TFCI Podcast Episode 029 | Mike Andrade: Technology Disruption and Canadian Cleantech

Mike Andrade is the CEO of Morgan Solar and a real veteran of the solar industry. In this episode, Mike talks about everything from his start at IBM, to his views on hydrogen, carbon capture, and of course what he’s doing to promote Canadian cleantech and manufacturing. This is our first episode in a new series that we are calling Twenty-First Century Cleantech. For regular listeners, you’ll remember that we introduced Connor Reed a couple of episodes ago in episode 27. In this new series, Connor is going to be bringing stories focused on clean technologies through conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and anyone who is leading the energy and carbon transition. In our first episode we are talking to Mike Andrade about Canadian cleantech disrupting the oil & gas incumbents. More specifically, we’re talking about solar. Mike has more than 30 years experience working with dozens of the best-known tech firms, launching hundreds of products, and he’s had a ringside seat for global technology disruption events – everything from IBM in the early 90’s to Blackberry and now distributed solar. He was part of the founding management team at Celestica –a multinational electronics manufacturing services company headquartered here in Toronto, Ontario - and during his time there Mike experienced first-hand the challenges of growing a global tech company in a highly competitive environment.  Mike believes that climate change is the defining issue of our generation and that technology is part of the solution, but that it’s also going to be a disruptive event for Canada. So, in addition to his role as CEO of Morgan Solar and investor in multiple early stage cleantech companies, he is active in advisory roles with the government on manufacturing, innovation and clean technology. I hope you enjoy our conversation!                                             -------------------- You can read more about this podcast in the podcast’s Show Notes.  Please Support this Podcast: The Twenty First Century Imperative podcast relies entirely on user support. If you find it valuable please consider supporting us by becoming a patron at our TFCI Patreon Page. And we now have a new TFCI Online-shop, with all the proceeds going to cover our production costs!  And It has some great products for you! We have organic, fair-trade t-shirts and hoodies, as well as non-toxic BPA-free coffee containers, with great graphics! So, if you like the podcast, please think about helping us out by buying a t-shirt, hoodie or mug for you (and one for each of your friends!!!)