TechVibe Pittsburgh

Time is flying fast! It's been nearly a year since Wavestone acquired Aspirant, one of Pittsburgh's most successful tech consultancies. We're welcoming Tim Nath, VP of Consulting at Aspirant, and Bapt Buchet, Head of Cybersecurity for North America at Wavestone, to discuss the acquisition's impact on serving local clients. Tune in to learn about Wavestone's extensive cybersecurity expertise with 1,000 cybersecurity professionals globally, and catch up on trends, including AI, cyber resilience and zero trust.  As Aspirant approached a year under Wavestone, the future for Pittsburgh looks very bright. TechVibe is produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council to explore the region's tech ecosysytem. It broadcasts every Sunday at 6 AM on 100.1 FM AM 1020 KDKA.

How can hyper-automation and AI transform the way your business operates, helping you stay ahead of the competition? In today’s fast-changing tech landscape, efficiency is crucial. This episode explores how companies are using hyper-automation and AI-enabled apps to optimize operations, improve workflows, and scale their businesses without burning out their workforce. Learn how AI agents can automate complex business processes with minimal human input. Discover how industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and finance are utilizing these cutting-edge technologies. Understand the future of AI in business and how it can boost productivity and reduce operational costs. Listen to the insights from Birinder Singh of Auxiliobits and uncover how your business can harness the power of AI to achieve operational excellence​. Learn more about Auxiliobits here and connect with Singh here. Techvibe is produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council to explore Pittsburgh's technology ecosystem.

How does a local Pittsburgh communications company expand its footprint and grow beyond utility ownership while powering the region’s tech infrastructure? In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, companies depend on fast and reliable internet connectivity to thrive. DQE Communications, under new leadership and ownership, is stepping into a new era of growth, offering businesses cutting-edge fiber optic networks to drive their success. If your business relies on connectivity, this conversation is packed with insights. Learn how DQE is expanding its 5,000-mile fiber network to new regions and markets, giving businesses broader, faster internet access. Understand the benefits of working with a smaller, agile competitor that challenges industry giants like Comcast and Verizon. Get a glimpse of how DQE’s future-focused growth strategy will enhance connectivity for businesses in Pittsburgh and beyond. Press PLAY now to hear from DQE Communication's new CEO Mike Sicoli on how the company is powering the region’s tech growth through high-speed, scalable network solutions! Curious about Pittsburgh’s growing technology and innovation industry and the opportunities it has for you? This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the companies, people, and institutions that are making Pittsburgh’s tech industry thrive.

Technology and marketing have become inseparable — and no one understands that evolution better than Michelle O’Neill, Senior Director of Web Solutions & Delivery at Brunner. With 25 years at one of Pittsburgh’s most innovative agencies, Michelle has witnessed every major digital shift — from the rise of the web to the AI revolution reshaping marketing today. In this episode, Michelle joins TechVibe Radio to talk about Brunner’s nearly 40-year journey staying ahead of the curve, how her team blends creativity and technology, and why constant learning has become essential in a world where yesterday’s trend is already outdated. Key Takeaways: AI Is Changing Marketing — Fast. Michelle breaks down how artificial intelligence is redefining personalization, content creation, and customer experiences — and why marketers must treat AI as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. Adaptability Is Everything. There’s no longer a “set it and forget it” approach in digital marketing. Michelle explains how Brunner continuously reassesses, rebuilds, and reinvents client strategies to meet new demands in real time. The Power of Lifelong Learning. From reading 15 minutes a day to leading teams across disciplines, Michelle shares how curiosity and collaboration keep Brunner — and her own career — future-ready. Come away inspired by Michelle’s perspective on leadership, mentorship, and staying human in an increasingly automated world. Hit PLAY to hear how Brunner continues to blend technology and creativity — and why the best marketers today think like technologists. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe Radio to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation industry.

What if getting the care you need didn’t involve weeks of waiting, endless paperwork, and frustrating back-and-forth with insurance?  We sit down with Dr. Timothy Law, Chief Medical Officer at Highmark, to explore how their new Gold Carding program is transforming healthcare delivery. By using technology and trust to remove unnecessary barriers, Highmark is helping thousands of doctors get patients the care they need — faster, smarter, and with less stress.  This is more than an efficiency story — it’s a patient-first innovation that could become a model for the entire healthcare system.  Three key takeaways you’ll hear in this episode:  How Highmark’s Gold Carding program eliminates delays by empowering trusted physicians to bypass traditional prior authorizations.  Why this initiative is dramatically cutting administrative costs and reinvesting those savings back into patient care.  The powerful ripple effect on patient experience — from faster cancer treatments to less anxiety waiting for test approvals.  If you care about the future of healthcare access, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Press play now to learn how Highmark’s Gold Carding program is redefining speed to care — and why it’s setting a new national standard.   

