Silicon Oasis Spotlight
by Silicon Oasis
Silicon Oasis Spotlight is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the incredible innovation, entrepreneurs, and startups shaping Arizona’s tech ecosystem. Each episode features in-depth interviews with local founders, industry leaders, and community builders, offering valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in the desert. From groundbreaking technologies to the latest trends in the startup world, Silicon Oasis Spotlight highlights the stories that make Arizona a rising hub for innovation. Tune in for inspiration, advice, and a closer look at the people and project
Episodes
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Leah Walczak | Building Gemhaus: AI-Powered Real Estate Investing
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Leah Walczak, founder of Gemhaus, an AI-powered platform simplifying real estate investment analysis. Drawing on her experience in real estate sales, brokerage, and short-term rental management, Leah shares how Gemhaus is...
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From FBI Agent to Entrepreneur: Dan Kelly of Adar Technologies
From serving in the FBI to disrupting traditional industries, Dan Kelly of Adar Technologies shares his unconventional journey into entrepreneurship and innovation. In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight Podcast, Dan discusses how Adar Technologies is transforming waste into valuable...
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From Business Cards to Better Connections: Merl Martin on Building Enki
On this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Merl Martin, founder of Benu Systems, to discuss Enki, an AI-powered networking and lead capture platform built to solve one of the most common problems in business: actually following up. Merl shares his journey from teaching physics…
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Building Trust on the Blockchain with Michael Santore, Founder of BlockSkunk
Michael Santore, founder of BlockSkunk, joins the podcast to talk about his journey from teaching himself to code in high school to building technology companies and tackling one of blockchain’s biggest challenges: trust and compliance. Michael shares lessons from his first startup in the early...
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Making Real Estate Investing Smarter | Leah Walczak, GemHaus
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Leah Walczak, founder of GemHaus, to discuss how technology is changing the way investors evaluate real estate opportunities. After working in real estate sales, short-term rental management, and brokerage, Leah saw firsthand how…
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Cardboard Drones, Defense Tech & Building What Matters | Martin Dominguez, Tlaza
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Martin Dominguez, founder of Tlaza, to talk about Arizona’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem and how Tlaza is rethinking one of the most fundamental pieces of drone technology: the airframe. Martin shares how his search for a...
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Can Paint Actually Cool Below the Outside Temperature? | CryoX Founder Jordan Fourcher
Silicon Oasis sits down with Jordan Fourcher, founder of CryoX and Silicon Oasis Ambassador, to discuss the company’s passive daytime radiative cooling technology and its potential applications in Arizona and beyond. CryoX has developed a water-based radiative cooling paint designed to cool...
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GreenMatter Biotech - Joe Wicker
What if plastic could perform exactly the same—but naturally disappear at the end of its life? In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down Joe Wicker with the founder of GreenMatter Biotech to discuss how the Arizona-based company is rethinking one of the world's biggest environmental...
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AI Burn Center & Vouched.fyi - Rebecca and Lucky Sandhu
Silicon Oasis Spotlight | Rebecca & Lucky Sandhu, Founders of Vouched.fyi What if finding your next job was transparent, accountable, and built for the AI era? In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, Rebecca and Lucky Sandhu share how personal experiences with layoffs and broken hiring…
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Build Nation - Guru Raj Kolipakula
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Guru Raj Kolipakula, Founder of Build Nation, to explore his journey from India to Arizona and the experiences that inspired him to build a platform focused on connecting founders, builders, and innovators in real time. Guru Raj shares...
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VITAEUM - Mike Maunu
Mike Maunu has spent more than five decades building companies across dozens of industries — from early financial software and internet ventures to healthcare technology. In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, he shares the entrepreneurial lessons that have shaped his career and the vision...
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Smart Surface Robotics - Jessica Cadavid
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, Josue Romero sits down with Jessica Cadavid, Founder and Principal of Smart Surface Robotics, to discuss her journey from practicing immigration law to building an Arizona robotics startup tackling one of the built environment's most persistent...
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OnePointOne - Sam Bertram
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Sam Bertram, founder and CEO of OnePointOne, a Phoenix-based company reimagining how the world grows food. Sam shares the story behind Opollo Farm, the world's first fully robotic cubic vertical farm, and how OnePointOne is combining…
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UGenome - Zachary Brooks
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Zach Brooks, founder and CEO of Eugenome, to discuss the journey that shaped both his life and his company. From traveling across seven countries and working as a Hollywood actor to building a healthtech startup, Zach shares how...
