The Sparknify Podcast

Sparknify
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The Sparknify Podcast features conversations with founders, investors, technologists, and creators shaping the future of innovation. Produced in the heart of Silicon Valley, the show explores the ideas, technologies, and people driving the next wave of change. Episodes include discussions from Sparknify’s studio programs, technology forums, and innovation events, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, deep tech, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. Join the conversations with the builders, thinkers, and leaders shaping what comes next.

Episodes

  1. Corporate Capital in the Age of AI

    MAR 10

    Corporate Capital in the Age of AI

    How do the corporate venture arms of the world’s largest industrial companies decide where the future of technology is heading?In this episode of Silicon Valley Unplugged, Sparknify brings together leaders from three of the most influential corporate venture capital groups shaping the next wave of AI, semiconductors, and deep tech innovation. These investors sit at the intersection of frontier technology, global manufacturing, and long-term industrial strategy. Unlike traditional venture funds, corporate venture capital (CVC) focuses not only on financial returns but also on strategic alignment with the future of their industries. With deep domain expertise, direct access to customers, and global supply chains, these investors often help determine which technologies move from breakthrough ideas to industry standards. In this candid conversation, we explore how corporate venture teams evaluate emerging technologies and where they see the next wave of AI-driven infrastructure developing.Featured Speakers • Anand Kamannavar — Applied Ventures (Applied Materials) • Divya Raghavan — Hitachi Ventures • Ben Haskell — Lam Capital (Lam Research)Together, they represent strategic capital embedded inside companies that power the physical backbone of the modern world — from semiconductor fabrication equipment and advanced materials to global industrial systems. Topics discussed• How corporate venture teams identify strategic AI investments• What signals matter when evaluating deep-tech startups• The future of semiconductor, robotics, and advanced compute startups• How CVC balances financial returns with long-term industrial vision• Where the next generation of AI infrastructure may emergeFor founders building deep tech, this conversation offers insight into how to align with strategic investors. For investors and technologists, it provides a window into where global industrial leaders are placing their long-term bets.About Sparknify SV Unplugged Silicon Valley Unplugged (SV Up) is a monthly live studio show with audience produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast network in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. Each episode brings together visionary founders, technologists, and creators to discuss bold ideas at the intersection of innovation, humanity, and the future.Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest speakers, and how to attend future shows in person.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Up — where Silicon Valley speaks, unplugged.#AI⁠ ⁠#VentureCapital⁠ ⁠#CorporateVentureCapital⁠ ⁠#Semiconductors⁠ ⁠#DeepTech⁠ ⁠#SiliconValley⁠ ⁠#StartupFunding⁠ ⁠#Sparknify⁠

    44 min
  2. How to Build Ultra-Efficient AI Inference for Edge Devices | Sam Fok (femtoAI)

    FEB 19

    How to Build Ultra-Efficient AI Inference for Edge Devices | Sam Fok (femtoAI)

    At the Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies event, Sam Fok, Co-Founder & CEO of femtoAI, shares real-world insights on building ultra-efficient AI inference for embedded and edge devices. Drawing from hands-on experience at the intersection of silicon and software, Sam explains how breakthroughs in co-design are enabling powerful AI to run on constrained hardware—dramatically reducing energy consumption, latency, and cost. In this talk, Sam breaks down why efficiency is becoming the defining constraint of the next AI wave, how startups should think about deploying intelligence into everyday physical products, and why Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem is critical to turning cutting-edge research into scalable, real-world systems. His perspective is especially relevant for founders working on AI hardware, edge computing, robotics, and next-generation embedded systems. 🚨 Reminder: Applications for IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC) Batch 4 are now open, with the deadline coming up soon. Selected teams gain access to mentorship, corporate partners, manufacturing resources, and opportunities to scale with Taiwan’s world-class semiconductor ecosystem. 👉 Apply here: https://ictaiwanchallenge.org For full event context and more talks from Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies, visit: 👉 https://www.sparknify.com/bridging-svt Organized by Taiwan National Science & Technology Council Implemented by Taipei Computer Association Produced by Sparknify #SamFok #femtoAI #EdgeAI #AIHardware #Semiconductors #DeepTech #StartupScaling #ICTGC #TaiwanTech #SiliconValley #EmbeddedAI #Sparknify

    8 min
  3. How Semiconductor Startups Scale from Idea to Impact | Laura Swan (Silicon Catalyst)

