The Pair Program

Hosted by hatch I.T.

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156

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Pair Program is a podcast from hatch I.T. that brings you inside candid, unfiltered conversations with the innovators building mission-driven technology. Hosted by Tim Winkler, Founder & CEO of hatch I.T., the show pairs two guests per episode from across startups, venture capital, government, and industry to explore how ideas turn into products, how partnerships actually form, and how talent powers innovation in high-stakes environments. The show features a rotating co-host format designed to match the conversation to the mission: • Mike Gruen joins Tim for episodes centered on commercial product startups, product strategy, engineering leadership, and scaling modern software companies. • Sean Leahy joins Tim for episodes focused on defense, national security, and critical infrastructure. Across defense, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, manufacturing, space, and emerging tech, The Pair Program is built around one simple idea: Two perspectives. One mission. Rather than surface-level takes, each episode digs into real decisions, real tradeoffs, and real stories behind scaling technology in complex environments, from dual-use startups and venture investment to government adoption and talent strategy. Whether you are a founder, operator, investor, or technologist working on problems that matter, The Pair Program gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the future. New episodes drop regularly. Follow along wherever you listen to podcasts and on LinkedIn for clips, insights, and updates. 🚀 Sign-Up for our weekly Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/ 🤖 Check Out our community: http://myhatchpad.com/ Follow us on Social Media!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hatchpad1444

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 20261 hr 1 min

From Space Domain Awareness to Space Intelligence: Building the Infrastructure for Real-Time Decision Making in Orbit | The Pair Program Ep101

From Space Domain Awareness to Space Intelligence: Building the Infrastructure for Real-Time Decision Making in Orbit | The Pair Program Ep101 On this episode of The Pair Program, we’re exploring the infrastructure behind the rapidly evolving space economy, and what it takes to turn awareness in orbit into intelligence teams can actually act on. Today’s guests are Rich Minford, COO at Turion Space, and Zachary Kirstein, CRO at Northwood. Together, they bring perspectives from both sides of the equation: sensing and operating in orbit, and the ground infrastructure needed to move critical data back to Earth. In this episode, they discuss: Why the space economy is shifting from awareness to actionable intelligence The infrastructure and latency challenges standing in the way of real-time space operations How Turion and Northwood are approaching the next generation of in-orbit and ground infrastructure How commercial space, national security, and new Space Force acquisition models are shaping what gets built next About Rich Minford: Rich Minford is Chief Operating Officer at Turion Space , where he leads go-to-market teams and the internal functions turning engineering breakthroughs into a scalable commercial business. Previously, he spent more than a decade at Palantir Technologies, leading its international oil and gas business and deploying AI and data systems across intelligence, security, and energy. About Zachary “Zak” Kirstein: Zak Kirstein is Chief Revenue Officer at Northwood , where he leads commercialization of the company’s space-to-Earth communications technology and infrastructure. Previously, he held leadership roles at Loft Orbital and Palantir Technologies, including serving as Program Manager and Chief Architect for the U.S. Space Force’s Warp Core platform. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

July 28, 20261 hr 6 min

How modern defense technology companies get capabilities into the hands of end users | The Pair Program Ep100

How modern defense technology companies get capabilities into the hands of end users | The Pair Program Ep100 This week on The Pair Program, we’re joined by Nick LaRovere, Co-Founder & CEO of Pryzm, and Allie Coukos, Partnerships Lead at Onebrief, for a conversation on how AI is transforming the defense technology ecosystem. Together, they explore the evolution of federal business development, why startups have more opportunities than ever to enter the government market, and how strategic partnerships are becoming a key driver of innovation. Key topics covered: Why defense tech is becoming more accessible to startups than ever before How AI is transforming federal business development, capture, and teaming strategies The shift from compliance-driven procurement to delivering mission outcomes Why context, not just data, is the next competitive advantage for AI How startups and prime contractors can build successful partnerships instead of competing head-to-head Why AI literacy and prompt engineering are becoming essential skills for defense professionals About Nick LaRovere: Nick is Co-Founder and CEO of Pryzm, an AI platform helping companies navigate federal business development and acquisition. Before founding Pryzm, he worked at Palantir and Tesla. He holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and Colby College. About Allie Coukos: Allie is Partnerships Lead at Onebrief, where she focuses on building strategic partnerships across defense and national security. Previously, she worked at Deloitte advising technology and government clients. She earned her MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

