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The Innovators of Things

The Innovators of Things

Written by: Hologram
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Dive into the cutting-edge world of IoT with "The Innovators of Things," a podcast series that profiles the builders and leaders of connected devices. Hosted by Jillian Kaplan, this series offers listeners an insider's look at the innovations and challenges shaping our connected future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an industry professional, "The Innovators of Things" is your source for inspiration and insight into the ever-evolving landscape of IoT. Join us to explore how these visionaries are crafting a smarter, more interconnected world.© 2025 Hologram Economics
Episodes
  • Building the Future of Cloud and Networking with Gal Malach, Co-Founder & CTO of Xsight Labs
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Gal Malach, co-founder and CTO of Xsight Labs, to explore how his team is redefining chip architecture and cloud infrastructure for the AI era. From his early career at Motorola to leading one of Israel’s most innovative semiconductor startups, Gal shares lessons on persistence, adaptability, and building technology that keeps pace with a rapidly evolving market.


    He discusses what it takes to move from software to hardware innovation, how to build a resilient “A-team” culture, and why openness and programmability are key to long-term success in the world of networking silicon.


    Topics Covered:


    • The journey from large-scale corporations to founding Xsight Labs
    • Lessons learned from an eight-year startup marathon
    • How software-defined silicon enables faster innovation cycles
    • Balancing innovation with real-world execution
    • Building a culture of collaboration and adaptability
    • How customers are pushing Xsight Labs technology into new frontiers


    Key Quote:


    “Innovation isn’t about a single product or feature — it’s about building a team that can evolve and adapt as the world changes.” — Gal Malach


    Resources & Links:


    • 🌐 Learn more about Xsight Labs: xsightlabs.com
    • 💡 Follow Innovators of Things for more conversations with IoT and technology leaders.
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    26 mins
  • Pioneering Innovations in Software and IoT with Joel Sotomayor of agDirigo
    Sep 5 2025

    In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan interviews Joel Sotomayor, CTO and Founder of agDirigo with over 20 years of experience in software development. Joel recounts his journey from a part-time job at St. Joe's Hospital, where he automated an operating room scheduling system, to his current work in IoT with AgDirigo. He shares his passion for relational databases, data security, and building ruggedized hardware for tracking animal transportation. Key topics include the importance of resource constraints in driving innovation, the role of data provenance in AI, and his ongoing projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and safety in agricultural and medical fields.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    00:12 Joel's Early Career in Software Development
    01:27 Innovations in Hospital Scheduling
    04:31 Importance of Data in Policy Making
    06:24 Joel's Passion for Technology and Mentorship
    09:44 Challenges and Innovations in Hardware Development
    16:18 Current Projects and Future Goals
    23:03 Acknowledgements and Conclusion

    Learn more about the innovative work that Joel is doing with the team at http://www.agdirigo.com

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    27 mins
  • Innovating Across Borders with Lawrence Eta
    Aug 29 2025

    Innovating Across Borders: Lawrence Etta's Global Technology Leadership Journey

    In this episode of Innovators of Things, host Jillian Kaplan sits down with Lawrence Eta, an experienced technology leader with an extensive background in driving innovation across multiple countries. Lawrence shares his journey from Nigeria to the UK, Canada, the US, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of data-driven policies and effective governance in fostering technological advancements. He discusses his significant projects, including transitioning Toronto's workforce to remote operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing solutions for homelessness using AI, and advising on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. Lawrence also offers insights into his methodologies for mobilizing large teams and ensuring successful project implementations. Finally, he highlights his book 'Bridging Worlds: Technology Leadership in the Public Sector,' designed to guide future technology leaders.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    00:16 Lawrence Eta's Early Life and Education
    00:43 Career Beginnings in Technology
    01:21 Dotcom Era and Network Engineering
    02:07 Telecommunications and Television Innovations
    02:52 Industrial IoT and Deputy CIO Role
    03:45 Chief Technology Officer During COVID-19
    04:40 Move to the Middle East and Vision 2030
    06:21 Global Perspective on Innovation
    07:26 Data Sharing and Government Policies
    10:01 AI and Homelessness Project
    16:30 Frameworks for Innovation and Leadership
    22:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Learn more about Lawrence and his book at https://lawrenceeta.com/

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    24 mins
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