    FEB 12

    How Semiconductor Startups Scale from Idea to Impact | Laura Swan (Silicon Catalyst)

    At the Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies event, Laura Swan, General Partner at Silicon Catalyst Ventures, delivers her talk “Accelerating the Future: How Semiconductor Startups Scale from Idea to Impact.” Drawing on decades of hands-on engineering, operating, and venture experience, Laura breaks down what it truly takes for semiconductor and deep-tech startups to move from architecture and prototyping to manufacturing and real-world deployment. In this session, Laura explains why semiconductors are fundamentally different from software, how founders should think about capital efficiency, ecosystem alignment, and timing, and why Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain plays a critical role in helping startups scale faster and more reliably. Her insights offer founders, investors, and researchers a practical roadmap for turning technically ambitious ideas into globally competitive products. 🚨 Reminder: Applications for IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC) Batch 4 are now open, with the deadline coming up soon. Selected teams gain access to mentorship, corporate partners, manufacturing resources, and opportunities to scale with Taiwan’s world-class semiconductor ecosystem. 👉 Apply here: https://ictaiwanchallenge.org For full event context and more talks from Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies, visit: 👉 https://www.sparknify.com/bridging-svt Organized by Taiwan National Science & Technology Council Implemented by Taipei Computer Association Produced by Sparknify #LauraSwan #SiliconCatalyst #Semiconductors #DeepTech #HardwareStartups #StartupScaling #VentureCapital #ICTGC #TaiwanTech #SiliconValley #InnovationToImpact #Sparknify

    10 min
  4. How Semiconductor Startups Scale Globally | Janis Skriveris (Plug and Play Ventures)

    FEB 5

    How Semiconductor Startups Scale Globally | Janis Skriveris (Plug and Play Ventures)

    At the Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies on January 13, 2026 in Palo Alto, Janis Skriveris, Principal and Deeptech Lead at Plug and Play Ventures, shares his talk “Empowering the Global Semiconductor Ecosystem: From Innovation to Scale.” Drawing from years of investing and operating at the intersection of deep tech and global platforms, Janis explores how startups can move from early innovation to real-world scale by leveraging strong ecosystems, corporate partnerships, and international collaboration—particularly across Silicon Valley and Taiwan. Since joining Plug and Play in 2017, Janis has helped run accelerator cohorts worldwide and supported founders across Deeptech, AI, Mobility, AEC, Cleantech, and AI infrastructure. He has led dozens of early-stage investments, including backing unicorn Einride, and previously built expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and business transformation at EY. His perspective offers founders a clear view into what global investors and platforms look for when scaling physical, capital-intensive technologies. 🚨 Reminder: Applications for IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC) Batch 4 are now open and the deadline is coming up soon. Selected teams gain access to mentorship, corporate partners, manufacturing resources, and opportunities to scale with Taiwan’s world-class semiconductor ecosystem. 👉 Apply here: https://ictaiwanchallenge.org For full event context and more talks from Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies, visit: https://www.sparknify.com/bridging-svt Organized by Taiwan National Science & Technology Council Implemented by Taipei Computer Association Produced by Sparknify ⁠#JanisSkriveris⁠ ⁠#PlugAndPlay⁠ ⁠#Semiconductors⁠ ⁠#DeepTech⁠ ⁠#AIHardware⁠ ⁠#StartupScaling⁠ ⁠#VentureCapital⁠ ⁠#ICTGC⁠ ⁠#TaiwanTech⁠ ⁠#SiliconValley⁠ ⁠#HardwareStartups⁠ ⁠#InnovationToScale⁠

    11 min
  5. Inside the Playbook for Scaling AI & Semiconductor Startups | Andy Lombard (Tesoro VC)

    JAN 28

    Inside the Playbook for Scaling AI & Semiconductor Startups | Andy Lombard (Tesoro VC)

