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

22 January 2026

Innovating Microtransactions: PacSpace's Cutting-edge Solution

In the podcast episode, David Ngene discusses his unconventional journey from studying mechanical engineering to exploring design thinking at Northwestern University. His career path took him from JP Morgan to architecture and eventually to Nike, where he spent over a decade as an innovation director. At Nike, he cultivated a passion for integrating design and engineering, which motivated him to start his own company, PacSpace. David's company initially focused on creating smart backpacks with embedded RFID chips to track product provenance. However, the project evolved into developing a more extensive software solution for usage disputes and API metering issues.

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15 January 2026

University of Oregon's Hidden Tech Gem: Computer Science

In this episode of Techlandia, Dominic Perez interviews Reza Rejaie head of the computer science department at the University of Oregon. They discuss Raje's journey from electrical engineering in Iran to leading a computer science department in Eugene. Raje highlights the unique aspects of University of Oregon's approach to education, emphasizing a mix of liberal arts skills and technical expertise. A significant portion is dedicated to the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, which connects academia with industry need, providing students with real-world experience while filling a critical skills gap in the cybersecurity field.

To learn more you can contact Reza at reza@cs.uoregon.edu

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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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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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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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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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