What if your phone could actually make your family safer? In this episode of TechVibe Radio, The Tech Council's Jonathan Kersting sits down with Tim Huffmyer, the returning COO and CFO of Smith Micro, one of Pittsburgh’s OG tech companies that’s been innovating for over 40 years. Smith Micro might not be a household name, but their technology has likely touched your life—quietly powering mobile safety solutions used by major carriers across the world. Tim dives into how Smith Micro’s SafePath® platform is helping parents protect their kids in an always-connected world, how the company is reinventing itself through digital safety tech, and what it takes to keep evolving through four decades of innovation. He also shares his journey back to Smith Micro after taking another company public—and why this moment feels like the most exciting yet. It’s a conversation about tech with purpose, Pittsburgh’s innovation roots, and how software can make modern family life a whole lot safer. Hit Play to:  Discover how tech meets parenting: Learn how Smith Micro’s SafePath® platform is redefining digital safety for kids and families in today’s hyper-connected world. Get insider insights from a seasoned exec: Tim Huffmeyer shares lessons from taking a company public—and why he returned to help lead Smith Micro’s next chapter. See how Pittsburgh keeps reinventing itself: Hear how one of the city’s legacy tech firms continues to evolve, innovate, and protect millions of users behind the scenes. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe Radio to explore the Pittsburgh region's technology and innovation economy.

It's been nearly a decade in the making, BlastPoint just announced a $10.6 Million round of venture investment from Mission OG out of Philadelphia. TechVibe couldn't be more excited to welcome Alison Alvarez and Tomer Borenstein, co-founders of BlastPoint, to discuss this major milestone. They share their personal and professional journeys, the unique aspects of BlastPoint's AI solutions, and future organizational goals. Keep listening to gain insights into the challenges and rewards of building a tech company from the ground up here in Pittsburgh and the importance of community support in their success. Let's welcome Alison and Tomer to the show! The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's tehnology and innovation industry.

What if the very foundation of today’s AI models — the artificial neuron itself — was about to be reinvented, making systems dramatically faster, cheaper, and smaller? Most leaders are pouring more data, GPUs, and money into existing neural-network designs, yet still face rising costs and energy demands. In this episode, Dr. Rory Brenner and Ralph Crewe of Perforated AI explain how their Carnegie Mellon–born approach updates 80-year-old AI assumptions and could open a “blue ocean” of innovation for anyone building their own models. Hear how Perforated AI’s dendrite-inspired technology shrinks model size and cuts cloud costs by up to 38×. Learn why smaller, more efficient models could unlock true edge computing for AI applications. Discover how early adopters can partner with Perforated AI to pilot this paradigm-shifting architecture before it hits the mainstream. Press play now to explore a groundbreaking way to build leaner, smarter AI models—and see how Pittsburgh innovators are leading the charge. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation industry.

How can a region with a 200-year manufacturing legacy become the engine that powers the next wave of AI data centers and advanced technology? Many communities are struggling to rebuild after industrial decline, yet Southwestern Pennsylvania has a unique chance to leverage its metals, machini In this episode of TechVibe, Petra Mitchell, President & CEO of Catalyst Connection, shares how her organization is helping hundreds of manufacturers modernize, diversify and plug into this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Discover how Catalyst Connection is strengthening local supply chains and creating good jobs across all 12 counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Hear how partnerships with world-class research universities and economic development groups give local manufacturers a first look at cutting-edge innovations. Find out how Southwestern Pennsylvania’s manufacturing base is being positioned to power the AI era—and how Catalyst Connection is at the center of it. Hit PLAY to get the conversation started! The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation industries.

What if every repetitive, time-consuming process in your company could run itself — and even make smart decisions along the way? From invoice processing to patient scheduling, enterprises are drowning in manual tasks that slow growth and frustrate staff. In this episode of TechVibe, Auxiliobits founder Birinder Singh shares how his team is using agent-based AI and process automation to slash costs, boost accuracy, and free up human talent for higher-value work. He provides real-world examples of how AI agents are already transforming finance, healthcare and manufacturing workflows. Learn what “agent process automation” really is and how it goes far beyond traditional RPA. Discover practical steps for blending human expertise and AI safely, with guardrails that protect data and brand reputation. Hit PLAY and find out how agent-based AI can streamline your operations, cut costs and give your workforce time back for the work that really matters. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation industries.

