The Sustainable Tech Podcast

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/ [https://kel.vin/] 🚀 Subscribe to the podcast: https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/ [https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/] ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter [https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter] 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube [https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvirani/] Lighthouse Labs Bootcamp - https://www.lighthouselabs.ca/ [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 🚀 Subscribe to the podcast: https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/ [https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/] ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter [https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter] 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube [https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-weaver-crawford/] Bubbles Hair - https://bubbleshair.ca/ [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 🚀 Subscribe to the podcast: https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/ [https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/] ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter [https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter] 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube [https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-jeanneau/] Keen to Help - https://www.keentohelp.com/ [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 🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here! https://goec.io/contact-us/ [https://goec.io/contact-us/] 🚀 Subscribe to the podcast: https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/ [https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/] ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter [https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter] 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube [https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube] 📄 Read the EC blog: https://s.goec.io/ec-blog [https://s.goec.io/ec-blog] 🛠️ Need help building something? https://s.goec.io/build-together [https://s.goec.io/build-together]

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighsembaluk/] Preception - https://preception.io/ [https://preception.io/] Pro Instinct - https://www.proinstinctapp.com/ [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 🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here! https://goec.io/contact-us/ [https://goec.io/contact-us/] 🚀 Subscribe to the podcast: https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/ [https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/] ✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter [https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter] 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube [https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube] 📄 Read the EC blog: https://s.goec.io/ec-blog [https://s.goec.io/ec-blog] 🛠️ Need help building something? https://s.goec.io/build-together [https://s.goec.io/build-together]