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Clean - Tejas Gupta
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Tejas Gupta to explore the future of AI-native software development and the rise of intelligent developer tooling. Tejas shares the vision behind Clean AI — a platform building an AI-powered coding workspace designed to help...
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Navia - Kinjal Chatterjee
Kinjal Chatterjee is the co-founder of Navia, an AI-powered productivity platform designed to support neurodivergent college students. He led the company from concept to a live pilot at Arizona State University’s GATE program, building both the product and the underlying technical architecture…
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TryDrobe - Justin Kuehn
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, Josue Romero sits down with Justin Kuehn, Founder of TryDrobe, to discuss the future of retail, technology, and consumer experience. Justin shares the story behind building TryDrobe, the challenges of launching in a competitive market, and how his team…
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GitHired - Raghav Bansal
We sat down with Raghav Bansal, a 3x founder and CEO of GitHired, to break down what it actually takes to build in today’s startup landscape. From launching AI-driven platforms to helping place top engineering talent, Raghav shares lessons on speed, execution, and validating ideas before you...
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TedxASU - Kentarou
The Silicon Oasis Spotlight interviews serial entrepreneur Kentarou, who discusses his background, including writing books, doing a TED Talk, and mentoring startups at Harvard. Kentarou also talks about leading the TEDx ASU initiative, which is planned to be the largest TEDx event in history,...
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Triptimize - Michael Melichar
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight, Josue sits down with Michael Melichar, co-founder of Triptimize, to talk about his journey as a startup leader and the vision behind his company.Triptimize is an AI-powered travel platform designed to eliminate the overwhelm of trip planning—no...
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Grangou - Emini Offutt
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we’re joined by Emini Offutt, CEO of Grangou, an app designed to help people form meaningful connections—starting with a shared meal.Grangou was built on a simple belief: the best conversations don’t happen through endless swiping or awkward small talk,...
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Hubble Golf - Corey Powell
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Corey Powell, Founder and CEO of Hubble.GOLF, to talk about how his company is transforming the way golfers discover, plan, and experience tournaments around the world.Born out of firsthand frustration with fragmented booking systems…
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DevLabs - Dhanush Vardhan
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Dhanush Vardhan, Founder and President of DevLabs, to talk about the organization’s journey, mission, and growing impact on Arizona’s tech ecosystem.DevLabs began as a student-led initiative and has evolved into a thriving community…
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MAT Capital - Mat Sherman
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, Josue sits down with Mat Sherman — founder of MAT Capital — to explore his journey in Arizona’s tech and startup ecosystem.Mat shares insights on building community, supporting founders, and creating opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs through...
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Building Arizona’s Tech Future | Don Fotsch on Innovation & Community
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, Josue sits down with Don Fotsch for a deep conversation about Arizona’s growing tech sector and the forces shaping its innovation economy. Don shares his perspective on ecosystem development, the evolution of the state’s tech landscape, and what’s…
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Steerco AI - Zach Hawley & Will Aja
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Zach Hawley and Will Aja, the co-founders and leaders of Steerco AI, to explore how they’re transforming the way teams manage projects through artificial intelligence.They share insights on: The inspiration behind launching Steerco AI…
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B Ventures - Shane Martin
In this inspiring Silicon Oasis Spotlight episode, Shane Martin opens up about his path to launching B Ventures — the wins, the lessons, and the mindset that keeps him moving forward. Tune in as we talk about: Turning bold ideas into actionable ventures Staying grounded while scaling a business…
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Watergenics - Heather Tugaoen
🎙️ Welcome to our latest podcast episode! In this conversation, we sit down with Heather Tugaoen, CEO of Watergenics, a startup revolutionizing water quality monitoring. Heather shares insights into how her team is tackling global water challenges through innovative sensor technology and...
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Captavate - Aby Bizuneh
n this episode, we sit down with Aby Bizuneh, founder of Captavate, to explore her journey from growing up in the Valley to becoming a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur in neurotechnology.🌟 What you’ll hear in this episode:Aby’s Story – Growing up in Arizona, her time at ASU, and how changing...
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Binsr AI - Aryash Dubey
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we speak with Aryana Dubey, founder of Binsir AI, an innovative platform that’s streamlining the home inspection process through artificial intelligence. Aryana shares how Binsir AI reduces time, increases accuracy, and helps homeowners and real...
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Navi Nurses - Jasmine Bhatti
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Jasmine Bhatti, the founder and CEO of Navi Nurses, to talk about her journey from nurse to entreprenuer. Jasmin shares how she's redefining patient care through personalized, on-demand nursing service, the challenges she's faced...