July 14, 20261 hr 14 min

Beyond the Quantum Hype: Real Applications, Real Results | The Pair Program Ep99

Beyond the Quantum Hype: Real Applications, Real Results | The Pair Program Ep99 What happens when traditional computing reaches its limits? In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Martin Sajon and Bill Collier to explore how quantum computing is moving from theory to real-world applications. They discuss where quantum is already delivering value, why it works best alongside AI rather than replacing it, and how organizations can begin preparing for the next wave of innovation. From logistics and cybersecurity to predictive intelligence and emerging startup opportunities, this conversation breaks down what quantum means today—and why it’s a space worth paying attention to. In this episode, we discuss: Where quantum computing is already solving real-world problems. Why AI and quantum are more complementary than competitive. How adaptive AI models can improve decision-making in complex environments. What founders and investors should know about the current state of quantum technology. Why businesses should start preparing for the future of post-quantum cybersecurity. About Martin Sajon: Martin is the Co-Founder and CEO of q99, where he is building quantum-enhanced AI solutions for complex decision-making. A multi-exit founder with more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, he is focused on helping organizations unlock the potential of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. About Bill Collier: Bill is a Principal at Noblis Ventures, where he focuses on investing in and supporting early-stage frontier technology companies. He works closely with founders across AI, defense, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies, helping bridge commercial innovation and government applications. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

July 7, 202635 min

Built for Pressure: What a 15-Year-Old Professional Muay Thai Fighter Can Teach You About Performing When It Matters

Built for Pressure: What a 15-Year-Old Professional Muay Thai Fighter Can Teach You About Performing When It Matters This special bonus episode explores a different kind of high-performance journey. Today’s guest is Elijah Hinzman, a 15-year-old professional Muay Thai fighter competing on some of Southeast Asia’s biggest stages. While his arena is the ring, the qualities behind his success are the same ones we often explore on this show: discipline, preparation, resilience, and performing under pressure. Elijah shares the mindset that has helped him pursue excellence at such a young age, offering lessons that resonate far beyond combat sports. From the ring to everyday leadership, we explore: How preparation becomes confidence under pressure The sacrifices required to pursue excellence at a young age Turning losses into opportunities for growth Building resilience through discipline and consistency The role of family, humility, and staying grounded Why high-performance mindset applies far beyond the ring This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

June 30, 20261 hr 2 min

Founder-Led Growth in the AI Era: Rethinking the CRM from First Touch to Close | The Pair Program Ep98

Founder-Led Growth in the AI Era: Rethinking the CRM from First Touch to Close | The Pair Program Ep98 What happens when your sales stack becomes the bottleneck instead of the growth engine? In this episode of The Pair Program, we are joined by David Zhu, CEO of ReevoAI, and Lukas Haffer, CEO of Casca, to explore how AI-native platforms are reshaping modern sales. They discuss why traditional CRMs are failing founders, how AI can eliminate manual work instead of adding to it, and why connected systems matter more than ever. Drawing from both the builder and customer perspective, they share practical insights on scaling go-to-market teams, improving collaboration, and preparing for the next generation of AI-powered software. Here’s what we get into: Why traditional CRMs create more work than they solve AI-native software vs. legacy platforms with AI layered on top Eliminating manual data entry and disconnected sales workflows The hidden cost of fragmented sales, marketing, and support tools How customer conversations can automatically shape product roadmaps What the future of AI-powered sales and customer relationships looks like About David Zhu: David is the Co-Founder and CEO of ReevoAI. Previously Head of Engineering at DoorDash, he led teams of more than 200 engineers across fintech, platform infrastructure, and enterprise products. Before that, he held engineering leadership roles at OpenStore and Cisco, building and scaling high-growth technical organizations. About Lukas Haffer: Lukas is the CEO and Co-Founder of Casca, where he’s building AI-native software for commercial lending. Before founding Casca, he was Chief of Staff at Avaloq, supporting platforms managing over $4 trillion in assets. A Stanford MBA graduate, he focuses on using AI to transform banking, credit risk, and financial operations. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

