This week on Cambridge Tech Podcast, we sit down with Sabesan Sithamparanathan, founder and president of PervasID, to talk about how a passion for innovation, and a background shaped by a journey from Sri Lanka to Cambridge, led to pioneering advances in RFID technology.

In the episode, Sabesan breaks down how battery-free RFID is quietly transforming major industries:

• Retail: Tackling theft and stock issues while boosting sales with real-time inventory tracking
• Aerospace: Preventing tool loss and reducing foreign object debris to improve safety and save billions
• Healthcare: Ensuring critical medical equipment is always accounted for, improving patient outcomes
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He also shares the reality of turning lab research into a commercial product, the power of strategic partnerships, and how PervasID is positioning itself for global scale.

Plus, Sabesan reflects on his commitment to STEM education and the role tech companies can play in shaping future learning, especially in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought about the massive impact of insect infestations on our world?

Robert Fryers, CEO of Spotta, shared some incredible insights on how their innovative early warning systems are revolutionising pest control. From humble beginnings in 2013 to now operating in 24 countries, Spotta is making waves in the tech world.

Robert's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to securing investment and expanding their product range, Spotta's story is truly inspiring.

Key Insights

The pest control market is vast, with insect infestations causing about half a trillion dollars in damage annually. Spotta's technology addresses this significant market opportunity

Spotta's first product targeted bedbugs in hotels, but the company has since expanded to other sectors like forestry, agriculture, and horticulture

Spotta uses ultra-low power vision systems for real-time monitoring of insects. This technology is designed to be cost-effective and sustainable, running for up to a year on an alkaline battery

The company is committed to reducing the use of chemical insecticides, which aligns with global regulatory pressures and the need for more sustainable pest control solutions

Robert expresses a desire for Spotta to become a unicorn. He believes that the scale of the problem they are addressing, combined with their unique technology and market position, makes this goal achievable.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a San Francisco VC takes the reins at Cambridge Enterprise?

Six months into the role, Jim Glasheen joins us to talk about his early moves as incoming CEO, like opening a London office to better plug Cambridge into global capital and talent flows. But this episode goes deeper than strategy.

Key takeaways:

• Cambridge has over 40 entrepreneurship programmes, but Jim questions if we’re at risk of creating an “illusion of entrepreneurship” without real market pressure.

• There’s a persistent Series B funding gap. His push? Build international investor relationships before companies need to scale.

• He wants the ecosystem to get more comfortable with failure and take on more risk.

• Cambridge Enterprise now spans licensing, founder support, venture investment, consulting, and ecosystem-building.

Jim’s set the clock ticking: in 6 months, he’ll report back on how international outreach and risk appetite are shifting. For now, he's off to the BIO conference in Boston to keep building those global ties.

Listen in for a sharp, honest look at what Cambridge needs next, and how leadership is setting the tone.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.