The Sustainable Tech Podcast

In this episode of The Sustainable Tech Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Marshall Cox, founder of Kelvin, a company revolutionizing energy efficiency in urban buildings. Marshall shares his journey from material science research to entrepreneurship, detailing how a personal frustration with apartment heating sparked the creation of Kelvin’s flagship product, the Cozy. We dive into the challenges of scaling hardware solutions, navigating the cleantech funding ecosystem, and the surprising hurdles of energy efficiency certifications.Marshall also provides insightful perspectives on the intersection of hardware and sustainability, the critical role of electrification in decarbonizing buildings, and Kelvin’s innovative approach to making these upgrades financially accessible. Whether you're passionate about climate tech, curious about urban energy solutions, or simply love a good founder story, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights.Learn more on the Kelvin website: https://kel.vin/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube

In this episode of The Sustainable Tech Podcast, I chat with Khurram Virani, co-founder and CTO of Lighthouse Labs, Canada’s leading coding bootcamp and tech career accelerator. We dive into Khurram's inspiring journey from living on a couch in Vancouver to building an educational powerhouse. We discuss the evolution of tech education, Lighthouse’s unique curriculum, and the impact they’ve had in making tech careers accessible. Khurram also shares fascinating insights about using AI for personalized learning and the challenges of starting up with multiple co-founders. Don’t miss this episode if you're curious about coding bootcamps, tech education, or the impact of technology on learning!LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvirani/Lighthouse Labs Bootcamp - https://www.lighthouselabs.ca/Chapters:0:00 - Introduction1:20 - Meet Khurram Virani, CTO of Lighthouse Labs3:05 - The Early Days: Starting Lighthouse Labs in Vancouver5:55 - Why Vancouver? The Vision Behind the Move7:45 - Building a Startup From Scratch: The Challenges10:10 - Developing the Curriculum for a Coding Bootcamp12:35 - Community-Driven Education at Lighthouse Labs14:20 - From Consulting to Building an Education Product16:00 - The Evolving Tech Stack at Lighthouse Labs17:50 - Trends in Tech Education and Employment19:40 - Why Cybersecurity is Booming21:35 - How AI is Shaping Education24:00 - Using AI to Personalize Learning at Lighthouse Labs26:30 - Making Tech Education Accessible: Equity and Impact29:15 - The Mission and Vision of Lighthouse Labs31:40 - Closing Thoughts and a Cool Product Recommendation🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Weaver Crawford, founder of Bubbles Haircare, a salon concept designed exclusively for children. Alex shares her journey from running a creative agency to building a kid-focused salon. Bubbles offers more than just haircuts—it’s about creating an experience where children feel at ease, and parents get a much-needed break.We explore the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar business, how Bubbles integrates technology like online booking systems and payment solutions, and the importance of building a community-focused space.Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship, love hearing about innovative startups, or are just interested in making haircuts easy and fun, this episode is for you!LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-weaver-crawford/Bubbles Hair - https://bubbleshair.ca/Chapters:0:30 – Introduction to Bubbles Haircare2:15 – From Design to a Kids-First Hair Salon5:10 – The Story Behind Bubbles8:40 – Managing a Brick-and-Mortar Business with Tech11:00 – The Importance of Community and Inclusivity at Bubbles14:35 – Challenges of the Haircare Industry20:10 – Using AI, Design Tools, and Tech at Bubbles25:30 – Entrepreneurship in New Brunswick and Beyond28:45 – Alex’s Product Plug: Casper Glow Light🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube

In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with Mateo Jeanneau, CEO and co-founder of Keen to Help, a company making it easier for businesses to connect with volunteering opportunities. Mateo shares the story behind Keen to Help and how it grew from a simple side project during the pandemic into a platform that helps companies and their employees engage in meaningful team-building while giving back to their communities.We dive into how Keen to Help balances the needs of nonprofits with corporate volunteer programs, creating win-win situations for everyone involved. From helping schools to now working with major companies, Mateo's journey is filled with insights about building something that truly matters. Whether you’re a nonprofit looking for support or a company seeking new ways to contribute, you’ll find something valuable in this chat.LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-jeanneau/Keen to Help - https://www.keentohelp.com/Chapters:00:35 - What is Keen to Help?01:20 - How Mateo started Keen to Help during the pandemic03:00 - From side project to full-fledged business04:25 - The role of McGill’s Dobson Entrepreneurship Center06:00 - Meeting co-founder Alex and building the platform07:45 - Using WordPress and building without coding experience09:35 - How Keen to Help’s platform operates11:05 - Balancing product development and customer needs12:50 - Lessons learned from customer discovery14:20 - Transition from schools to companies and managing stakeholders17:00 - Developing volunteer kits for companies and nonprofits19:25 - Short-term goals and long-term vision for Keen to Help22:45 - The challenges of managing logistics and operations24:30 - The future of Keen to Help and expanding impact🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here!https://goec.io/contact-us/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube📄 Read the EC blog:https://s.goec.io/ec-blog🛠️ Need help building something?https://s.goec.io/build-together