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qBotica Inc - Mahesh Vinayagam
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we meet Mahesh Vinayagam, the founder and CEO of qBotica Inc., whose personal journey and leadership philosophy set the tone for an inspiring conversation. Mahesh’s career spans over 20 years across three continents – from his early beginnings in India,...
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Cryo X - Jordan Fourcher
In this episode, we talk with Jordan Fourcher, founder and CEO of Cryo X Co, the Arizona-based deep tech startup behind CryoPaint® — a revolutionary radiative cooling paint that keeps surfaces up to 15°F cooler than the surrounding air without using a single watt of electricity. Jordan breaks…
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Ruck - Ryan Moorehouse
In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Moorehouse, CTO and co-founder of Ruck, a startup on a mission to streamline and modernize field operations in construction and development. We talk about: How Ruck is changing the game for field teams and project managers The challenges (and wins) of…
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Allergy Voyage - Tristan Tierce
In this episode, we sit down with Tristan Tierce, the co-founder of Allergy Voyage — a tech-driven platform empowering people with food allergies to travel with confidence. Tristan shares how a deeply personal challenge sparked a mission to change the way people navigate allergy-friendly travel,...
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Tandem Venture Partners - Camden Bean
In this episode, we sit down with Camden Bean, an early-stage investor at Tandem Ventures, to explore the mindset and mechanics behind backing the next generation of founders. From unexpected career pivots to building at breakout companies, Camden shares hard-won lessons from both sides of the...
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Koko Ni - Kyle Desousa
Empowering Senior Care Through Technology with Kyle DeSousa, Founder of Koko Ni In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Kyle DeSousa, founder of Koko Ni, a rising force in senior care technology. Kyle shares the inspiration behind Koko Ni’s mission to empower caregivers and...
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Parent Projects - Tony Siebers
🎙️ Navigating Aging with Purpose — In this episode, we sit down with Tony Siebers, founder of Parent Projects, to explore how his platform is helping families coordinate care, reduce stress, and bring dignity to aging. A must-listen for anyone balancing life and caregiving.
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Jeff Erickson - Forecastr - Live Webinar: Building a Thriving Startup Ecosystem
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Erickson, a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the tech world, to discuss the crucial pillars of building a successful startup ecosystem. Jeff shares his expertise on creating a supportive environment for startups, from fostering innovation and attracting...
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Lujic Group LLC - Katarina Lujic
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Katarina Lujic, an accomplished advisor and entrepreneur, to discuss her unique journey and insights into the Arizona tech ecosystem. Katarina shares her expertise in navigating the challenges of scaling businesses…
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GemHaus - Leah Walczak
Welcome to another episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight! Today, we're thrilled to have Leah Walczak, a key leader at GemHaus, with us. GemHaus is revolutionizing real estate investing by making it simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. With a focus on remote property investment, their...
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Desert Rotor - Debin Ray
This week, we’re talking drones, defense, and cutting-edge tech with Debin Ray, Founder & CEO of Desert Rotor, a Scottsdale-based firm leading the way in UAV ground control systems. Desert Rotor is revolutionizing drone command and control for commercial and defense applications, putting Arizona…
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AZ Hack Harvard 2024 Winners - Kanav Gupta & Dhruv Bansal
In this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we chat with Kanav Gupta and Dhruv Bansai about their innovative project from HackHarvard 2024, which uses cutting-edge tech to tackle urban sustainability challenges. We explore their inspiration, the role of technology in creating greener cities, and...
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TechRec Recycling - Zachary Myers
In the podcast, Zachary Myers, founder of TechRec, discussed his focus on sustainable e-waste recycling and the importance of responsible electronic waste management in Arizona. He shared insights into the growing need for e-waste solutions, highlighting how businesses can reduce environmental...
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Silicon Oasis Launch
Welcome to the Silicon Oasis Spotlight Podcast! 🌵 In our launch episode, we dive into who we are, why we started, and what makes Arizona the ultimate Silicon Oasis. Join us as we share our mission to spotlight the incredible founders, investors, and community builders shaping the state’s…
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About this show
Silicon Oasis Spotlight is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the incredible innovation, entrepreneurs, and startups shaping Arizona’s tech ecosystem. Each episode features in-depth interviews with local founders, industry leaders, and community builders, offering valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in the desert. From groundbreaking technologies to the latest trends in the startup world, Silicon Oasis Spotlight highlights the stories that make Arizona a rising hub for innovation. Tune in for inspiration, advice, and a closer look at the people and project
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Silicon Oasis
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