Host Orla chats with KTP associate Rohit Avadhani about his journey from India to the US, Glasgow, and now Northern Ireland, where he’s working under the guidance of Queen's University academics to transform Coleraine-based WD Meats into a Smart Factory. In this engaging conversation, Rohit discusses how KTP fosters an innovative environment and shares valuable insights for graduates on the importance of finding their passion. He also offers his perspective on handling rejection and the personal growth it can bring.

Ansu Mary Alex, a concrete technologist at Moore Concrete, discusses her role as the KTP Associate responsible for developing low-carbon concrete solutions through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme at Queen's University Belfast. She explains her daily activities, including troubleshooting production issues and conducting research in a makeshift lab. Moore Concrete, a leading precast company, aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Ansu highlights the importance of sustainability in the construction industry and shares her journey from academia to industry, emphasising the benefits of the KTP programme for graduates, particularly in terms of career development and personal growth.

James discusses his experience as a KTP Associate at Elmgrove Foods where he worked on a project that focused on turning animal by-products, like cartilage, into valuable supplements used for joint health. He reflects on how the KTP shaped his passion for sustainable practices and tackling environmental challenges and highlights his current project aimed at establishing Northern Ireland's first biorefinery. Emphasising the urgent need for decarbonisation to sustain both life and business, James advocates for repurposing waste into renewable energy. Inspired by his global travels, James believes Northern Ireland's innovative spirit can lead decarbonisation efforts on a global scale. He praises the KTP programme for its innovation and impact, encouraging ambitious individuals to embrace it as a pathway to success and positive change.

Mark shares how his time in the KTP programme not only paved the way for opportunities with high-profile global companies such as Siemens and Johnson & Johnson but also enhanced his skills, allowing him to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. He puts particular emphasis on the crucial role of continuous professional development in career growth. He also explores the profound impact of emerging technologies, including AI and digital twins, and how these innovations are revolutionising industries and transforming the future. Mark highlights the power of collaboration in propelling technological growth and shares insights into how partnerships between academia, industry, and government are unlocking new opportunities for Northern Ireland's tech ecosystem, driving it to the forefront of global innovation.