In this episode, I chat with Leigh Sembaluk, the CEO and founder of Preception, a company focused on training and measuring spatial awareness, decision-making, and speed of thought in athletes. We dive into his journey from being a footballer and coach to launching a tech company, building both hardware and software to improve player performance.Leigh also shares insights into Pro Instinct, their mobile app, and how it’s being used to eliminate barriers for youth athletes and beyond. From lessons learned through hardware development to the importance of fostering youth talent, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and tech enthusiasts alike.LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighsembaluk/Preception - https://preception.io/Pro Instinct - https://www.proinstinctapp.com/Chapters:00:35 - What is Preception and Pro Instinct? 02:45 - How Pro Instinct Evolved During COVID 05:10 - Leigh’s Transition from Athlete to Tech Founder 08:05 - The Challenges of Measuring Spatial Awareness 10:40 - How Preception Helps Athletes Train Smarter 13:30 - Pro Instinct’s Impact on Youth Sports 15:50 - Collaborating with the North American Indigenous Games 18:10 - Lessons Learned from Building Hardware and Software 21:30 - The Importance of Rest and Balance in Startups 24:05 - Bringing a Team Sport Mindset to Tech 26:50 - Advice for Aspiring Tech Founders 30:00 - Leigh's Favorite Small Tech Product: Pocket FC🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here!https://goec.io/contact-us/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube📄 Read the EC blog:https://s.goec.io/ec-blog🛠️ Need help building something?https://s.goec.io/build-together

In this episode of The Sustainable Tech Podcast, I chat with Adilya Dragan, the inspiring CEO & Founder of StarLuv. StarLuv is an AI-powered marketplace that encourages people to buy and sell both new and pre-loved clothing. Adilya shares her journey of building a tech company from the ground up and discusses her mission to fight textile waste and fast fashion’s impact on our planet. Her passion for sustainability is contagious, and she offers deep insights into how AI can be a force for good. From her personal motivations to real-life challenges in the fashion industry, this conversation is full of valuable lessons for anyone interested in tech, sustainability, or making a positive impact. Whether you're a startup founder, a tech enthusiast, or someone passionate about the environment, you’re going to find this episode enlightening. Dive in to learn how StarLuv is making a difference!LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilya-dragan/StarLuv - https://starluv.ca/Chapters:00:10 - Meet Adilya Dragan, CEO of StarLuv01:00 - The Start of StarLuv's Journey03:20 - Challenges in Building an AI-Powered Marketplace05:15 - The Environmental Cost of Fast Fashion07:40 - How AI Helps List and Sell Clothes Faster10:05 - The Future of Sustainable Fashion12:25 - Customer Discovery and Market Insights15:00 - Encouraging Responsible Consumption18:30 - The Role of Gen Z in Sustainable Fashion21:50 - Building a Movement for Positive Impact24:10 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here!https://goec.io/contact-us/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://sustainabletechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube📄 Read the EC blog:https://s.goec.io/ec-blog🛠️ Need help building something?https://s.goec.io/build-together

In this episode, we talk with Laura Simpson, the CEO and co-founder of Side Door, a platform that empowers music artists by connecting them directly with venues and audiences. Laura shares her journey from the non-profit world to creating a tech startup that’s making a real impact in the music industry. Discover how Side Door is helping artists perform in unique spaces, build connections, and sustain their careers. This conversation dives into innovation, community, and the future of live music.LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurasimpsongraham/Side Door - https://sidedooraccess.com/homeChapters:00:00 - Introduction01:10 - Laura's Background in Non-Profits02:45 - The Birth of Side Door04:30 - From Idea to Startup: Laura’s Journey06:15 - Overcoming Tech Industry Challenges08:05 - The Importance of Clear Communication10:00 - Co-founding with Dan: How It All Started12:25 - Building a Remote Team Across Canada14:15 - Adapting During the Pandemic17:05 - The Role of Venture Capital19:20 - What’s Next for Side Door🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here!https://goec.io/contact-us/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://smalltechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube📄 Read the EC blog:https://s.goec.io/ec-blog🛠️ Need help building something?https://s.goec.io/build-together

In this episode, we dive deep into the story of The Farmer's Truck, a revolutionary mobile market solution that’s transforming access to fresh food in underserved communities. Fred Laforge, co-founder and CEO, shares his journey from tech to impact-driven entrepreneurship. Learn how The Farmer's Truck is making a difference, the challenges faced, and the innovative solutions developed along the way. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredlaforge/The Farmer's Truck - https://farmerstruck.com/🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here!https://goec.io/contact-us/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://smalltechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube📄 Read the EC blog:https://s.goec.io/ec-blog🛠️ Need help building something?https://s.goec.io/build-together

This week, we're excited to have Shadi Toloui-Wallace, the founder and chief creative officer of Tiny Souls. Tiny Souls is a media company dedicated to creating values-based children's content and parenting resources for early childhood education. Join us as Shadi shares her incredible journey from a touring musician to building a successful media company, her vision for Tiny Souls, and the impact she hopes to achieve.Shadi's Linkedin Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaditolouiwallaceTinySouls - https://www.tinysoulsmedia.com/🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here!https://goec.io/contact-us/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://smalltechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube📄 Read the EC blog:https://s.goec.io/ec-blog🛠️ Need help building something?https://s.goec.io/build-together

In this episode of the Small Tech Podcast, we sit down with Matt Lanigan, co-founder of GridBid, the innovative platform simplifying heat pump retrofits for homeowners. Join us as we explore Matt's journey from civil engineering to tech entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a tech product, and the future of home decarbonization. Discover how GridBid is making sustainable living accessible and efficient.Matt's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lanigan-p-eng-pmp-1b5ab08a/GridBid - https://gridbid.co/🗣️ Get a FREE consultation here!https://goec.io/contact-us/🚀 Subscribe to the podcast:https://smalltechpodcast.com/✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://s.goec.io/stp-newsletter🎥 Watch on YouTube:https://s.goec.io/stp-youtube📄 Read the EC blog:https://s.goec.io/ec-blog🛠️ Need help building something?https://s.goec.io/build-together