The electronics supply chain has never been more volatile — and the companies that ignore AI risk getting left behind entirely. In this episode of the Ctrl+Listen Podcast, host James sits down with Matthew Haber (CEO) and Phillip Gulley (CSO), co-founders of Cofactr, for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is fundamentally reshaping hardware procurement, component sourcing, and supply chain management. From their unexpected origin story — building tours for Coachella acts and escape rooms for The Walking Dead — to solving year-long lead times for autonomous vehicle pioneer Zoox, Matt and Phil reveal how frustration with electronics supply chain chaos led them to build Cofactr from the ground up.Cofactr is now transforming how hardware teams go from bill of materials to kitted components delivered on schedule — with a free platform tier that removes friction for manufacturers of all sizes. Tune in to hear how AI handles everything from scrubbing supplier quotes to warehouse receiving verification, why 5 procurement professionals at Cofactr can do the work of 50, and why supply chain volatility isn't going away anytime soon. Whether you're a startup engineer or a Fortune 10 procurement manager, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating today's unpredictable electronics market.Resources from this Episode:

Connect with MatthewConnect with PhillipLearn more about CofactrBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Discover how Partsimony is transforming the manufacturing landscape by bridging the critical gap between engineering and supply chain management. In this compelling conversation, CEO Rich Mokuolu shares how their AI-powered software optimizes supply chain structures directly from design files, enabling companies to scale production more effectively in an era of tariffs, regional conflicts, and reshoring initiatives. Rich discusses the fundamental disconnect that has long plagued the industry—where supply chain managers negotiate pricing while engineers see opportunities for design optimization that could dramatically improve yield, pricing, and lead times. He explains how Partsimony's technology analyzes designs to unlock new supply chain possibilities, whether that means finding local Brooklyn manufacturers to retool for ventilator production or identifying emerging manufacturing hubs in Vietnam, India, and Mexico. Resources from this Episode:

- Connect with Rich on LinkedIn- Check out Partsimony- Browse Partsimony's Blog- Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News#SupplyChain #Manufacturing #AI

Firmware and embedded engineers face a unique challenge: bridging the gap between hardware design and software implementation while working under tight constraints and mission-critical requirements. In this episode of the Ctrl+Listen Podcast, Ryan Eppley (CEO) and Samarpita Chowdhury (CTO) of Root Access explain how their AI-native platform Hideout is transforming the embedded systems workflow. From generating accurate drivers directly from datasheets to eliminating tedious configuration work, discover how this New York-based startup is helping engineers go from schematics to field testing in days instead of months.The conversation explores what makes embedded engineering so challenging, why traditional AI coding tools fall short for low-level programming, and how Root Access is partnering with Altium and Octopart to create a seamless development environment. - Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-eppley/

- Connect with Samarpita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarpita-chowdhury/

- Root Access on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/root-access-ai/

- Root Access on X: https://x.com/root_access_

- Learn More about Root Access: https://rootaccess.ai/- Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News: https://octopart.com/#Podcast #EmbeddedSystems #FirmwareEngineering #AIDeveloperTools

Explore India's hardware community with Srinivasan M, founder of PCB Cupid. Explore the vibrant yet fragmented hardware community in India, the challenges of electronics product development, and the mission to create open-source hardware solutions that accelerate innovation.In this exclusive Control Listen podcast interview, Srinivasan shares insights into:

- The origins of PCB Cupid and its educational mission- Challenges in India's electronics and hardware ecosystem- The importance of open-source hardware and documentation- Supply chain complexities and opportunities for local manufacturing

Resources from this Episode: - PCB Cupid- Connect with Srinivasan M - Check out @pcbcupid on YouTube

#PCBDesign #IndianTech #ElectronicsEngineering #MakeInIndia

Dive into the world of B2B technology marketing with Mike Maynard, Chairman of Napier Partnership Limited. In this fascinating CTRL+Listen podcast episode, Mike shares his remarkable journey from electronics engineering to leading a successful marketing agency, offering unique insights into tech marketing strategies.Explore the critical differences in selling to engineers versus consumers, the evolving landscape of generative AI, and how technical companies can effectively communicate their value proposition. Mike discusses Napier's innovative approach to helping tech clients grow their sales and navigate the changing digital marketing ecosystem.

Resources from this Episode:

- Connect with Mike- Learn More about Mike- Learn More about Napier- Browse Octopart for Parts & Tech News

Dive deep into the world of cutting-edge antenna technology with Bülent Solan, co-founder of Quarterwave. Discover how innovative engineering is transforming antenna design from bulky components to intelligent, compact solutions that connect our modern world.

In this fascinating CTRL+LISTEN episode, explore the evolution of antennas, breakthrough design techniques, and the future of connectivity. Learn how Quarterwave is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in antenna technology.

Resources from this Episode:

- Learn More about Quarterwave

- Connect with Bülent Solan

Join us as Sasan Hashemi, Co-Founder and CEO of Tset, reveals how manufacturers are revolutionizing product cost management through AI-driven carbon reduction strategies. Discover how companies across aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors are achieving 17% cost savings while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint through advanced data modeling and automation.Learn about the evolution from Excel-based cost tracking to sophisticated AI platforms that model entire supply chains, predict manufacturing costs, and calculate carbon emissions with unprecedented accuracy. Sasan shares real case studies including multi-million dollar savings and insights into how global events are shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.Resources from this episode:

Connect with Sasan

Learn more about TsetBrowse Octopart for Parts & More

Join host James Sweetlove as he sits down with Loreta Tarozaite, Founder & CEO of Loreta Today and Head of Global Corporate Communications and Marketing at Phison Electronics. In this powerful episode, Loreta shares her extraordinary journey through the tech industry, revealing the strategies, challenges, and insights that have shaped her remarkable career.Discover the unique perspective of a global marketing leader who has successfully navigated the complex landscape of technology and corporate communications. Loreta Tarozaite breaks down the essential skills, mindset, and strategic thinking required to excel in today's competitive business environment. From her entrepreneurial ventures to her pivotal role at Phison Electronics, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to build a truly impactful marketing career in the fast-evolving tech industry. Episode Links:

Connect with Loreta on LinkedIn

Check out Loreta Today

Check out Phison ElectronicsBrowse Octopart for Parts & Tech News