    At Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies on January 13, 2026 in Palo Alto, Andy Lombard, Founder and Managing Partner of Tesoro Venture Capital, shares hard-earned insights on what it really takes to scale AI and semiconductor startups from early traction to global impact. Drawing from decades of experience as a six-time venture-backed founder, former Motorola executive, and deep-tech investor, Andy breaks down how capital, partnerships, and access to global supply chains—especially across Taiwan and Silicon Valley—shape the success or failure of hardware-driven startups. This talk explores: • Why scaling deep tech is fundamentally different from scaling software • How founders should think about manufacturing, partnerships, and timing • The role of accelerators, venture capital, and cross-border ecosystems • Why Taiwan remains a critical hub for semiconductor and AI innovation This session is part of the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC) ecosystem event, connecting founders, investors, and industry leaders working at the frontier of AI and semiconductor innovation. Organized by Taiwan National Science & Technology Council Implemented by Taipei Computer Association Produced by Sparknify ⁠#AndyLombard⁠ ⁠#TesoroVC⁠ ⁠#SemiconductorStartups⁠ ⁠#AIStartups⁠ ⁠#DeepTech⁠ ⁠#HardwareStartups⁠ ⁠#VentureCapital⁠ ⁠#StartupScaling⁠ ⁠#GlobalSupplyChain⁠ ⁠#TaiwanSiliconValley⁠ ⁠#CrossBorderInnovation⁠ ⁠#ICTGC⁠ ⁠#StartupEcosystem⁠ ⁠#HardTech⁠ ⁠#FounderInsights⁠ ⁠#Sparknify⁠

    10 min
  6. What is After AI?

    JAN 21

    What is After AI?

    A Strategic Conversation from Silicon Valley at 2025 Taiwan Demo Day As AI dominates headlines and reshapes entire industries, the most forward-looking investors, researchers, and founders are already asking: what comes next? This panel—filmed live at Willow Workplace in Menlo Park on July 24, 2025 — brings together some of the sharpest minds in AI, venture capital, and exponential technologies to explore the next wave beyond artificial intelligence.🎙️ Moderated by:Sibyl Chen — General Manager, Berkeley SkyDeck🧠 Panelists:• Chris Manning — Head of the Stanford AI Lab, expert in next-gen AI architectures• Jerry Kaplan — Renowned futurist, author, and serial entrepreneur• Michelle Kiang — Founding Managing Partner of MTM Venture PartnersTopics include:🔹 Signals for the next investable frontier🔹 Post-AI computing paradigms🔹 Synthetic biology, edge intelligence, and beyond🔹 Geopolitical shifts and infrastructural realignments🔹 Where the next 10x innovations might emerge🎯 Following the panel, the session features 10 cutting-edge startups from Taiwan as part of Taiwan Demo Day—offering a rare look at ventures emerging from one of the world’s most quietly impactful tech ecosystems.🔗 Learn more: https://www.sparknify.com/taiwan-demo-day📍 Filmed at: Willow Workplace, Menlo Park, CA📅 Date: July 24, 2025#PostAI⁠ ⁠#DeepTech⁠ ⁠#TaiwanTech⁠ ⁠#VentureCapital⁠ ⁠#FutureOfTech⁠ ⁠#StartupEcosystems⁠ ⁠#AI⁠ ⁠#SyntheticBiology⁠ ⁠#EdgeComputing⁠ ⁠#TaiwanDemoDay⁠ ⁠#Sparknify⁠ ⁠#StanfordAI⁠ ⁠#SkyDeck⁠ ⁠#JerryKaplan⁠ ⁠#MTMventures⁠

    30 min
  7. The Future of Air Transport | Traverse Aero

    JAN 19

    The Future of Air Transport | Traverse Aero

    In this episode of Silicon Valley Unplugged, Scott Parker, founder and CEO of Traverse Aero, takes the stage for a Tech Talk presentation on how autonomous air systems will reshape the future of logistics.Scott introduces Traverse Aero’s groundbreaking approach to autonomous pallet transport, showing how their platform can dramatically improve planning, routing, and operational efficiency across the global supply chain.With a vision that blends advanced engineering, automation, and next-generation air mobility, Traverse Aero is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in freight transport.🔍 Highlights from Scott’s Tech Talk: • How autonomous aircraft can streamline pallet transport • Why today’s logistics systems need a smarter aerial layer • Traverse Aero’s approach to precision planning and real-time routing • The engineering behind scalable autonomous air mobility • How automation will unlock faster and more cost-effective freight movementIf you’re interested in aviation, robotics, logistics tech, or deep-tech innovation, this on-stage presentation offers a powerful glimpse into the future.⸻🎥 About Sparknify SV UnpluggedSilicon Valley Unplugged (SV Up) is a monthly live studio show with audience produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast network in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. Each episode brings together visionary founders, technologists, and creators to discuss bold ideas at the intersection of innovation, humanity, and the future.🌐 Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest speakers, and how to attend future shows in person.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Up—where Silicon Valley speaks, unplugged.#TraverseAero⁠ ⁠#ScottParker⁠ ⁠#FutureOfAirTransport⁠ ⁠#AutonomousFlight⁠ ⁠#AviationInnovation⁠ ⁠#AirMobility⁠ ⁠#LogisticsTech⁠ ⁠#AutonomousLogistics⁠ ⁠#FreightRevolution⁠ ⁠#SupplyChainInnovation⁠ ⁠#Sparknify⁠ ⁠#SVUp⁠

