY development, the role of community-driven platforms like Raspberry Pi, and overcoming knowledge barriers are key themes discussed, along with Cliff's personal insights and favourite tech use cases.
#ai #sensor #edge #iot #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
01:35 The Evolution and Impact of Sensors
04:09 AI's Role in Sensor Technology
06:11 Challenges and Barriers in AI Adoption
13:32 Practical Advice for Engineers
15:12 Innovative Use Cases in Healthcare
32:10 The Future of AI and Security Concerns
35:30 Fun and Personal Insights
 
Show notes:
Cliff Ortmeyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-ortmeyer/
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

Today, we're exploring a topic that hits very close to home: Avnet Silica's graduate programme. I'm thrilled to be joined by two special guests — a talented young engineer – Kevin To — who's part of the current graduate intake, and Moritz Jansen, a dedicated colleague from the HR team who helps shape the program.
We delve into how the program attracts and nurtures young tech talent, the importance of hardware engineering, and strategies for bridging the gap between university education and practical industry experience. The discussion also covers the commercial side of electronic engineering and how mentorship plays a crucial role in knowledge transfer within the company.
#iot #ai #graduate #engineer #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
01:05 Meet the Guests: Kevin and Moritz
02:30 Kevin's Journey into Engineering
04:30 Exploring the Graduate Program
07:18 Challenges and Knowledge Transfer
16:24 Future of IoT and Career Advice
 
Show notes:
Kevin To: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinto19/
Moritz Jansen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moritz-jansen-a79635252/
 
Learn more about Avnet Silica's Graduate Programme: https://my.avnet.com/emea/about-us/careers/young-professionals/graduates/
 
Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp
 
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica — the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

What does it take for a company to become data-driven? Today’s discussion will explore Siemens’ strategies behind integrating AI and machine learning.
My guest is Michael Taylor, the Chief Data Scientist at Siemens. He is at the forefront of leveraging data to drive real business value. From smart infrastructure to predictive maintenance, Siemens is a prime example of how a company can be truly data-powered and AI-enabled.
#iot #ai #data #industrial #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
03:02 Siemens' Data-Driven Journey
05:18 Challenges and Strategies in Data Utilization
07:21 Unified Data Strategy Across Siemens
11:28 Predictive Maintenance and Common Use Cases
13:50 The Importance of Data Sharing
16:51 Cultural and Mindset Shifts
19:56 Break and Sponsor Message
20:36 The Long Journey of Data Transformation
23:07 Smart Cities and Broader Impacts of Data
 
Show notes:
Michael Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtaylor104/
About Avnet Silica:
This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution.
You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com.

With the electronica fair just around the corner, we’re bringing you an exclusive discussion with two industry leaders from Avnet Silica. Today, I'm joined by Thomas Foj, Senior Director of Supplier Management, Solutions & Markets, and Strategy EMEA, and Michaël Uyttersprot, Market Segment Manager for AI/ML/Vision.
Together, we'll dive into the future of semiconductors, smart manufacturing transformation, clean energy management, and the evolving landscape of autonomous robotics. We'll also explore the rise of generative AI and other pivotal AI trends shaping the market. So, whether you're an industry insider or just tech-curious, stay tuned for insights that pave the way for tomorrow’s innovations.
#electronicafair #iot #ai #robotics #technology #wetalkiot
 
Summary of this week's episode:
02:25 Meet the Experts: Thomas and Michael
03:37 Future Trends in Technology and Vertical Markets
05:38 The Role of AI in Smart Manufacturing
07:09 Semiconductor Market Evolution
12:07 Smart Manufacturing and Predictive Maintenance
15:11 Challenges in Adopting New Technologies
26:35 Generative AI: Potential and Applications
34:49 AI Trends Beyond Generative AI
 
Show notes:
Thomas Foj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-foj-1036702/
Michaël Uyttersprot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micha%C3%ABl-uyttersprot-aaa971211/
Avnet Silica at electronica 2024: https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/electronica-2024/