They Haven't Graduated Yet, but They're Already Tackling the Big Problems of 2045
Duncan Kane, Senior Vice President at Toshiba
Love the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Duncan Kane, Senior Vice President at Toshiba America, shares insights from nearly two decades of working at the intersection of industry and education. Drawing from his leadership in STEM outreach, Duncan explains why Toshiba sees early STEM engagement not just as a good cause—but as a strategic investment in the future of innovation and the workforce.
One way Toshiba brings this vision to life is through its long-standing partnership with the National Science Teaching Association on ExploraVision, a science competition that challenges K–12 students to design technologies 20 years into the future. But as Duncan explains, the program isn’t really about competition—it’s about creativity, purpose, and helping students see themselves as future innovators. The conversation explores what happens when kids take ownership of real-world problems, the importance of dreaming big (with or without big budgets), and how industry can play a more active role in developing STEM talent.
Listen to learn:
- Why students are more innovative when they don’t know what’s “impossible”
- How choosing personally meaningful problems changes how kids approach STEM
- What happens when students design technology for the year 2045
- Why Toshiba believes building a STEM pipeline starts in your own backyard
- What schools risk losing when STEM programs are first on the chopping block
3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:
1. Students come up with more creative solutions when they haven’t yet learned what’s “impossible.” Duncan explains that younger students are often more willing to dream big because they haven’t developed the cynicism or constraints that come with adulthood. In ExploraVision, fifth graders have proposed ideas like AI-powered glasses that interpret sign language and wearable devices to predict seizures—solutions rooted in bold thinking, not technical limitations.
2. When students choose problems that matter to them, STEM learning becomes personal and powerful. Many teams in ExploraVision choose issues they’ve encountered firsthand, like a relative’s epilepsy or local environmental concerns. That personal connection drives deeper engagement and creativity, whether it’s robotic honeybees to help pollinate crops or fire-resistant materials inspired by mushrooms.
3. Building a future STEM workforce doesn’t require a billion-dollar initiative—it starts locally. Duncan urges companies to start in their own communities, supporting local students and educators in ways that feel personal and authentic. Toshiba’s partnership with NSTA and the success of ExploraVision demonstrate how consistent, community-rooted efforts can scale to national impact—reaching 450,000 students over 33 years.
Resources in this Episode:
- To learn more about ExploraVision, visit: exploravision.org
- ExploraVision partner NSTA (National Science Teaching Association): nsta.org
Additional resources from this episode
- ExploraVision Winners: See details on this year’s winners + previous years
- Learn about Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft (The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Head Judge and Co-Creator)
- Discover more from the Toshiba America Foundation
Connect with ExploraVision on Social Media:
You might also like...
What our listeners are saying
The #1 podcast in TechEd
This podcast is a great resource to keep up with all the exciting changes in the world of manufacturing and technology. Get key insight from industry leaders from the Midwest and around the globe that you won’t find anywhere else. A must listen for anyone interested in how technology is changing the way businesses operate.
The pulse of Industry 4.0
This podcast has its fingers on the pulse of Industry 4.0, and Matt K. is a phenomenal guide, traversing the complexities of manufacturing and education in one forum. A+ work all around!
Compelling
I find Matt's approach to be very compelling. He brings both perspectives, industry AND education. He doesn't hold back on what he thinks is important...
New and Exciting Content With Every Episode
I really enjoy listening to this podcast when I'm driving or have a free moment. Each episode brings a new guest with a fresh and exciting perspective of both education and the workforce!
I needed this podcast back when I was in High School!
Such great content that deserves more attention at all level of education. I wish I heard some of these episodes when I was navigating my own career path. Incredible guests, with incredible messages to share. Keep up the great work!
Inspiring topics featuring inspiring leaders
I’ve listened to most of your weekly podcasts and enjoy listening to the stories and conversations that feature business and education leaders from Wisconsin. Kudos to you for creating a platform that presents ideas and success stories that are important to Career and Technical Education teachers and leaders.
Best Career and TechEd Podcast
There are a lot of education podcasts out there. This is the only one that really focuses on bringing together voices from inside AND outside education and focuses specifically on STEM and Career/Tech Ed. This is a great podcast for anyone in education and also for anyone who employs STEM or skilled-trades talent in their workforce.
Filling in Gaps
This show spotlights a large and growing aspect of education that doesn’t get enough attention. Practical and technical education is a field growing exponentially. This podcast Highlights many of the facets of this diverse field.
Fantastic Topics on the Future of Industry
These podcasts are the best for learning about current and future technology. The stories are great. We need more of these interviews.