June 16, 20261 hr 12 min

From Snapshots to Systems: Why 3D Earth Awareness Is Becoming Critical Infrastructure | The Pair Program Ep97

From Snapshots to Systems: Why 3D Earth Awareness Is Becoming Critical Infrastructure | The Pair Program Ep97 In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Andrew Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO of Array Labs, and David Gauthier, Chief Strategy Officer at GXO, for a conversation on the future of Earth observation and what happens when the world can be mapped in near real time. From distributed radar satellite networks to AI-powered geospatial intelligence, they explore how 3D awareness is changing the way governments, businesses, and operators understand the physical world. They also discuss the shift from legacy space systems to resilient satellite architectures and why persistent, high-resolution data could become critical infrastructure in the years ahead. Key topics include: Why 3D Earth observation is the next evolution of geospatial intelligence How satellite swarms can outperform traditional space systems The growing role of commercial space technology in national security What becomes possible when real-time physical world data is always available About Andrew Peterson: Andrew is the Co-founder and CEO of Array Labs, where he is building a new approach to satellite-based Earth observation using distributed radar systems. His background spans radio-frequency sensing, laser defense systems, and the Vera Rubin Astronomical Observatory. He is focused on applying information from large-scale sensing programs to help us better understand the planet. About David Gauthier: David is currently a consultant at GXO, Inc., integrating new commercial space capabilities with U.S. national security missions. He has nearly 30 years of experience leading operations and strategy across the Intelligence Community, including serving as Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Commercial Operations at NGA. He is also a Fellow at the National Security Institute and a Senior Associate at CSIS. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

June 2, 20261 hr 5 min

From Sidewalks to Scale: What It Actually Takes to Build Real-World Robotics | The Pair Program Ep96

From Sidewalks to Scale: What It Actually Takes to Build Real-World Robotics | The Pair Program Ep96 What does it take to turn autonomous robotics from a demo into real-world infrastructure? In this episode of The Pair Program, Paige Craig, Managing Partner at Outlander VC, and Zach Rash, Co-founder & CEO at Coco, discuss scaling autonomous delivery, building operational moats through real-world data, navigating regulation and reliability, and what separates successful robotics companies from the rest. They also explore the future of physical AI and the founder traits behind category-defining businesses. What we cover in this episode: Why real-world deployment matters more than perfect demos Building operational moats in robotics and physical AI The economics and challenges of last-mile delivery How autonomous systems learn from real-world data Reliability as the key to scaling logistics networks The future impact of autonomy across industries Founder-market fit and what investors look for in exceptional founders About Paige Craig: Paige is the Managing Partner of Outlander VC, where he invests in founders building category-defining companies. A former Marine Corps officer and entrepreneur, he successfully scaled a national security company before transitioning into venture capital, backing companies such as Lyft, SpaceX, and AngelList early in their growth. About Zach Rash: Zach is the CEO and co-founder of Coco, an autonomous delivery company focused on transforming last-mile logistics. Since launching the company, he has helped expand autonomous delivery services across multiple cities while advancing sustainable, technology-driven solutions for urban transportation. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

May 19, 20261 hr 10 min

Designing the Impossible: AI, Quantum Mechanics, and the Future of Materials | The Pair Program Ep95

