Techlandia

The Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) introduces Techlandia as a compendium of dialogues centered on the technology industry and the individuals pivotal to its functionality. This platform delves into new technological advancements and their anticipated impact on the region, workforce, and corporate entities while advocating for the industry.

Latest episodes

12 March 2026

Revolutionizing Insulation: SolarCore's Breakthrough Journey

In this podcast episode, Michael Markesbery, CEO of SolarCore, shares his journey from a college student backpacking in Europe to developing revolutionary insulation technology. Inspired by a personal challenge to stay warm while cutting bulk, he delved into insulation solutions across various industries. The key innovation, SolarCore Foam, uses aerogel to provide superior insulation. From consumer goods to tactical military shelters, SolarCore is making significant strides. Their relocation to Portland leverages local talent and proximity to outdoor apparel giants, while their work with the DoD on energy-efficient tactical shelters highlights their growing impact.

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24:14

10 March 2026

Navigating the Digital Revolution: Insights from Brooks Gilley

In a recent podcast discussion, Brooks Gilley, founder of 52 Limited, explores the shifting dynamics in the tech job market. As someone who has witnessed multiple economic cycles, he provides insights into the unprecedented rate of change we've experienced in recent years, particularly post-COVID. Gilley highlights the significant shift in employer and employee power dynamics, driven by economic, technological, and cultural shifts. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a mindset open to reinvention, helping clients navigate career transitions with agility and positive resilience, while acknowledging the psychological challenges professionals face during these rapid changes.

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43:58

05 March 2026

Construction Chaos to Simplicity: Source's Innovative Approach

In this podcast episode, Nicole Schmidt, CEO and founder of Source, shares her professional journey in the construction industry. She explains the genesis of Source, a company focused on simplifying the construction supply chain. Schmidt discusses the industry's systemic issues from her experiences on both the design and supply sides. With a mission to bring transparency and efficiency, Source aims to streamline the decision-making process in construction projects. Nicole provides insights on how her team learned to balance technological innovation with client needs, and reveals the importance of receiving and processing feedback for business growth.

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29:14

26 February 2026

Hello Every Day: Revolutionizing Aging in Place

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry talks with Kabir Bhatia, co-founder of Hello Every Day, about his journey from a background in engineering and finance to entrepreneurial success. Bhatia shares personal experiences that motivated him to create solutions for seniors aging in place. His company focuses on providing intuitive, single-purpose devices that help seniors maintain connections and live independently. Despite facing industry challenges, like evolving healthcare regulations and the impacts of the pandemic, Hello Every Day is committed to improving the lives of seniors with technology that they can easily use.

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29:59

19 February 2026

Overwatch Imaging: A Decade of Drone Innovation

In this episode of Techlandia TAO's podcast series, Skip Newberry speaks with Greg Davis, the founder of Overwatch Imaging, about his professional journey in the drone technology industry. Greg shares insights on how his experiences at NASA and other aerospace firms led to the founding of Overwatch Imaging. The discussion covers the company's focus on autonomous systems and their applications in emergency management and defense, especially with respect to wildfire and maritime domain awareness. Greg Davis emphasizes the significance of community and innovation in shaping the future of technology.

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27:33

12 February 2026

Navigating Technology and Policy: A Journey Through Legislation

Skip Newberry and Shane Tews discuss the intricate dynamics between technology, policy, and legislation. Shane, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, shares her journey from an intern in Washington D.C. to a policy expert. They reflect on the outdated nature of analog laws in a digital world and the importance of enforcing existing regulations. The conversation highlights the challenges policymakers face in keeping up with the fast-paced tech industry, emphasizing the need for vigilance in data protection, privacy concerns, and the ever-evolving role of interoperability in technology.

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30:22