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

08 January 2026

Unlocking the Future: Harnessing Microgrid Technology

In this insightful podcast episode, Erik Stromquist guest hosts Adib Naslé CEO and co-founder of Xendee, to discuss the transformative impact of microgrids on the energy landscape. As global electricity demand rises, Naslé explains the role of microgrids in addressing the grid capacity crunch by offering flexible, scalable, and resilient solutions. Naslé emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to energy generation, storage, and management, stressing how digital twins and model predictive control are revolutionizing the planning and operation of distributed energy systems. This episode takes a deep dive into how innovative technologies are shaping the future of sustainable energy.

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38:53

11 December 2025

Navigating the AI Fear and Obsession Dichotomy

In this insightful podcast episode, Mohan Nair discusses the dual nature of AI adoption, characterized by fear and obsession. He elaborates on the cultural and psychological impacts of AI, particularly focusing on its role in education and health. Nair emphasizes the importance of AI enablement—an approach that seeks to balance innovation with human-centered development. Drawing from his extensive experience, he sheds light on the potential cognitive challenges tied to AI, such as atrophy in young learners. His perspective encourages a middle path where businesses and individuals adopt AI responsibly and thoughtfully.

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34:14

04 December 2025

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Inside the Women's Venture Capital Fund

In this episode of Techlandia, Edith Dorsen shares her journey from management consulting and Wall Street to founding the Women's Venture Capital Fund. Prompted by the stark statistic that only 3% of venture capital was directed towards companies with women in senior leadership, Edith and her classmates sought to change that. The fund focuses on backing companies with gender-diverse teams at the Series A stage, demonstrating revenue traction. Through strategic investments and a focus on capital efficiency, the fund aims to overcome skepticism and show the value of diverse leadership in driving market returns.

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33:04

20 November 2025

Building the Future: Oregon Tech's Hands-On Approach to Education

Jared Emmerd shares his insightful journey from childhood days spent on construction sites to leading Oregon Tech's construction management program. With deep family roots in contracting and construction, Jared highlights the importance of combining practical experience with education. He emphasizes the value of investing in people, not just skills, and how Oregon Tech's hands-on approach prepares students for real-world industry challenges. The program is designed to blend classroom learning with field experience, ensuring students leave not just with knowledge, but with the passion and inquisitiveness needed for lifelong success in construction.

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35:36

23 October 2025

The Power Surge: Oregon's Data Center Boom

In this episode of Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry interviews Eric Hulbert from Opus Interactive. They delve into the journey of Opus from its inception in 1999 to becoming a separate entity specializing in high-performance, secure data solutions. The discussion highlights the increasing demand for tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with hyperscalers like Amazon and Google. Eric emphasizes the significance of new AI technologies driving the expansion needs for data centers and explains how sustainability is at the core of their operations, particularly in Oregon's fast-growing data center market, known for its low-cost and clean energy sources.

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26:17

16 October 2025

The Rise of Managed Service Providers: John Jackson's Journey

In this episode of Techlandia, John Jackson, founder of BYTAGIG, shares his professional journey from humble beginnings in technology interest to becoming a successful managed service provider. Jackson discusses the importance of moving businesses' IT infrastructure to the cloud for efficiency and reliability. He emphasizes the role of cybersecurity, particularly against the backdrop of increasing remote work, and debunks common myths about browser security. Throughout the discussion, Jackson provides valuable insights into how businesses can leverage MSPs and cybersecurity to protect important data and ensure seamless operations.

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29:06