Designing the Impossible: AI, Quantum Mechanics, and the Future of Materials | The Pair Program Ep95 In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Joseph Krause, Co-Founder and CEO of Radical AI, and Nathan Doctor, Founder and Managing Partner of Infinite Capital, for a conversation on the future of AI-driven scientific discovery and the rise of physical AI. From autonomous labs and materials science to robotics, semiconductors, and frontier tech investing, the discussion explores how breakthroughs in the physical world could define the next era of innovation. What the conversation explores: Why the traditional scientific process is too slow for modern innovation How self-driving labs could transform materials discovery The importance of failed experiments and “messy data” in AI systems Why materials science may unlock the next major technological breakthroughs The growing intersection of AI, robotics, hardware, and the physical world How founders and investors think about long-term, world-changing innovation About Joseph Krause: Joseph is the co-founder and CEO of Radical AI, a company building autonomous research systems to accelerate breakthroughs in materials science. His background includes military research, semiconductor innovation, and deep tech investing through roles at Army DEVCOM and AlleyCorp. Joseph is focused on using AI to reshape how scientific and industrial innovation happens at scale. About Nathan Doctor: Nathan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Infinite Capital, focused on investing in emerging technologies across AI, aerospace, autonomy, and decentralized systems. Before Infinite, he founded Codewars and Qualified, platforms centered on developer education and technical assessment. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

May 5, 20261 hr 10 min

From Services to Software: How Dual-Use AI Companies Actually Scale Inside Government | The Pair Program Ep94

From Services to Software: How Dual-Use AI Companies Actually Scale Inside Government | The Pair Program Ep94 In this episode of The Pair Program, we’re joined by Darren Kimura, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AI Squared, and Abir Ray, CEO of Expression, for a deep dive into what it really takes to scale AI in complex, high-stakes environments. From the “last mile” problem in AI adoption to the realities of deploying technology in government systems, this conversation explores where innovation meets execution, and what breaks along the way. Inside the episode: Why embedding AI into real workflows is harder than building the models The “last mile” problem and what it takes to operationalize AI How cognitive overload impacts decision-making in AI-driven environments The shift from services to scalable software platforms Why human-in-the-loop systems are still critical What breaks when moving from pilot to production, and how to fix it About Darren Kimura: Darren is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and venture investor with 30+ years of experience across AI, enterprise software, cybersecurity, and energy. He currently leads AI Squared, focused on secure enterprise and federal AI deployment. About Abir Ray: Abir is the CEO of Expression, a defense technology firm specializing in AI/ML systems, cloud-native platforms, and cybersecurity. He also teaches at Cornell and is an expert in spectrum operations and trustworthy AI. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

April 21, 202658 min

From Chip to Constellation: Building a New Global Network in Space | The Pair Program Ep93

From Chip to Constellation: Building a New Global Network in Space | The Pair Program Ep93 In this episode of The Pair Program, we sit down with Jonathan Dyer, Co-Founder & CEO of Muon Space, and Alex Haro, Co-Founder & CEO of Hubble, to explore how space is evolving from exploration to infrastructure. From Bluetooth-powered satellites to scalable constellation manufacturing, this conversation dives into what it takes to build the next layer of global connectivity and why the future of space looks a lot more like software than rockets. What you’ll get from it: How Bluetooth is being used to connect devices directly to space Why traditional satellite models couldn’t scale and what’s replacing them The shift from bespoke spacecraft to repeatable, software-driven systems Real-world applications across supply chain, agriculture, and defense Why space is becoming invisible infrastructure for everyday technology About Jonathan Dyer: Jonathan is the Co-Founder & CEO of Muon Space, building mission-optimized satellite constellations for commercial and national security use. He has led development of industry-shaping products across aerospace and geospatial tech at Skybox Imaging, Google, and Lyft. His work focuses on scaling space infrastructure to make it more accessible, repeatable, and impactful. About Alex Haro: Alex Haro is the Co-Founder & CEO of Hubble, creating a satellite-powered Bluetooth network for global connectivity. He previously co-founded Life360, scaling it to over 90 million users and leading the company to IPO. Alex has been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 and holds multiple patents in location and PNT technologies. This episode is supported by Defense Unicorns Defense Unicorns builds platform technologies that help deliver mission-critical capabilities faster and more reliably. Their open architecture approach enables secure, scalable systems without vendor lock, creating flexibility across the software ecosystem. Backed by a team of engineers, innovators, and veterans, they bring deep experience across defense and federal tech. Get in touch at hello@defenseunicorns.com Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/