    12 min
  8. From Challenge to Creation: David Leikam’s Extraordinary Sound Journey

    12/27/2025

    From Challenge to Creation: David Leikam’s Extraordinary Sound Journey

    In this episode of Silicon Valley Spotlight, we feature David Leikam — a composer-improviser and sonic architect whose soundscapes push the boundaries of modern improvisation. Performing live on the Moog Rogue synthesizer, David brings analog textures to life through instinct, emotion, and deep sonic curiosity.Born with cerebral palsy, David’s experience of the world—through both body and speech—has profoundly shaped his relationship with sound. His physical and sensory awareness translates into a unique musical language that is deeply personal, exploratory, and transcendent.A largely self-taught multi-instrumentalist, David’s work spans composition, performance, and sound design, blending structure with spontaneity in every note.🎧 Experience the art of sound through a different lens — where limitation becomes innovation.🎥 About Sparknify SV Spotlight Silicon Valley Spotlight is a live studio performance produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast network in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. The show shines a light on creative and innovative performers who push the boundaries of sound and expression — from artists mastering exotic musical instruments to performers inventing entirely new ways to merge technology and art. Each episode celebrates originality, experimentation, and the human spirit of creativity that thrives in the heart of Silicon Valley. 🌐 Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest performers, and how to attend future shows in person.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Spotlight.#SVSpotlight #Sparknify #DavidLeikam #MoogRogue #ExperimentalMusic #SoundArt #Improvisation #SonicArchitecture #DisabilityInArt #LivePerformance #BayAreaMusic

    13 min
  9. Investing in Hard Tech

    12/27/2025

    Investing in Hard Tech

    In this episode of Silicon Valley Unplugged, we sit down with Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation on what it really takes to build and back transformative deep-tech companies.Hosted by Jillian Sun, this episode explores how frontier technologies move from lab breakthroughs to global impact. Nicolas shares insights from the investor’s seat—how TDK Ventures evaluates founders, what differentiates durable hardware and deep-tech startups, and where energy, materials, AI, and climate technologies are heading next.Whether you’re a founder navigating early traction, an investor tracking the next platform shift, or simply curious about how real innovation gets funded, this conversation offers a grounded look at the decisions and philosophies shaping the future of technology.⸻About Sparknify SV UnpluggedSilicon Valley Unplugged (SV Up) is a monthly live studio show with audience produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast network in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. Each episode brings together visionary founders, technologists, and creators to discuss bold ideas at the intersection of innovation, humanity, and the future.Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest speakers, and how to attend future shows in person.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Up — where Silicon Valley speaks, unplugged.#SiliconValleyUnplugged #TDKVentures #NicolasSauvage #JillianSun #DeepTech #HardwareStartups #VentureCapital #ClimateTech #EnergyTech #AdvancedMaterials #AIHardware #StartupFounders #TechInvesting #InnovationEcosystem #FromLabToMarket #HardTech #FutureOfTechnology #Sparknify

    28 min
  10. Turning Ordinary Objects into Sound Sculptures by Creative Sound Artist Bryan Day

    10/19/2025

    Turning Ordinary Objects into Sound Sculptures by Creative Sound Artist Bryan Day