Is your company pouring time and money into data and AI projects but struggling to see real results? In this episode of TechVibe Radio, you’ll hear from Mitch Kwiatkowski, Executive Vice President of Data at Techstra Solutions, who has led data and AI initiatives generating over $250 million in measurable value. As organizations race through digital transformation and AI adoption, his approach shows how to cut through the hype, avoid costly missteps, and deliver business impact. Listen to Mitch to: Discover why starting with the business problem — not the technology — is the key to successful AI and data transformation. Learn practical ways to balance speed, innovation, and governance so projects don’t stall or fail. Get insights on how to reskill and redeploy your workforce to stay competitive as AI reshapes jobs. Press play now to hear how Techstra Solutions is helping companies unlock real value from their data and AI investments. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

What if fitting a prosthetic wasn’t guesswork, but a data-driven process that gave people back their mobility? If you work in healthcare innovation, robotics, or simply care about how technology improves lives, this episode shows how Pittsburgh-based Humotech is transforming prosthetics and exoskeletons from lab prototypes into real-world solutions—right as the global demand for better mobility devices is exploding. Humotech Founder Josh Caputo stops by TechVibe so you can: Hear how Humotech’s Caplex system helps clinicians and researchers dramatically improve prosthetic fit and outcomes. Learn why the company’s “start with the foot” strategy positions it to address the full spectrum of wearable robotics. Discover the lessons from growing an independent, globally recognized tech company over a decade—and what that means for Pittsburgh’s innovation scene. Press play now to discover how Humotech is redefining prosthetics and wearable robotics and why their story matters for anyone interested in tech that truly changes lives. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produce to TechVibe to explore the Pittsburgh region's technology and innovation ecosystem.

What if understanding your healthcare costs was simple and predictable? Rising medical costs and confusing benefit designs leave both employers and employees frustrated. In this episode of Health Care Reinvented, Highmark leaders Jonathan Majernik and Taylor Mackay reveal how their new CopayGo plan aims to change that by offering transparent, predictable costs and a seamless digital experience for members nationwide. Learn how CopayGo eliminates deductibles and co-insurance to create a straightforward copay-only plan. See how a national provider network with tiered specialties can lower costs while improving quality. Discover how Highmark’s enhanced digital tools empower members to confidently shop for and manage their care. Press play now to hear how CopayGo is redefining healthcare access, affordability, and transparency for both employers and members. The Pittsburgh Technology Council partners with Highmark to produce Health Care Reinvented to explore healthcare and technology trends across the Pittsburgh region.

Struggling to hire top tech talent or wondering if your job descriptions are scaring away great candidates? In today’s hiring climate, getting the right engineers, developers, or data pros isn’t just about posting a job—it’s about knowing where to look, how to engage, and how to balance culture fit with new skills. This episode of TechVibe welcomes Anthony Bucci and Blake Babcock from BV Staffing to explore how they help tech companies across Pittsburgh and Cleveland navigate return-to-office debates, hybrid work, and the talent crunch while keeping the human touch in recruiting. Learn insider tips on how to widen your candidate pool without lowering your standards. Discover how AI tools can speed up recruiting without losing the human element. Get practical advice on when and how to partner with a staffing firm to save time and money on hiring. Hit PLAY to hear actionable insights from Anthony and Blake about finding, hiring, and retaining the tech talent your business needs to grow in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

What happens when AI meets the high-stakes world of financial compliance—can it really make businesses smarter without replacing people? If you’ve ever wrestled with how to bring AI into your organization without creating fear, confusion, or cultural backlash, check out this episode of TechVibe featuring Steve Blossom of ACA Group. You’ll hear how ACA Group, a Pittsburgh-based firm helping financial institutions stay compliant, is proving that AI can empower people, not replace them—while still delivering real business value. Listen to: Learn how to build a workplace culture where AI is embraced as a tool, not feared as a threat. Discover practical steps for training employees to use AI effectively in daily workflows. Hear real examples of how AI is transforming compliance and client services while keeping humans firmly in the loop. Hit PLAY now to uncover how ACA Group is turning AI into a competitive advantage while strengthening—not sacrificing—the human side of work. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to exlore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

Is AI making your workplace smarter—or just more stressful? As companies race to integrate AI tools, many overlook the human side of the equation: how employees actually feel about using them, and how workplace culture shifts when new technology enters the mix. If you’re leading a team or adapting to AI yourself, this episode gives you the perspective you need to navigate both the opportunities and anxieties. On this episode, we welcome Nathan Wadding of the Kindling Culture Agency who authored a fascinating read about the impact of AI on work culture. Click here for a great read. Hit Play to: Discover why embedding AI into daily workflows can free up time for more meaningful work. Learn how leaders can use “moments that matter” to strengthen trust and adaptability. Hear practical ways to build a culture where employees feel safe, valued, and future-ready in the age of AI. Get ready turn AI adoption into a competitive advantage while protecting the culture that keeps your people engaged. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

What if the way you're using AI right now is only scratching the surface of its true potential—and leaving room for serious vulnerabilities? In an era where AI tools like ChatGPT are mainstream, many are still missing out on how these systems can revolutionize workflows. This episode of TechVibe welcomes the Founders of Gray Swan AI Zico Kolter and Matt Fredrickson to explore how businesses can move beyond simple chatbots to adopt fully integrated AI agents while also addressing critical security concerns that come with this transition. Zico and Matt are also faculty at the world's top school for AI CMU. The founded Gray Swan to help enterprise organizations, developers, startups, and anyone else who needs to deploy AI with confidence by providing tools that assess the risks of a deployment, as well as secure models that provide best-in-class security and safety. Zico and Matt will help you: Learn why chatbots alone are not the future of AI productivity and how agents take it to the next level. Understand the hidden risks of connecting AI systems to sensitive data sources and how to mitigate them. Discover practical examples of smarter, safer AI tool orchestration designed to deliver real value without compromising security. Tech Council CEO Audrey Russo joins the conversation so you can uncover actionable insights that will future-proof your organization's AI strategy. The Pittsburgh Tecnology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

What happens when you mix science, art, and community empowerment—then throw in some LEGO, laser cutting, and a little consensual graffiti? You get Assemble's annual Maker Date fundraising event coming up in September. In this episode of TechVibe, discover how Maker Date lets you bid on unforgettable hands-on experiences—from welding and DJing to brewing beer and designing your own graffiti mural. Plus, Assemble Founder Nina Marie Barbuto shares how the Garfield-based organization is inspiring thousands of kids (and grownups!) to explore STEAM through hands-on creativity, tech tinkering, and community-driven education. Hear how Assemble has grown from a volunteer-led passion project to a thriving STEAM hub serving 20,000+ people. And, learn how local makers, technologists, and creatives partner with Assemble to engage students and test ideas in the real world. Hit Play to meet the force behind one of Pittsburgh’s most joyful and impactful innovation spaces—and get inspired to build your own blend of tech, art, and community. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

Are you an entrepreneur struggling to turn your big ideas into actionable success, or wondering how to navigate the complex world of tech-driven marketing? In this episode of TechVibe, Jeff Swartz of Blink reveals the insider strategies of building a successful advertising agency, developing innovative tech solutions, and creating a roadmap for entrepreneurial growth that can help you break through your business challenges. Listen to: Learn a practical long-term vision planning technique that transforms overwhelming goals into achievable milestones Discover how to leverage technology to simplify complex marketing strategies Gain insights from a successful entrepreneur about bootstrapping and scaling a business Hit play now to unlock Jeff's game-changing entrepreneurial wisdom that could be the catalyst for your next breakthrough. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TachVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

What does it take to secure a stadium, school district, or high-risk construction site—and do it all from a single command center? In an age where physical security must work seamlessly with AI, video analytics, and smart access systems, Intertech CI is at the forefront of comprehensive integration. Whether it's protecting a public venue, a pharmaceutical plant, or a school, they’re building systems that do more than monitor—they mitigate risk, save money, and even save lives. This episode of TechVibe welcomes Ron Petnuch, Pres and CEO of Intertech CI, so you can: Learn how Intertech CI turns legacy security systems into intelligent, future-proof ecosystems. Discover how AI-driven cameras, access control, and building systems are being integrated to protect everything from construction zones to stadiums. Hear how a Pittsburgh-born company is growing nationwide while staying true to a mission of safety, service, and selective growth. Press play to see how Intertech CI is redefining security—not by selling cameras, but by solving real-world problems with smart, scalable solutions. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.