    What if the everyday objects around you — a spring, a pipe, a piece of metal — could sing? In this episode of Silicon Valley Spotlight, we explore the mind of Bryan Day, an experimental sound artist, inventor, and performer who transforms found materials into mesmerizing sound sculptures. From tinkering with discarded electronics to performing with self-built instruments, Bryan challenges how we define music, noise, and art. 🔍 Inside this SV Spotlight episode: • How Bryan Day turns ordinary junk into expressive sound machines • The philosophy behind experimental sound and improvisation • What it means to listen differently in a world full of noise • Live demonstrations of his one-of-a-kind instruments 🎧 Whether you’re an artist, engineer, or simply curious about the boundaries of creativity, this episode invites you to hear the world anew. Full video recording of this episode is available at https://youtu.be/ppdQ20rJ2dY 🎥 About Sparknify SV Spotlight Silicon Valley Spotlight is a live studio performance produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast network in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. The show shines a light on creative and innovative performers who push the boundaries of sound and expression — from artists mastering exotic musical instruments to performers inventing entirely new ways to merge technology and art. Each episode celebrates originality, experimentation, and the human spirit of creativity that thrives in the heart of Silicon Valley. 🌐 Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest performers, and how to attend future shows in person. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Spotlights. #BryanDay #SoundArt #ExperimentalMusic #SoundSculpture #Innovation #CreativeTechnology #SiliconValleyUnplugged #Sparknify #SVSpotlight

    33 min
  11. The Future of Education

    09/23/2025

    The Future of Education

    AI is transforming every corner of society — and education is no exception. From reshaping how students learn to redefining the admissions process, the future of learning is here. But what happens when algorithms, not humans, begin to evaluate what makes a “good student”? In this episode of SV Up (Silicon Valley Unplugged), filmed live in Palo Alto, we bring together experts and innovators to tackle one of the biggest questions of our time: How will AI disrupt education and college admissions? Featured Guests • Greer Stone – Palo Alto City Council Member, educator, and youth advocate focused on student wellbeing and innovation. • Michael Treviño – Former Director of Undergraduate Admissions for the University of California system, with decades of leadership experience shaping how admissions decisions are made. Expect candid conversations about: • How AI will reshape K-12 and higher education. • The future of college admissions in an algorithm-driven world. • What lifelong skills truly matter in an AI economy. • Creativity, innovation, and the human edge that machines can’t replace. ⸻ About Sparknify SV Unplugged Silicon Valley Unplugged (SV Up) is a monthly live studio show with audience produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast network in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. Each episode brings together visionary founders, technologists, and creators to discuss bold ideas at the intersection of innovation, humanity, and the future. 🌐 Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest speakers, and how to attend future shows in person. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Up—where Silicon Valley speaks, unplugged. #EducationDisrupted #FutureOfLearning #AIinEducation #CollegeAdmissions #ArtificialIntelligence #EdTech #SiliconValley #Sparknify #SVUp

    59 min
  12. The Future of Drone Racing

    09/05/2025

    The Future of Drone Racing

    In this episode of Silicon Valley Unplugged (SV Up), we dive into the thrilling world of drone racing — a tech-infused sport where human reflexes and machine speed converge in a high-stakes spectacle. Moderated by Leah Stamm of Sparknify, this live panel features top drone racing champions including Timofey “Din” Germanov, Colby Curtola, Jon Gaiser, and Bryson Hagerman. Together, they explore how FPV (First-Person View) drone racing is evolving from grassroots hobbyist competitions to a mainstream spectator sport, fueled by rapid advancements in drone technology, AI, and immersive media. Discover what it’s like to fly at 100+ mph through tight turns using nothing but a headset and a joystick. Learn how racing drones differ from commercial ones, how drone pilots train, and how sponsors, media, and leagues are shaping the future of the sport. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a sports fan, or just drone-curious, this panel will give you an inside look at one of the fastest-growing and most visually stunning sports today. ⸻ About Sparknify SV Unplugged Silicon Valley Unplugged (SV Up) is a monthly live studio show with audience produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast network in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. Each episode brings together visionary founders, technologists, and creators to discuss bold ideas at the intersection of innovation, humanity, and the future. 🌐 Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest speakers, and how to attend future shows in person. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Up — where Silicon Valley speaks, unplugged.

    28 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

The Sparknify Podcast features conversations with founders, investors, technologists, and creators shaping the future of innovation. Produced in the heart of Silicon Valley, the show explores the ideas, technologies, and people driving the next wave of change. Episodes include discussions from Sparknify’s studio programs, technology forums, and innovation events, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, deep tech, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. Join the conversations with the builders, thinkers, and leaders shaping what comes next.

Information

  • Creator
    Sparknify
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sparknify
  • Show Website
    The Sparknify Podcast